Hoot

By Kimberly Sielen

Release Date: May 5, 2006

MPAA RATING: PG for mild bullying and brief language
Starring:  Luke Wilson, Logan Lerman, Brie Larson, Cody Linley, Eric Phillips

Genre: Family Drama/Comedy

Recommended Age: 8+

Another bestselling children's novel comes to life in Hoot, a movie that is fun for families with children eight and older.

Hoot follows the story of Roy (Logan Lerman), an eighth grader who has never lived anywhere long enough to feel accepted.  The movie opens with Roy's family moving from Montana to Coconut Cove, Florida.  On his first day of school Roy is bullied by Dana (Eric Phillips), a large boy who terrorizes others indiscriminately.   Roy also glimpses a barefoot boy running down the street.  The next day, he sees the boy again, he is intriguedand follows him, but with little consequence.  Eventually, he learns the mysterious person is Mullet Fingers (Cody Linley), the stepbrother of Beatrice (Brie Larson), one of his classmates.  To the dismay and confusion of the local sheriff (Luke Wilson), Mullet Fingers has been secretly sabotaging the construction site of a pancake house in order to save a rare breed of owl.  One night Mullet Fingers is injured while being chased by a dog.  Beatrice, with no one else to turn to, asks Roy for help.  It is then that Beatrice and Mullet Fingers tell Roy about the mission to save the rare burrowing owls.  However, time is running out.   Roy, Mullet Fingers, and Beatrice have to act quickly or the little birds will be lost forever.

Hoot contains very little offensive content.  Dana bullies Roy a few times, and the phrase "that really sucks" is used once.  Other potentially offensive content includes a truck with the words "Bite Me" written on the side (it transports guard dogs), one character is called a "jerk," and Roy is nicknamed "Cowgirl."  Finally, the acts of sabotage by Mullet Fingers to save the owls can be seen as disrespect for authority; however, it is for a just cause.

Though there is some objectionable material, Hoot is an enjoyable movie with many positive messages.  Children are taught to respect wildlife, and fight for what they believe is right, no matter the cost.  Many will be able to relate to Roy, who has moved so many times that he has a problem figuring out what ‘home' means.  Roy also has a hard time communicating with his parents, fitting in at his new school, and making friends -- all issues with which kids identify.

Parents should know that this film carries an environmentalist theme and paints an unflattering portrayal of a greedy corporate executive who is insensitive to an endangered species. And while some parents may have legitimate concerns over the use of criminal mischief as a means to enact social change, those subjects are not depicted in a graphic way, and, ultimately, the rule of law is upheld because of the diligence of the main characters in the film.  That said, the youngsters perpetrating the mischief go unpunished.  Depending on your personal values – you may or may not be troubled by these themes.  Regardless, parents can turn these scenes and scenarios into teachable moments with their children by discussing whether or not the actions were justified under the circumstances, whether the children could have used alternate means to achieve the same results, and so on. Overall, Hoot is a fun film that children aged eight and up, and their parents, can enjoy.