Luck
Luck (2022) is an animated fantasy comedy film that introduces audiences to Sam Greenfield, a young woman who has experienced a lifetime of perpetual bad luck. Her journey takes an extraordinary turn when she stumbles into the hidden Land of Luck, a vibrant realm where good and bad fortune are meticulously crafted and distributed to the human world. Partnering with a talking black cat named Bob, Sam embarks on a quest to secure a lucky penny for her younger foster sister, Hazel, in hopes of improving Hazel's chances of adoption. The film explores themes of destiny, friendship, and the idea that both positive and negative experiences contribute to a rich life, ultimately conveying messages about perseverance and unconditional love. Targeted at a family audience, the movie aims to offer a visually engaging story with underlying moral lessons.
Concerns
Witchcraft & Occult
HighThe movie is heavily centered on a magical world and a system of 'luck' and fate, featuring various mythical creatures and pagan superstitions. This forms the fundamental premise and worldview of the film.
The core premise involves a 'Land of Luck' populated by mythical creatures like leprechauns, unicorns, dragons, and goblins, where all luck (good and bad) is manufactured through magical processes. Sam frequently attributes her misfortunes to the 'universe messing with her,' and the film incorporates 'pagan superstition throughout, including pagan imagery like a Japanese waving cat.'
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe film presents a worldview centered on a magical system of 'luck' and fate, managed by mythical creatures, which is identified as conflicting with a Christian understanding of divine providence. This pervasive theme is central to the narrative.
Movieguide advises 'extreme caution for children for the flawed worldview' in Luck, noting that the central theme revolves around a magical system of luck and pagan superstition, including a Japanese waving cat. The concept of luck being a manufactured, almost sentient force, where characters attribute events to the 'universe messing with her,' contrasts with a Christian theological perspective.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film includes subtle and implied elements that some viewers may interpret as LGBTQ+ or gender identity themes. While no explicit LGBTQ+ characters or plotlines are central, background visuals and character descriptors could be noted.
In a background scene within a restaurant in the Land of Luck, two men are depicted dining with a child, which some viewers could interpret as a same-sex couple. Additionally, one review mentions a possible 'all-gender bathroom' where two female leprechauns walk through doors bearing both male and female silhouettes, though this is not clearly defined or emphasized.
Profanity
MediumProfanity is infrequent and generally mild, consisting of 'placeholder' words. However, one questionable use of God's name is reported.
The film includes occasional mild words such as 'heck' (e.g., 'what the heck,' 'sure as heck'), 'stupid,' and 'little bugger'. One parental review specifically notes 'just one questionable use of God's name'.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumWhile not a horror film, 'Luck' contains some intense moments and themes that could be frightening or emotionally impactful for very young children.
The Australian Council on Children and the Media recommends parental guidance for children aged 5-6 due to 'some scary characters and scenes,' and deems it 'not suitable for children under 5'. The plot involves significant consequences when the flow of luck is disrupted, leading to chaos and destruction in the Land of Luck, with creatures needing to be rescued from trapped ledges and platforms.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumCharacters in the film engage in acts of rule-breaking and display some mild disrespect, primarily driven by their goals within the magical Land of Luck.
Sam and Bob deliberately break rules and sneak into restricted areas within the Land of Luck to achieve their objective of finding a lucky penny. Bob, the talking black cat, initially treats his friends Gerry (a leprechaun) and Jeff (a unicorn) like assistants rather than equals, demonstrating some disrespect.
Violence
LowViolence in the film is primarily slapstick and comedic, resulting from Sam's perpetual bad luck and the chaotic events in the Land of Luck. There is no graphic violence or gore depicted.
Sam's bad luck leads to various mishaps and physical comedy, such as her bike tire going flat or her toast falling jam-side down repeatedly. Later, when bad luck specks clog Jeff's machines and destroy good and bad luck stones, it causes a chaotic chain reaction that brings widespread (non-graphic) misfortune to the Land of Luck and Earth.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe film contains very minimal and non-explicit romantic or sexual content. There are no romantic kisses or suggestive scenes.
Some reviews state there is no sexuality, not even a kiss, in the film. One instance noted is Sam removing her pants off-screen to take a shower.
Substance Use
LowThere is no depiction or mention of substance use, including alcohol, drugs, or smoking, in the movie.
Multiple reputable parental review sources explicitly state that there is no drug or alcohol content.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Parental guidance is recommended for children under 8, with caution for older children due to pervasive non-Christian spiritual themes and a worldview centered on luck and fate rather than divine providence. While rated G, the movie's core themes regarding a magical system of luck may require discussion for Christian families.
Additional Notes
The film's executive producer, John Lasseter, faced controversy due to past allegations of inappropriate workplace behavior, leading actress Emma Thompson to withdraw from the project. This background, while not directly impacting the on-screen content for children, may be a point of consideration for some parents. The movie is a standalone animated film and does not have sequels or adaptations that introduce new or intensified content.
Related Reviews
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