A new 3D IMAX film, Flight of the Butterflies, may provide the best chance this butterfly season to capture the magic of the Monarch butterfly migration, as many Monarch butterfly followers are bracing for what may be the worst on year on record for Monarch numbers. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Morgan B. comments, "This beautiful film made me want to run outside with a picnic basket and sit in the grass all day and be on the lookout for butterflies." Benjamin P. adds, "Flight of the Butterflies is an amazing, beautifully shot film that is a wonder for the eyes." See their full reviews below.
Flight of the Butterflies
By Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 10
Flight of the Butterflies is an amazing, beautifully shot film that is a wonder for the eyes. This film centers on a scientist named Fred Urquhart who, as a child, wondered where butterflies go during their migration. As an adult, he and his wife try to answer that question. Another storyline follows a butterfly named Dana as she shows you the year long process of migration and tells the tale through three generations of Monarch butterflies, following them from Texas to Toronto to Mexico.
My favorite part of Flight of the Butterflies is when Fred's life's work takes place before his eyes, when he sees millions of Monarch butterflies fluttering around on a mountain in Mexico. The scene is beautiful and has some rich and epic cinematography. I also like when the filmmakers use MRI footage to show a very detailed and sharp scene of a caterpillar slowly turning into a butterfly through its chrysalis.
Flight of the Butterflies was first released in IMAX theaters and I can see why. The cinematography in this film is amazing and keeps you glued to the screen. This film is also extremely educational. I knew almost nothing about butterflies before viewing this film and I learned so much in such a short period of time. I am now extremely interested in the migration process. In fact, the film makes me want to plant my own butterfly garden.
The musical score fits the subject and is tranquil and light. The lesson of this film is always persevere. Fred Urquhart doesn't give up for forty years and always tries to reach his goal.
I recommend you watch the special features on this DVD. Behind the Scenes gives you more context on the making of this film and features interviews with the cast and crew, including an actual person portrayed in the movie. It's really cool to see how the crew got some of the shots and makes you realize how difficult it was to make this film. Other special features include a message from the president of Mexico.
I recommend Flight of the Butterflies for ages 7 to 13 because the film goes into some pretty complex science and history. I think older viewers will enjoy this film as well.
I give this movie 5 out of 5 stars. If you are interested in the topic of butterflies or if you like science in general, you'll like Flight of the Butterflies.
Flight of the Butterflies
By Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 11
Beautiful rays of orange, golden yellows, green meadows and skylines will be fluttering across your TV screen. This beautiful film made me want to run outside with a picnic basket and sit in the grass all day and be on the lookout for butterflies. The Monarch butterflies flap their wings and fly on an incredible journey, including Canada, the Great Lakes, Texas and Mexico. This movie follows three generations of Monarch butterflies and the journey they take to migrate to warmer places and survive winter.
This is a documentary which teaches us about hundreds of millions of butterflies. I loved learning about the butterflies and their different stages of life while learning about the scientist and the people across America who helped him discover the mysteries of the Monarch butterflies. I like how they incorporated facts about the butterflies while you learned about the scientist who wanted to know more about these magnificent creatures. Dr. Fred Urquhart (Gordon Pinsent) and his wife Norah (Patricia Phillips) spent decades trying to find out where the Monarch butterflies go after they leave Canada. Thousands of volunteers and the invention of grocery stickers helped to solve this incredible mystery.
I love the fact that it shows real butterflies. Their elegant wings span, their astonishing strength and natural ability to survive all conditions is a fun journey that I thoroughly enjoyed. They can taste with their feet and smell with their antenna. Now, that is what I call amazing. The cinematography shows you in astonishing detail the lifecycle of Monarch butterflies. Mike Slee, the director, is spot on hitting all of your senses as you sit back and enjoy being surrounded by butterflies.
The scenery in this film is stupendous and I love that we got to see so many different places in such a short time. This is one of my favorite parts of this film. We went from Texas all the way to the Great Lakes and we saw fields of milkweed, flower gardens and so much more. When we finally reach our secret destination, we see millions of butterflies clustered together and that is definitely a sight to see.
My favorite scene is the scene when the butterfly flies over skyscrapers and we see a wonderful areal shot of an entire city. I love this scene because it is gorgeous, crisp and clear and it is like we are on the butterflies backs. That is astonishing. I had no idea that butterflies could fly that high.
This film is great for ages 5 through 18. The younger ones will love the butterflies and learning about them. Adults and teens will learn something new things about butterflies. Everyone loves butterflies and you can learn about them and watch them flutter. Join them on their yearly journey across three countries. I give this film 5 out 5 Flutter bye kisses. It is available now from Shout! Factory on DVD.
Benjamin P, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
Morgan B., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11