Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Jane Startz, producers. The Indian in the Cupboard. Columbia Pictures, 2005. Rated PG. 96 minutes. ISBN 0767848799
Plot
Omri receives a small cupboard as a 9th birthday present from his older brother. He needs a key to open it. Luckily his mother collects keys and she has one that fits. Omri finds that when he puts his action figures in the cupboard, they come to life. He animates an Indian brave named Little Bear. Omri is happy to have Little Bear as a friend, tries to take good care of him, and hides him from his family. Omri's friend, Patrick, gives him a cowboy figure which comes alive when it is put in the cupboard. The cowboy's name is Boone. Boone and Little Bear are enemies and fight. Omri and Patrick fight about what to do with the cowboy and Indian. Omri wants to keep the secret, but Patrick does not agree. Omri tells Patrick, "You can't use people." Eventually it becomes clear that animating these figures has created more problems than expected. Little Bear shoots Boone with an arrow. He wants to return to his world. Omri feels torn about what to do next.
Critical Evaluation
The movie is very sweet and quietly paced. Omri's home and family are large and interesting to see. Omri really enjoys having Little Bear as a friend, but he eventually understands that Little Bear needs to return to his own place and time. There is a large amount of interaction between Omri, Patrick, Little Bear, and Boone. This is fun to watch since Little Bear and Boone are just a few inches tall. The boys slowly learn that they are interfering with the lives of other real people, and they learn to make hard decisions.
Annotations
A boy and his friend bring their Indian and cowboy action figures to life with a magical cupboard. These miniature people bring with them their own wants and needs which make life exciting and sometimes difficult for the boys.
Author
Lynne Reid Banks, author of the book on which this movie is based, is a best-selling author of books for adults and children.
Genre
Fiction - Fantasy
Curriculum Ties
History – American West in the 19th century.
Booktalk Ideas
Not applicable.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grade 4 (age 9) and up.
Challenge Issues and Defense
Some harsh language is used by Boone. Boone also smokes. There is a brief scene in which Omri and Patrick watch the music video "Girls, Girls, Girls." The PG rating is appropriate for the film.
Why is it here?
My son wanted to see the movie after reading the book.
No comments:
Post a Comment