What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that I Heart Shakey is an independent 3-D family comedy aimed at elementary-aged kids. Although the movie has a simplistic plot, the story does offer some positive lessons about just vs. unjust rules, the importance of family pets, and the necessity of standing up for your rights (in this case, the right to own a dog in an apartment building). There's some mild language (mostly insults like "moron" and "imbecile"), as well as a few scenes of slapstick violence and general dog-induced havoc, and a little bit of drinking by adults (one character also has a cigar). Fathers will appreciate how the comedy centers on the bond between a dad and his daughter.
- Families can talk about the popularity of dog-centered family films. Do you prefer animal movies in which the animals talk or more realistic depictions? What are your favorite dog movies?
- How does I Heart Shakey portray the difficulties of moving to a new place? Chandler has to deal with bullies at her new school, but she also makes a new and important friend. Is her school life believable to those who've moved or transferred?