Oliver & Company
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Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to Oliver & Company
Oliver & Company is a 1988 American animated musical adventure comedy-drama film produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation, loosely inspired by Charles Dickens's novel "Oliver Twist". The story is updated to 1980s New York City and centers on Oliver, a homeless kitten who joins a gang of dogs led by Dodger, who survive by pickpocketing. Oliver is eventually adopted by a kind, wealthy girl named Jenny, leading to a clash between his new life and his street-wise friends, particularly when their human owner, Fagin, owes money to a ruthless loan shark named Sykes. The film is known for its contemporary setting, pop-rock soundtrack, and celebrity voice cast. While generally considered suitable for families, it contains intense action sequences and thematic elements that parents might wish to consider.
Things to Consider
Violence
The film contains several intense and potentially frightening violent scenes, particularly during the climax. Characters face significant peril, and there are explicit depictions of physical harm and death, although not graphically detailed.
The villain Sykes is consistently menacing, often accompanied by his aggressive Doberman henchmen, Roscoe and DeSoto, who inflict physical harm on Fagin's dogs. For instance, Dodger sustains a 'rough beating' from Sykes's Dobermans while defending Fagin. The film's climax features a violent chase sequence where Sykes's Dobermans are 'electrocuted' on subway tracks, and Sykes himself is hit by a train and falls from a bridge to his death.
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Additional Context
Best For Ages
Ages 6+ due to intense action sequences, peril, and thematic elements of homelessness and crime that may be frightening or complex for very young children.
Good to Know
The film's portrayal of homelessness and poverty, while romanticized through song in some instances, may still initiate discussions with children about social issues. The 1980s New York City setting includes real brand names (Coca-Cola, Kodak), which some parents might note as product placement.
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