Uh, oh! It’s Magic

There has been a debate, of late, as to whether kids should be allowed to believe in magic.

SPOILER ALERT: I’m Team Magic

There are a lot of arguments ranging from it’s a form of lying to kids need to prepared for the “real” world. Well, it seems this debate may be one for the ages and it sits at the center of the new Netflix animated adaptation of Kate DiCamillo’s The Magician’s Elephant.

The elephant in the room or the village as the case may be

Set in a country still hurting from the wounds of war, a boy named Peter dreams of finding his long-lost sister. Meeting a fortune teller that gives new meaning to a pop-up shop, he chooses to fore-go eating rather to ask one question. That question and the answer embark him on a life-changing quest.

Peter starts his version of a Herculean journey. He must complete impossible tasks, including, as I am sure you guessed, an elephant.

Peter and the Elephant

The film is lush in tale, beauty, and emotion. I am so loathe to share much more than to say that it is a testament to the undeniable beauty of innocence, a belief in that is possible, and a bit of magic. It speaks on so many levels so that everyone in the family can truly have fun and be inspired at a deep level.

Yes, I just said that.

Peter’s Path is a Special One

I was deeply moved as a parent by Peter’s journey. He teaches those around him about the power of optimism, kindness, and persistence. Peter is wonderful fun for the kids because he isn’t perfectly prepared for the path he follows but he doesn't give up. He is a teacher without “teaching”. We all just get to go along.

Instead, I shall simply say see the magic yourself. And let your kids believe in a little, too. Remember, I didn’t spoil the ending, I said I was Team Magic. Wear your best top hat & pull some out in the theater, if you are lucky enough to live where it will be in theaters March 10th, or on Netflix starting March 17th. Either way, I predict, you won’t be disappointed even if a white rabbit doesn’t pop out.

Let’s Talk About Film - The Magician’s Elephant