Movie Review: Franklin video series
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What Parents Should Know
This comforting series based on the popular books will
appeal to toddlers who are facing challenges and learning to
relate and a big-person's world. Franklin makes mistakes, has
flaws (sometimes he lies or is rude to other characters), but
he is growing and learning. Preschoolers who are curious about
how to handle life's curveballs will enjoy Franklin's dilemmas.
Six-year-olds may still find Franklin's adventures relevant,
but seven- and eight-year-olds will probably be ready for an
older group of characters.
Some of the episodes are turtle-paced, but mostly the episodes are rewarding and educational. The adults in the episodes act caringly and responsibly.
Families may want to discuss the feelings that come up when they see Franklin struggle with something their little ones have just experienced. How did they handle that challenge? Parents may want to use the episodes as an opportunity to praise their children for their small, daily accomplishments.
Common Sense Media Review
Titles reviewed in this series include:
Franklin and the Green Knight, Franklin and the Secret
Club, Franklin and the Tooth Fairy, Franklin Goes to School,
Franklin in the Dark, Franklin Plants a Tree, Franklin's
Birthday Party, Franklin's Christmas Gift, Franklin's
Halloween and
Franklin's Valentine.
This popular series revolves around young Franklin, a turtle just learning about the world around him. Whether he's learning that trees start small, just like him, or that everyone is nervous on the first day of school, these characters and these storylines will be something that most pre-schoolers can relate to.
The crisp animation and comforting characters are to be praised here. There's nothing here to ruffle little feathers, though Franklin does encounter everyday challenges. Franklin gives hints on how to deal with life's small bewilderments, which he does with a very human number of false starts.In Franklin Plants a Tree, the animation brings the world around him to life. To see the caterpillar munch its way through a dandelion leaf is to both marvel at the quality of the artwork and to sympathize with Franklin's urge to banish the creature from the garden.In Franklin's Valentine, Franklin is rude to the new kid in class, and only later--when it's convenient to be friends with the newcomer--does he see the error of his ways. These Franklin stories aren't particularly captivating, being too clumsy by half, though the music is perky as usual and the regular cast of characters exude their natural appeal.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
