I enjoy going to the movies. Both with just my husband, or as a family with my kids. My kids are young adults now, so trying to arrange to meet them at the mall to see a movie is easier said than done these days. They both have jobs, friends and a significant other.
There are so many movies I want to see that are in theaters now. And plenty being released in the next few months.
These days a lot of movies rely on high octane action, out of this world special effects, bad language, violence and gratuitous sex. It IS possible to make a movie – a really good movie – without any of these things. Such is the case with a new movie out in theaters now called Storm Boy.
Storm Boy is based off a novel written by Colin Thiele, back in the mid-60’s. It’s an Australian novel, so I’m not sure how well known it is in the U.S. The book was made into a film back in the 70’s. I’ve honestly never heard of it until now.
I love movies that have to do with animals and other creatures. Storm Boy is about a boy and his pelican. Yes, that’s right – a pelican.
Storm Boy stars Jai Courtney, Geoffrey Rush, David Gulpilil, Erik Thomson, Finn Little and Chantal Contouri.
Storm Boy is the story of a man named Mike Kingley (played by Rush as an adult, and Little as a child). He’s a successful adult who is about to make a business deal that has potential to destroy wildlife and land. His granddaughter, Madeline, doesn’t want him to take the deal that would have such a huge impact on the land and creatures that live there.
Madeline asks her grandfather about his childhood. That is when he talks about life on a desolate shoreline on the Australian coast.
After the death of his mother and sister, Mike (aka “Storm Boy”) and his father, move to a small home on the coastline. They are cut off from the outside world for the most part.
For Mike, living in such isolation made him very lonely. Sure, it was beautiful where he lived, but he really didn’t have any friends except an aboriginal man named Fingerbone Bill. He’s the one who gives Mike the nickname “Storm Boy.”
One day Mike comes across three baby penguins that were left alone after their mother was shot and killed by hunters opposed to having the land turned into a local bird sanctuary. Mike takes the baby birds in and names them Mr Proud, Mr Ponder and Mr Percival. They are not expected to survive, but Mike is willing to do whatever it takes to see the babies survive and thrive.
After the birds survive and thrives, Mike returns them so that they can lives their lives as Pelicans do.
Mr. Percival doesn’t want to be without Mike. So the two become the best of friends, even if it’s very unconventional.
How can someone who had such a great love for God’s creatures want to sell off a valuable piece of land? What ever happened to Mr. Percival? To find out, you need to check out Storm Boy.
Here is the list of theaters across the country where the film is being shown – Storm Boy – Tickets & Theater Locations.
Check out the movie’s trailer.
I had the opportunity to screen the film (online) prior to it’s release.
First and foremost, the cinematography is breathtaking. I wanted to pack my bags and move to the Australian coast where “Storm Boy” lived. The cinematography made the film come to life. It’s truly amazing.
Young Fin Little (Mike/”Storm Boy”) is a very talented young man. He was the perfect casting choice to play the role. For a young boy, you’d think he’d been acting for decades. I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of him.
I LOVED the Pelicans. They are one of those creatures that you don’t hear too many people saying that they are their favorite. I have always thought they were cool (their mouths/necks/pouches and their long beaks). After seeing this movie I have a new found appreciation for these astonishing creatures.
Overall I loved the story. I think it had a lot of heart. I also loved the message that it sent (if that was it’s intention) about the beauty of nature and how we are suppose to care for it and not go out of our way to destroy habitats and other places where creatures (animals, birds…) call it “home.”
The film is rated PG. I guess I can see why that can be, but in my opinion it’s a film the whole family can enjoy.
If you are interested in learning more about the film, please visit the film’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also look it up with @StormBoyMovie. The official hashtag is #StormBoy. I did not find an official website for the movie.
I also have some coloring pages based on the film that you might be interested in downloading and enjoying with your family.
These are .PDF files. Simply click on the links to download (and print out) each coloring page.
If you or your child colors one of the pages, upload it and share it on social media using the hashtag #StormBoy and tag @StormBoy for your chance to have your artwork featured on their Fan Art Friday social media posts.
Here are some Storm Boy activities you might enjoy as well.
You can also download all of the coloring page and activities here – Storm Boy Activity Packet.
In addition to the coloring pages and activities, here is a really interesting educational guide that goes into depth into the film, talks about Pelicans and how you can utilize this film to be a teachable experience about environmental sustainability, conservation, friendship, love, loss, isolation and other themes. This guide also has some beautiful images from the film.
Horror movies are awesome (I’m a horror movie fan). High octane action packed films are great. And who doesn’t love comedies? However, if you are interested in a different kind of film that makes you think about the world around you, I would highly recommend checking out Storm Boy. Check out the link (above) to find a theater near you that is showing the film.
In addition to a screener of the film, I was also sent a Pelican adoption kit from the World Animal Foundation. The kit included information about their organization, an official certificate of adoption and a photo of the Pelican that I “adopted.” The kit also included great information about Pelicans. I never knew there were several different types of Pelicans. I found that to be very interesting.
If you are interested in learning more about the World Animal Foundation, please visit WorldAnimalFoundation.com. There you can learn more about “adopting” (symbolically) other creatures like lobsters (no kidding), rats, penguins, snakes, tigers, whales and more. They can also be found on social media (their links are found on the bottom of their website).
I also received an adorable plush Pelican. He’s super cute!
What do you think about this film? Do you think you’ll check it out if it’s playing in a theater near you? Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener, adoption kit and plush toy in exchange for my honest review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.
Ej says
I’m defiantly going to take my daughter. Looks so interesting
Lionel Moh says
I am yet to watch this, I am eager to as my friends have already seen it. So, I have my plan for the weekend like order some Beautiful Rompers for Girls from Urban Dhaage and then enjoy the movie with them.