Are you looking for a fun family movie to celebrate Earth Day? One of our favorite movies with an eco-friendly theme is Hoot. Hoot is a cute movie woven with lessons about respecting nature and there is a cameo role with Jimmy Buffet and plenty of parrot head music in the background to tie it up with a bow.
Hoot Facts:
Hoot was released in 2006 and is rated PG for mild bullying and brief language. The movie, Hoot, is based on the book of the same name, by Carl Hansen. Hoot was filmed in Florida between July 6th and September 2nd, 2005. When the devastating Hurricane Katrina hit on August 25th, the cast and crew had to be relocated. Jimmy Buffet was a co-producer.
Cast and Characters of Hoot:
Hoot is not a blockbuster film but there is a fun cameo of Jimmy Buffet as Mr. Ryan, the science teacher and ultimate advocate of the kids’ mission.
Luke Wison, from Legally Blonde and Alex & Emma, plays a truly a clueless cop.
Young actors include Logan Lerman who won a Leading Young Actor Award and Brie Larson who was also nominated.
Summary of Hoot:
Hoot encompasses the story of a young boy who finds himself transplanted from Montana to Coconut Cove, Florida. He’s having trouble making friends and soon becomes the target of a school bully. Eventually he builds friendships with two kids as they join together in a common mission to save baby owls. The young animal activists take on land developers, politicians and even clueless cops to fight the development of a natural habitat for a special species of owls.
Genre of Hoot:
Hoot is labeled as a Family, Adventure and Comedy film.
I would give Hoot a slightly above average rating as an adventure for kids and an average for comedy. The funniest parts of the movie showcase Luke Wilson’s as a bumbling cop that falls asleep on the job and has his cruiser windows painted black, followed by his demotion to driving a cruiser that’s a little less cool than and ice cream truck, a few notches below an ice cream cart. Don’t worry; he does get to redeem himself in the end. I do give this film high ratings as a family film for clean fun and positive messages.
There was no profanity is this film but there was more one “Oh my God” exclamation that I would have preferred to be left out.
Kid Friendly and Earth Friendly Messages in Hoot:
Hoot has several positive themes that are perfect for Earth Day or anytime. Hoot tells kids that they can make a difference and that sometimes we must make personal sacrifices to help others. Hoot also educates kids on the consequences of development, especially when the habitat has not been researched.
One of the best scenes in the movie brings home the point that we often won’t know that animals are there unless we are quiet and still, especially if they are nocturnal.
Music in Hoot:
If you’re a parrot head fan, there’s plenty of Jimmy Buffet in this movie. Besides his cameo role, Buffett there’s lots of Buffett music including Werewolves of London, Wondering Where the Lions Are, Barefootin’ and Floridays.
Where can you find Hoot?
Barnes & Noble fans can find Hoot the movie on line but you’ll pay more. Hoot is $11.69 or $10.52 for members at BarnesandNoble.com.
Amazon.com has Hoot for $7.99. Amazon.com also has an original movie poster featuring Jimmy Buffett and Luke Wilson for $12.99. Viewers at both BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon.com rated Hoot with a 4 out of 5 stars.
If you’re shopping Target.com, they have Hoot at $7.99, the same price as Amazon.com.
You can also go to the Scholastic.com web site to see an insider’s look at the movie Hoot and they have paperback copies of the award-winning book, Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen.
Hoot is a fun family film to celebrate Earth Day any day.
