Video/DVD Review: The Indian in the Cupboard
Rated by 2 members
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this movie has some more mature
moments: Omri is upset when he brings an aging figure to life
that subsequently suffers a fatal coronary. Little Bear
explains that he is mourning his wife. Both Little Bear and
Boone explain to Omri that it is time for them to find wives
and have children. Younger kids will especially love seeing the
toys come to life, but it's the 9- to 12-year-olds who will
truly appreciate this story of fantasy and friendship. Teens
may enjoy it but feign indifference.
Families can talk about what older kids have had to give up as
they've grown up, such as their blankets and childish toys. How
did Omri deal with the loss of his friends at the end of the
film? Or, families may want to discuss how they make their
friends feel cherished every day. How did Little Bear express
his love for Omri?
In this film adaption of the popular book by Lynne Reid Banks, a young boy receives a magical cupboard and key that bring to life an 18th century Iroquois warrior who's all of three inches tall.
THE INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD comes to life with help from E.T. veteran Melissa Mathison's script and the technical wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic of Star Wars renown. (It's no coincidence that Omri briefly brings to life Darth Vader.) The illusion of the movie is magical, bringing together a wistful school boy and miniature warrior in delightful detail. The friendship between young Omri and the mature Little Bear is a journey of self-discovery and growth. The strength of the film is Little Bear, played by Litefoot, who teaches Omri about the pain of personal loss, and the responsibility that is part of growing up. "Boo Hoo" Boone, the crying cowboy, is a foil for the stoic Little Bear and provides comic relief reminiscent of the Cowardly Lion in The Wizard of Oz.
Though a solid film for children, anyone that likes a good story will be satisfied. Viewers familiar with the novel may be disappointed that several key characters are left out of the screen version. But overall, The Indian in the Cupboard offers a fine example of a book adaptation.
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