Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness Parent Guide
The story is derivative and the animation generic, but the messages about self-acceptance are solid and the action scenes are exciting for kids.
Parent Movie Review
Half hare, half chicken, the unoriginally named Chickenhare (Jordan Tartakow) has always been ashamed of the things that make him different from everyone else. But he’s determined to become an adventurer like his father (Brad Venable), so Chickenhare spends his time training and studying everything there is to know about adventuring. His preparation is put to the test when his uncle, Lapin (Danny Fehsenfeld) begins a quest for the mystical Hamster of Darkness, which will give him the power to overthrow the kingdom. You will not be surprised to learn that Chickenhare is the only person who can stop him.
If you’ve seen Indiana Jones, you’ve seen this movie. The costumes, the story, and even the score are all obvious homages to the classic adventure film franchise. As an adult, that makes this film extremely predictable and a bit boring. However, for kids who haven’t yet seen Indiana Jones or other ancient artifact-robbing classics, this is going to feel new and exciting. Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness is a fun, family-friendly introduction to the action/adventure genre, with some positive messages to boot, if you can get past the atrocious title.
The film very explicitly drives home the message that we all have things about us that make us different, but what matters is our perspective. We can choose to be ashamed and hide or we can decide to embrace our uniqueness and be openly ourselves. This is a fantastic message, and it is hammered home explicitly in the dialogue, and is also conveyed more subtly in some of the story elements. Another positive feature is the almost complete lack of negative content in the script. Aside from the usual adventure-related peril and a small bit of fighting, there really isn’t anything here for parents to worry about.
There is nothing particularly creative or unique about this production (except for the idea that a hamster can be dangerous…). The story is derivative, the characters are simple, and the animation generic. That said, it’s a perfectly serviceable piece of children’s entertainment that carries a great message, and it’s not so offensively bad that parents will want to rip their “hare” out.
Directed by Ben Stassen and Benjamin Mousquet. Starring Danny Fehsenfeld, Joe Ochman, and Jordan Tartakow. Running time: 91 minutes. Theatrical release June 10, 2022. Updated January 13, 2024Watch the trailer for Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness
Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness
Rating & Content Info
Why is Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness rated TV-G? Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness is rated TV-G by the MPAA for Fear, Fantasy, and Violence
Violence: Adventure style violence including booby traps and falls from great heights. Characters are knocked out after getting hit in the head. A group of characters use blow darts to attack other characters. Two characters sword fight. There is a fatal fall offscreen.
Sexual Content: None.
Profanity: Some insults including “freak” and “idiot”.
Alcohol / Drug Use: None.
Page last updated January 13, 2024
Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness Parents' Guide
What is holding Chickenhare back from being a great adventurer? What happens when he stops trying to hide certain parts of himself?
Loved this movie? Try these books…
Can’t get enough of Chickenhare? Luckily for your child, he’s the star of a book series. Written by Chris Grine, the first novel is entitled Chickenhare and the second is Chickenhare: Fire in the Hole.
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David McKee’s Elmer stars an elephant with a multicolored patchwork skin. Elmer desperately wants to be gray like everyone else but would he really be willing to get rid of his bright colors?
More bright colors are on display in You Be You. Written by Linda Kranz, this book celebrates the beautiful and unique fish that swim in the oceans.
For a more serious look at dealing with differences, older kids can read Born Just Right, the true story of Jordan Reeves, who was born without the bottom half of her left arm. Co-written with her mother, Jen Lee Reeves, this book shares her experience in embracing what makes her different.
Home Video
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If your young movie fan has a yen for adventure or an unquenchable drive to explore, there are plenty of movies that will grab their attention.
In Moana, the titular heroine sails into the vast Pacific Ocean to reclaim her people’s seafaring past and save them from environmental disaster.
Treasure Planet features Jim Hawkins, a young man who’s tired of working in his mother’s inn and longs to voyage through space in search of excitement – and treasure.
Accidental adventure is the theme of Finding Nemo. Small clownfish Marlin is terrified when his only surviving son is caught by humans so he screws up his courage sets off through the South Pacific on a terrifying quest to find his boy.
Determined not to be forced into a seniors’ home, Carl Fredricksen puts balloons on the roof of his home and floats off to South America. In Up, he finds unexpected excitement with a stowaway child and a dog whose collar allows him to talk.
The Adventures of Tintin stars a young reporter who, in company with his faithful dog, sets sail around the world looking for a lost treasure.