DOUG’S 1ST MOVIE
A charming, moral adventure for older children and families.
Should You Watch It?
Doug's 1st Movie is a charming, unusually thoughtful animated adventure. It encourages children to tell the truth, show responsibility and manners, and “do what's right, no matter what people may think.” Its literary references and honest, age-appropriate characterizations add intelligence without losing its appeal to children.
The movie is slow-paced and rather complex, so it may not hold the youngest viewers. Its environmental message is worthwhile, though it can get lost in the larger story, and Mr. Bluff is presented as an ignorant, careless big-money tycoon. The mythical monster also requires a little explanation: the film's positive lesson is not to fear what you do not understand, but children may need to be told that such monsters do not exist.
For older children and families looking for a gentle movie with a strong moral center, this is WORTH THE TRIP.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESDoug Funnie lives in Bluffington with his friends Skeeter and Patti. When bullies cause trouble beside polluted Lucky Duck Lake, a real creature surfaces and changes everything.
Doug and Skeeter discover that the creature is benevolent and kind. Meanwhile, Patti is becoming friendly with an assured upperclassman, leaving Doug with both a new mystery and a personal disappointment to solve.
Is It Any Good?
Three stars means this is a good, appealing film with clear limitations. The animation is unique, using characters in various pastel skin colors, and the characterizations are honest and age-appropriate. The moral focus gives the story a steady sense of purpose.
The movie is not flashy. It has no musical numbers, incredible computer-generated animation or epic situations, and its plot moves rather laconically. Still, the story is relevant to today's children, and its literary references add a welcome dash of intelligence. Parents may find something to enjoy in its rather complex plot.
The Worldview
The movie strongly promotes doing the right thing. Bullies are thwarted, responsibility and manners are encouraged, and telling the truth is treated as important. Its repeated message is to do what is right regardless of what other people think.
The film also promotes not polluting, although that message is overshadowed by the larger plot. Its portrayal of Mr. Bluff as an ignorant, careless, big-money tycoon creates an anti-capitalist stereotype. Families should also note that the mythical Herman Melville is presented as real in an otherwise realistic American town. The film uses him positively, teaching children not to fear what they initially do not understand, but parents may need to correct the idea that such monsters exist.
At its heart, the story values courage, kindness and moral responsibility. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Moderately strong moral worldview to do the right thing, with a pro-environment message & the inclusion of a mythical creature as a major plot device; some mild name calling, but no obscenities or profanities; some action scenes of chasing, falling into the water & men threaten with guns that shoot nets; no sex but boy asks girl for a kiss; no nudity; no alcohol use; no smoking; and, burping, pranks, & villain lies to get the girl, but eventually loses her.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The movie repeats the message, “Do what's right, no matter what people may think.” When have you had to choose between doing right and gaining approval?
Proverbs 29:25 · Galatians 1:10Doug and his friends discover that something frightening is not necessarily wicked. How can you learn about something unfamiliar without being ruled by fear?
2 Timothy 1:7 · James 1:19The story includes a polluted lake. What responsibilities do people have toward the world God has made?
Genesis 2:15 · Psalm 24:1The characters are encouraged to tell the truth and act responsibly. Why does truthfulness matter when a lie seems easier?
Ephesians 4:25 · Proverbs 12:22The Final Word
Doug's 1st Movie is slow and not especially flashy, but it offers older children a charming story filled with truthfulness, responsibility, kindness and the call to do what is right. The youngest viewers may need help with its complexity and mythical creature. For older children and families, it is WORTH THE TRIP.
