Alpha and Omega parents guide

Alpha and Omega Parent Guide

Artistically this film falls below what audiences are used to seeing from more mainstream sources. If you go expecting more of a beta experience, you'll be in for less of a disappointment.

Overall B

Even though they are from the same pack, Humphrey (voice of Justin Long) has no hope of winning the affections of Kate (voice of Hayden Panettiere) because she is an alpha wolf, while he is at the bottom of the social order. But his prospects improve when the two of them are caught by wildlife officers and relocated to Idaho as part of their breeding program. Kate however is more concerned about retuning home to Canada.

Release date September 17, 2010

Violence B
Sexual Content B
Profanity A-
Substance Use A-

Why is Alpha and Omega rated PG? The MPAA rated Alpha and Omega PG for rude humor and some mild action.

Run Time: 100 minutes

Official Movie Site

Parent Movie Review

Justin Long and Hayden Panettiere provide the voice talent for two animated wolves named Humphrey and Kate in this 3D adventure. The pair of carnivores calls Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada their home. But even though they enjoy cavorting with their friends and family in the serene nature preserve, there is still a problem brewing. The “Eastern Wolves” led by Tony (voiced by the late Dennis Hopper) live across the creek and are desperate for meat because the caribou don’t roam there anymore. These hungry neighbors want access to the land dominated by Kate’s father Winston (voice of Danny Glover).

One obvious solution appears to solve the territorial dispute: Have Kate accept Tony’s son Garth (voiced of Chris Carmack) as a mate. As both are Alpha wolves, they are equally matched in the accepted social order. However, there is one secret dissenter to the plan. Humphrey, a second-class Omega male silently yearns to woo Kate himself. But figuring out a way to overcome long-established class boundaries and getting approval from her father and the rest of the pack, are substantial obstacles he has yet to overcome. (And then there is the fact that Kate views him only as a buddy.)

While the animals attempt to sort out some resolution to this soap opera, a couple of animal control officers appear on the scene. The human officials are looking for a pair of wolves they can relocate to help repopulate a state park in Idaho. And guess which two they pick?

The next thing Kate and Humphrey know they are waking up in the back of a pickup truck on their way to the Gem State. When they are released into an unknown wilderness, the pair immediately begins to look for a way back home. Soon they meet up with a duck (voice of Eric Price) and a Canada Goose (voice of Larry Miller). Although the foul are first and foremost serious aficionados of golf, they also claim to have visited Jasper often and offer the lost wolves a few pointers on finding their way north.

So Kate and Humphrey set out on a long road trip. Of course, this means they will have to spend a great deal of time together and… well… I’m sure you can see where the plot will go next.

While the conclusion may not be a huge surprise, parents may be wondering if they are the only ones feeling a little awkward about the portrayals of the animals in this film. Although there are no overt sexual discussions in the movie, it’s the “howling” that may raise some eyebrows. This somewhat musical activity is described as the ultimate uniting of a male and female wolf, and the dialogue accompanying the event implies there is more to it than just exercising vocal chords. (After their howl, one character asks the other, “Was it good for you?”) It’s subtle, but the term is essentially a synonym for sexual activity.

That aside, there is little other content for concern. The wolves get into a couple of skirmishes and are seen hunting on a few occasions. (This "natural" pursuit is depicted without blood and very little peril). Some mild bathroom humor is also heard.

On a final note, artistically this film falls below what audiences are used to seeing from more mainstream sources. It’s a US-based production that’s animated in India and set in Canada. Sadly, this international blend doesn’t work very well, and the animal movements, as well as their environmental surroundings suggest few of the creators have ever seen a wolf or its typical habitat. If you go expecting more of a beta experience, you’ll be in for less of a disappointment.

Directed by Anthony Bell, Ben Gluck . Starring Hayden Panettiere, Justin Long. Running time: 100 minutes. Theatrical release September 17, 2010. Updated

Alpha and Omega
Rating & Content Info

Why is Alpha and Omega rated PG? Alpha and Omega is rated PG by the MPAA for rude humor and some mild action.

Violence: When wolves attempt to hunt a herd of caribou, one wolf is kicked and a caribou appears seriously injured. Wolf packs exchange verbal threats and a skirmish breaks out. Some moments of mild peril are created after a pair of wolves are removed from their home and attempt to return. Conservation officers shoot animals with tranquilizer darts.

Sexual Content: The aspect of mating and repopulation is vaguely discussed. Female wolves are sometimes made to appear sensual, while males exhibit sexual interests using common teenaged terms (i.e. “she’s hot!”). The activity of howling at the moon has implied overtones of being akin to engaging in sexual activity (one wolf asks another, “Was it good for you?”).

Language: Some mild rude terms, like “butt” are heard.

Drug and Alcohol Use: After being shot by tranquilizer darts, two wolves momentarily act as if they are intoxicated before passing out.

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Alpha and Omega Parents' Guide

What do the “alpha” and “omega” wolves symbolize in human society? What are the father wolves asked to accept in order for their children to be happy? Are differences in cultures or class distinctions easy to overlook in a relationship?

Humphrey is an "omega" and seen as being fun loving with a good sense of humor. Kate is an “alpha” and is more serious about life. Is it possible to have a directed, determined personality and a sense of humor? Why do you think these characters are depicted in this way?

Home Video

The most recent home video release of Alpha and Omega movie is January 11, 2011. Here are some details…

Alpha and Omega releases to DVD and Blu-ray on January 11, 2011.

Related home video titles:

In Open Season , a domesticated bear and a troublesome one-antlered deer are relocated to the deep woods after causing property damage in a small town. Two dogs and a cat embark on a long voyage after they separated from their human family in Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.