The Magic Faraway Tree
Acceptable with guidance. Age: 8+. A Catholic review of this movie for parents.
Our review
A warm, pro-family fairy tale. Tim and Polly love each other well, Polly quits a job rather than help spy on customers, and Tim's sacrifice for his family is the heart of the film. Greed and empty wishes are shown to fail. The magic is storybook magic, not the occult, though the kids chant 'I believe in magic' to see the tree. Expect potty humor, early sass toward parents, and a few misuses of God's name.
For parents
Good for kids 8 and up, younger with a parent close by for the villains and the stormy flight. Tell children the tree's magic is make-believe, and that the One we truly believe in is God. Ask: how did Tim show love for his family? Why didn't the birthday wishes make anyone happy?