A fun family film shot in found-footage style, the story follows three friends who receive mysterious messages on their phones and embark on an epic adventure to save an alien named Echo.
CP Maturity Level: 11+
MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Note: The film is best suited towards families with children who don’t want to do everything they see on TV.
Summary
A boy makes a suggestive joke about sleeping in his friend’s mom’s bed. There is some tween romantic interest (a boy lies about kissing a pretty girl, boys call girls ‘hot’). We briefly see two teens making out on a couch. A preteen describes something as being “scary as balls.” Mild and childish words such as ‘stupid’ and ‘crud’ are used. A character says s**t once under his breath. The alien Echo causes some destruction. Two boys get into a physical fight after an argument. The alien Echo gets taken apart cruelly by scientists. The main characters are on the run from police and get into frightening situations. A child makes a goodbye message in case he dies without seeing his friends one last time. Teens drink what looks like alcohol. The main characters are in a bar underage. The main characters are given age-appropriate Shirley Temples at a bar.
Introduction
The film Earth To Echo came out in 2014, and brought back much nostalgia as it reminds many of E.T. and The Goonies . Reviews for it are mixed, but most critics agree it is excellent for a family movie night.
Sexuality ⚫⚫⚫
A boy makes a brief suggestive joke about sleeping in his friend’s mom’s bed. There is some tween romantic interest. The main character lies about kissing the most popular girl at school. Other girls are referred to as ‘hot’. Two teens are briefly shown making out on the couch at a teen party, but the scene only lasts a few seconds. A preteen describes something as being “scary as balls.”
Profanity ⚫⚫
Use of mild words similar to ‘crap’ and ‘crud’. A character says s**t under his breath. Childish words like ‘stupid’ and ‘dumb’
Violence And Disturbing Themes ⚫⚫
The alien (Echo) causes destruction when it collects parts for its spaceship. Two kids get into a fight after having an argument, but no one is hurt. Echo is shown being taken apart cruelly by scientists. The main characters wind up in dangerous situations involving the police. Mild suspense may frighten younger viewers. A child makes a good-bye message in case he doesn’t make it out of a dangerous situation alive. Some of the scenes in the movie may be frightening for younger viewers.
Drugs, Alcohol, and Smoking ⚫⚫
The main characters are in a bar underage. Two characters are given age appropriate Shirley Temples by a bartender. A scene shows a teen party where teens are drinking something out of red plastic cups (most likely alcohol, as they get scared when the cops show up).
Good Role Models ⚫
While the main characters want to help Echo and save him from bad guys, they get into all kinds of trouble (running from the cops, being in a bar, being at an unsupervised teen party, driving without a license after stealing a car, etc.). This movie should only be presented to children who understand they shouldn’t do everything they see on TV.
Christian Messages ⚫⚫⚫
The movie can encourage preteens who are feeling helpless. The movie ends with the message that even if you are young you can still make a difference. The strong friendships of the main characters are unconditional and true.
Family Friendliness
The movie is great for a family night, as the movie’s inappropriate themes and content are all toned down. The message of preteens making a difference and how friendships should last through difficulties is strong. It is an entertaining and interesting film that is recommended by numerous reviewers as a movie you should consider for your next family night.
Parents, proceed with caution.
While this film is toned down, some of the content may be frightening or uncomfortable for younger viewers. The best audience for this movie consists of children around ten years old who won’t be scared of the suspenseful plot or find the bad decisions made by the main characters “cool.” The film is overall recommended for families with older children.
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