Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild

Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild is rated G:

This third installment of the Stuart Little franchise is bypassing theaters and debuting directly on home video/DVD. That's not the only obvious change form it's predecessors; the movie is also completely animated instead of the live action/computer graphics combo of the past. What's the same, though, are the cast (albeit they are only lending their voice talents this time) and the premise.

Still trying to assert his independence, the tiny white mouse (voiced by Michael J. Fox) asks if he can join the Lake Scouts while the family takes a summer vacation at a cabin in the woods. His over protective mom (Geena Davis) thinks he is too small for such a large adventure, so his Dad (Hugh Laurie) volunteers to go with him. His parents also conscript big brother George (Jonathan Lipnicki). It's not quite what Stuart had in mind, but he sets off with the other Little men anyway, hoping to find a way to prove himself.

Unfortunately, both George and Dad prove to be far more capable in the great outdoors than the aspiring woodsman--even when they aren't really even trying! Mocked or overlooked by the other troop members, Stuart feels totally rejected until he meets someone closer to his own size.

Reeko the Skunk (Wayne Brady) is equally unpopular among his fellow woodland creatures, however he's not about to let Stuart know that. Feigning superior knowledge and skill, the black and white hip-hopper agrees to show the eager mouse around the 'hood. In truth, the little stinker uses their newfound friendship to get close to Snowbell, the family's pet cat. With a little flattery, Reeko convinces the fluffy Persian to come to a party in the forest where he plans to hand the unsuspecting kitty over to The Beast--a nasty extortionist to whom the skunk owes a great debt.

Of course Stuart will get wind of Snowbell's dangerous plight. Then he'll be forced to launch a rescue plan, which in turn will give him he opportunity he has been seeking to show his real worth.

The quest will put the heroic mouse in some dangerous situations, which may be a bit frightening for the youngest of viewers. Other content concerns include some mild name-calling and bulling behavior. Along with these storylines, the scriptwriters have tried to include messages of self-esteem, loyalty, forgiveness, bravery, and standing up for one's beliefs. These are certainly commendable ideals--it's just too bad the predictable plot isn't equally praiseworthy.

Most likely, the target audience won't be too worried about such quibbling. Parent also should feel fairly comfortable sharing this rather average movie with their children--just as long as the kiddies don't start singing the production's irritating musical number about the "skunk with the funk."

Studio: 2006 Sony Pictures.

Stuart’s little size puts him in peril with a fish, a wind-up toy bear, and a mysterious forest creature. The enterprising little mouse uses a bow and arrow, lasso and a package of pepper to ward off attacks. Characters mock and verbally bully others. The Beast expects the forest creatures to pay tribute or be killed. Snowbell mistakenly believes a character is making a sexual advance, and a kiss between preteens is shown.

Why do you think many characters talk about The Beast, but the mysterious creature’s identity isn’t revealed until almost the end of the movie? How does this technique affect the story?

Don’t forget to look at the pervious adventures of this tiny mouse in the movies Stuart Little 1 and Stuart Little 2. A skunk played a show-stealing role in Disney’s classic film Bambi.

The DVD release of Stuart Little 3: Call of the Wild provides enough amusement to keep most kids busy for at least the first day of their summer vacation. The bonus features include the read-a-long Stuart’s Summer Journal, two interactive games called Help Stuart Escape and Monty’s Monstrous Appetite, as well as a learn-to-draw segment. But if you really want to drive your parents crazy, take a peek at the music video Reeko’s Funk. Audio tracks are in English (Dolby Digital) and French (Dolby Surround), with subtitles in English and French.