Apple TV+’s original film, Luck, is a delightful story the whole family will love. Wondering if there’s any elements that make Luck movie too scary for kids? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its G rating, in my Luck Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s kid-friendly. As always, no spoilers!
Apple TV+ LUCK Parents Guide + Movie Review
Skydance Animation brings a little bit of Luck to Apple TV+ on August 5th. Luck introduces us to Sam Greenfield (Eva Noblezada), who happens to be the unluckiest person in the world. Sam has been in the foster care system since she was a little girl, having never found her forever home. During that time, she bonded with a little girl named Hazel (Adelynn Spoon). Sam’s grown used to being “unlucky,” but she adores Hazel’s bright optimism of life. More than anything, she doesn’t want her to lose that specialness about her, and wishes Hazel’s fate will be different than her own.
Sam is now 18 years old, and practically dumped off and on her own. She’s very lonely and trying to figure out things for herself. Her luck is consistently worse than ever. Literally anything that could possibly go wrong does. From mismatched socks to unfortunate accidents, I was seriously laughing at some of Sam’s unlucky moments because some were so outrageous!
Sam’s life changes when she finds a “lucky penny.” Of course, in true Sam fashion, things get a bit crazy when she follows a black cat, Bob (Simon Pegg), and stumbles into the Land of Luck! She soon finds herself in a world where humans are not allowed. She’s immersed into a magical land of unicorns and leprechauns, and needs to blend in. Sam teams up with Bob the cat in hopes of bring a little luck back home to Hazel.
The Visuals
Skydance Animation certainly doesn’t disappoint in the visuals department with Luck. While the entire movie is visually stunning, the CGI imagery really shines in the Land of Luck. From the vibrant and crisp colors, to the small details, Luck really shines bright.
The Cast
Jane Fonda. Need I say more? Jane’s character, Babe the Dragon, is the CEO of the Land of Luck, and she’s the epitome of Jane herself. Jane actually helped design her character and requested her to have a certain look and specific traits. Director Peggy Holmes, says she was exceptional lucky in landing the cast for Luck.
It’s also important to mention that not only is the cast diverse, but the characters in Luck are equally diverse.
Is Luck Kid-Friendly? Here’s Your Parents Guide:
Apple TV+’s Luck has an MPAA rating of G, meaning it’s suitable for all audiences. It has a runtime of 1 hour 45 minutes. It seems that today, G rated movies are practically unheard of. As a parent, I’m always excited when a G rated film is announced. However, with pushing 2 hours, will Luck hold the attention of our littlest viewers? Let’s break down the thematic elements and take a closer look.
Violence
There is very little violence in Luck. There is an explosion, but overall it’s very low-key.
Language
Aside from your usual potty humor, and trust me, there’s plenty, there is one use of the term “screw up.” Otherwise, Luck doesn’t have any profanity or inappropriate language.
Mature Content
For a G rated movie, there are definitely some heavy topics in Luck. Kids who have been in foster care might have a difficult time watching Luck. There is also mention of parents who have died. A big theme in Luck is loneliness, and that alone is heavy. Babe the Dragon specifically says that bad luck is a curse and makes you feel alone. Sam feels like because she is constantly surrounded by bad luck, that maybe it’s her that’s the problem. Of course there are great takeaways to go hand-in-hand with this theme, but parents should still be aware.
Age Recommendation
Despite the heavy themes, I would still recommend Luck movie for all ages. I do think it’s maybe 15-20 minutes too long, but overall I’m thrilled there’s a new film that both kids and adults can enjoy together. Of course if you feel any of the above themes might be too much for your children, I’d encourage you to screen the movie beforehand.
Overall Thoughts
Luck is pure magic. It’s a delightful film that will encourage us all that hope is a powerful thing. It’s important to remember that luck is completely random, and not all bad luck is necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes we need that dose of bad luck to appreciate the good. It can teach us something and make us stronger. Luck will tug at your heart and help you appreciate the little things. It is laugh-out-loud fun and visually brilliant. Grab your family and get ready for your next movie night! Luck streams exclusively on Apple TV+ August 5th!
Luck Synopsis
From Apple Original Films comes the story of Sam Greenfield, the unluckiest person in the world, who when she stumbles into the never-before-seen Land of Luck, sets out on a quest to bring some good luck home for her best friend. But with humans not allowed, her only chance is teaming up with the magical creatures who live there to do it.