What happens when the past catches up to the present? Find out in Storm Boy, a film produced by Good Deed Entertainment, which will be be released in select cities beginning April 5, 2019. In honor of its upcoming release, I was sent an adoption kit from World Animal Foundation and I was able to screen the movie prior to its release but as always, all opinions are my own. Storm Boy is a touching story about an Australian boy who rescues pelicans, and finds himself in a situation where he can help the environment as an adult. Keep reading for a review of Storm Boy, as well as free activity pages and an education guide for families!
Storm Boy is a touching story of a boy who rescues and raises Pelicans. Photo by Good Deed Entertainment.
Storm Boy: A Movie Review
Storm Boy is adapted from a beloved book in Australia written by Colin Thiele. It’s about finding friendship in unlikely places, loyalty, family, coping with grief, honoring the past with actions in the present, and protecting the environment. I’ll admit I had never heard of the book prior to watching the movie, but I enjoy discovering new (or at least new to me!) films and when I watched the movie trailer, it piqued my interest.
Michael (played by Finn Little) as a young boy, with Mr. Percival. Photo by Good Deed Entertainment.
Storm Boy begins with Michael Kingley (played by Geoffrey Rush) as an adult. His family owns farmland, and the Board is about to vote to allow mining on the farmland. His granddaughter is adamantly opposed to it, and tries to convince Michael to vote no. The movie unfolds through flashbacks of Michael as a young boy, living with his father (played by Jai Courtney), away from general society. While his father prefers the solitude (we learn more about that during the movie), Michael craves companionship and he ends up getting it thanks to three baby pelicans he rescues. He names the three pelicans Mr. Proud, Mr. Ponder, and Mr. Percival (named after a character in Lord of the Flies). He especially forms a close bond with Mr. Percival but eventually realizes that he has to let go.
Storm Boy isn’t just about friendship, though. It’s about learning from the past, doing the right thing as an adult, and protecting the environment. Mr. Percival and the rest of the pelicans are threatened by hunters and Michael does his best to protect them, both as a boy and as an adult. But the movie is also about loss and letting go. It’s the type of movie that will stay with you, long after the credits have ended.
You can click here to find out which theaters are showing Storm Boy as well as to purchase tickets.
Is Storm Boy Appropriate for Kids?
Storm Boy is rated PG. Kids will no doubt love the pelicans and watching their antics on the beach. Young Michael teaches them to fetch a large ball, he teaches them how to fish for food, and he encourages them to learn to fly by flapping their wings. My son loved these particular scenes. In many respects, the pelicans are like children themselves.
However, while there are light hearted moments, there are also mature themes, like death. Therefore, parents will want to proceed with caution when allowing their children to watch this film, especially if they love animals. My family and I love animals, and even as an adult, it can be difficult for me to watch scenes that involve the mistreatment of animals. With that being said, it’s a reminder that we should all do our part to be kind, not only to others, but to the environment as well.
FREE ACTIVITY PAGES AND AN EDUCATION GUIDE FOR STORM BOY
After watching a movie or reading a book, do you find yourself googling it to find out more information? I do it all the time! As a result, I have an Education Guide to share with you and your family. It’s a great way to engage in a discussion about the film, as well learn more about the film. You can also click here to print out an activity packet, including coloring pages and a word search!
Loved the review. Will see the movie.