The Willoughbys

Based on the book of the same name by Lois Lowry, The Willoughbys appear to be a perfectly normal family from the outside. Two parents who greatly love each other and their four children. The problem: Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby never wanted children and have no extra love or tolerance for them. When these four kids grow up, they determine they would be better off living on their own. This is overall a fairly heavy kid's movie. It deals with child neglect and abuse, abandonment, and death. It is all shown in cartoonish manner, but if you or your kids have any history with any of the previously mention topics, this is not something I would consider a safe or fun watch. There's also some slightly creepy imagery, mostly coming from the young twins. For our full parent review with lessons, discussion questions and age suggestion check out the post on our blog- Down the Hobbit Hole Blog dot com. There are a lot of great lessons that can be discussed from this great adaption!

I absolutely adored this movie! It took me on an emotional roller coaster through the lows and the highs in the lives of the Willoughbys. I'm certain this is going in my hall of fame. This movie is great for all ages and teaches you the lesson of love and that it doesn't always have to be biological. Someone could learn a thing or two from this movie.

I personally do not get the ratings. The animation looks amazing and unique. The story and characters are a bit weird but they have their charm. The only thing I do not get is the choice of voices for certain characters.

Melanoff doesn't sound like the old man he looks like. The Barnabys sounds like adults when they are the youngest kids. They are surely weird like they are described, that's a fact.

It's kinda a modern "A series of unfortunate events". Considering the story, Mr Gervais is perfect as the narrator! However, in my opinion, his voice and pitch doesn't really fit the cat. In all, it is a great story, with some mistakes, but fantastic animation to back it up.

I loved the differences in animation between the story itself and what the children imagine!

The film isn't bad. The voice-acting, the unique characters, the dark humor, the animation, all make it quite an intriguing story right of the bat. Unfortunately, what starts out as a truly unique tale gives way to a horribly predictable and cliched ending. I truly thought this movie had promise, but once you realize where it's heading it's charm dwindles fast. What starts out as a daring piece of film ultimately loses out by playing it safe.

We watched this for our family movie night and we loved it. My daughter thought it was the best ever (5 year old). I love the feel of it. I really enjoy the not-not polished look of a cartoon movie. And I love Jane's song. This is really a charming movie ❤