CHICKEN LITTLE

2005, Walt Disney Pictures

Animated

Rating: G

Approx. 81 mins.

THE STORY:

The film opens with the familiar and dramatic image of Chicken Little (Zach Braff) screaming his head off to warn the entire town about the falling sky. As soon as the townspeople realize what Chicken is alerting them to, they immediately heap scorn and shame on him that, try as he might, he cannot live down. In an effort to redeem himself in the eyes of the town and of his father (Garry Marshall), Chicken joins the baseball team. Despite his small stature and general awkwardness, he manages to score the winning  hit in the big school game. Suddenly he goes from pariah to hero.

Just when he seems to have redeemed himself, however, Chicken is again hit on the head by the same odd object-- a panel from a UFO's cloaking system. He is conflicted: he wants to warn the town, but fears more ridicule. This time, however, he has the support of his friends and the sure knowledge that aliens have landed. After ringing the warning bell, he is again the victim of ridicule, but this time it is short lived as the aliens make themselves visible to all. 

The aliens appear to attack the town, but are actually trying to recover their lost baby, who accidentally escaped from the UFO. After much drama, Chicken Little and his friends return the baby to its parents. The aliens turn out to be unintimidating parents on an annual pilgrimage to the town to partake of its famed acorns. Peace is restored and Chicken Little is vindicated. 

QUESTIONABLE LANGUAGE:

• stupid
• shut up
• idiot

VIOLENCE:

• Characters appear to be vaporized, but are shown to have just been transported aboard the space ship and are ultimately released 

TEACHING POINTS:

• Trying to live up to others' expectations is less important than being true to yourself
• Honesty will be rewarded with faith 

THE UPSHOT:

I like the way the film builds on a well known story and fills out the details to give it depth and humanity. The characters become real and relatable. Chicken Little, for example, is a gawky pre-teen with family and esteem issues. In addition to dealing with being motherless, he has to deal with living up to the expectations of a father who is trying to do his best, but who is-- like his son-- overly-concerned with others' opinions.

My favourite character is Abby, aka the Ugly Duckling (Joan Cusack), who is used to being teased for her unconventional looks, and who-- in addition to being a budding psycho-therapist-- is completely at ease with herself. In a refreshing twist on the typical Disney trope, Abby is intelligent, funny and is the film's main love interest.

I liked Chicken Little, but the story is a little confusing and outside-the-box for very young children. The entire alien angle was a surprise to my daughter. She remained resistant to the fact that it wasn't an acorn that fell due to her familiarity with the details of the traditional story. Also, the humour that appealed to the adults in the room escaped the notice of the 4 year-old watching. Nonetheless, it was enjoyable. 

3/5