A Review of Terra Willy | A Journey in Friendship, Courage, and Exploration

This is in paid partnership with VivaKids Films.  While I was provided product and compensation, the opinions expressed in this post are 100% honest, true and mine alone.  

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Let’s Talk Terra Willy: Unexplored Planet

About the movie

When a young boy crash lands on an unexplored planet, he must rely on a survival robot and an alien creature to help him find a way home.

The story begins with a family of scientists wrapping up an exploratory mission in space.  On the last day of their journey, they encounter an issue that temporarily separates the ten year old son, Willy, from his parents.  After having landed safely on an unknown planet somewhere in space, Willy, along with the help of his survival robotic pal, Buck, must find the patience, determination and drive to make the most of a difficult situation while he awaits being rescued.  

What I liked about Terra Willy

This was an easy movie to enjoy.  It’s colorful, packed with adventure and provides a variety of age-appropriate conversation starters.   For instance:

• How to cherish friendships and what being a friend looks like
• The importance of listening to and following instructions 
• How every opportunity encountered provides a chance to learn something new
• How to explore the world around you and find the true beauty that lies within it

Willy is like any curious ten year old boy in that he doesn’t like to follow directions and much prefers to do his own thing (such as play virtual video games versus what his father asked).  He is also just as human as the Littles watching him, experiencing a variety of emotions throughout the film such as sadness, fear, joy and contentment.  

Terra Willy is definitely a film created to draw the attention of preschoolers and early elementary aged children, but I have to tell you.  I think parents will enjoy watching the story unfold right alongside their kiddos. 

This is Worth Noting ~ What I LOVED about Terra Willy

I truly appreciated the theme and variety of life lessons incorporated into the story.   There was one primary idea that stood out to me and that I felt the writers and artists illustrated very well.  It was the simple idea of metamorphosis.   

Change is inevitable in life ~ in fact, it happens more often than we think.  We all go through it and a variety of life events influence how those changes occur over time.   Three characters in the movie go through these “metamorphoses” in different ways, learning and changing based on where they each needed to individually grow.  The entire idea of change was captured in a way that just resonated with me in this film.  In fact, as one of the characters physically went through this metamorphosis, it seemed that the others did so in their own unique and different ways.  The obvious gave way to understanding the subliminal.   

I don’t want to give away too much ~ but I highly recommend that you keep your eyes open for it.  

What I didn’t like about Terra Willy

To be honest (and I mean this with all sincerity), there wasn’t anything I didn’t like.  I mean, as noted above, the movie is a kid-centric film designed to entertain and inspire, as well as emphasize a handful of key character traits and life lessons easily digestible for young viewers. 

Would I recommend?

Absolutely!  Like Rotten Tomatoes, who is currently registering Terra Willy at 100% on its Tomatometer at the time of this publication, I give this one top billing for at-home viewing.   It’s artistic qualities are colorful and attractive.  The story is packed with adventure and there are multiple opportunities for parents, guardians and educators alike to discuss simplistic life lessons with Littles over time.   

Things to Know Before Watching

Of course, there are a few moments of which I want to make you aware.  These few scenes may affect those who are a little more sensitive than others. 

For instance, the separation of Willy from his parents may trigger a little anxiety.  There is also a scene where Willy experiences a temporary life-threatening illness.  Mild peril happens throughout the film at various points.  Not to mention, Willy does encounter some creatures who are a bit bigger, a little scary and somewhat intimidating.   Also of note, Willy’s robotic pal does at one point need to shut down.  This may be a little disheartening to some for a time.  

Fortunately, there is no profanity in this film – or at least I didn’t catch any.  While there is no “nudity,” there are two bathroom references that were…let’s just say interesting little additions.  The first is simply the use of the word “poop”.   It is used by Buck when Willy implies that he has to use the bathroom.  The second reference is an actual scene where Willy (and his new alien friend, Flash) are urinating in the “wild.”  If I may be blunt, yes ~ you see a “stream.”  However, there are absolutely no anatomical features shown.  

In Conclusion 

I was pleasantly surprised by this adorable film.  It captured my heart and I enjoyed the hour and a half it took me to watch.  The connection between Willy, Buck and Flash is endearing and the adventure they take together is inspiring, educating, and, of course, entertaining.  I think this is a great movie to have in your parental (and educational) repertoire, particularly if your child shows a fascination for space exploration or curiosity in general!   Remember – you can stream it On Demand starting October 27th!!

Or enter for a chance to win your own DVD copy of the movie (ends 10/31/20)!!!

Just click here for more details!!

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Looking for something fun to do with your littles? 

Check out these fun activity pages!!

 

Terra Willy will be available everywhere On Demand October 27th. Watch from home with your family! 

(Amazon, iTunes, Fandango links are forthcoming).