A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
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Educational Value
very little
While not a documentary, the movie does portray actual animals, so throughout the film the narrator explains what might be going through the animals' mind.
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Positive Messages
some
The messages about unconditional friendship are wonderful: Milo and Otis are loyal to each other and help each other through life-threatening situations. Later, as fathers, they also brave the elements to make it to safety. The movie's positive outlook might be dampened by the sense that the filmmakers may have exploited or even endangered animals to make the fictional tale.
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Positive Role Models
a lot
Milo and Otis demonstrate friendship across differences, loyalty, and bravery, as well as teamwork and courage. They're also good fathers.
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Violence & Scariness
a little
More violence than usually expected from a G-rated movie, particularly because the film features real dogs and cats, instead of animatronic puppets or computer-animated animals. Most of the movie features the dog and cat evading danger from encounters with various animals, like bears, hedgehogs, seagulls, and more. Milo bothers and pushes various animals, from crayfish (who snap back at him) to birds. Milo jumps off a cliff to escape a flock of seagulls and is forced to spend the night alone in the dark. Both Milo and Otis have close calls with predatory bears.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
very little
Milo meets a mate, and eventually Otis does as well (the couples romp around together in the snow). The births of kittens and puppies are shown.
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Language
very little
Some mild threatening language like "You're dead meat" or "Make my doggie day" or "cruddy."
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Adventures of Milo and Otis is a classic '80s family film and an entertaining look at how a barn cat and dog befriend each other and are willing to risk everything to help the other survive. Families sensitive to animal rights should know that the movie has since come under scrutiny for having possibly put the various dogs and cats in the film in dangerous situations for the benefit of the plot. The movie shouldn't be mistaken for a documentary, but it does show how dogs and cats deal with other farm and wild animals. There are some frightening situations, especially when Milo and Otis are separated and must face predatory bears, seagulls, and other animals by themselves. In one scene, Milo even jumps off a cliff. The births of a litter of puppies and kittens are depicted, but not in an overly graphic manner. Ultimately, this is a story of an unlikely but unconditional friendship. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
What's the Story?
At the start of THE ADVENTURES OF MILO AND OTIS, newborn Milo, a real scamp of a kitten, meets timid puppy Otis and it's the beginning of a hilarious friendship. Trouble finds them everywhere, even in the form of an irritated, nose-tweaking crab! But fun turns into peril when Milo gets swept downriver in a box. Otis follows, trying to rescue his frightened friend. From then on the two have numerous scary encounters -- most notably with a voracious bear who just won't give up -- but eventually Otis rescues his friend. Joyce, another cat, joins Milo and Otis as they try to return to the farm. Otis becomes jealous of the new cat's relationship with Milo and takes off on his own. In the midst of winter, Otis meets and falls for Sandra, another pug. Milo, Otis and their respective mates give birth to many little ones. Milo and Otis reconcile and in the spring, finally head for home.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the friendship between Milo and Otis. How is it special? How did they prove their loyalty to one another in The Adventures of Milo and Otis? What lessons can we learn from them?
What do you think about the allegations that the filmmakers endangered animals in the making of this movie? Does that change your experience of the film? Does it make you less likely to watch or recommend it?
How do Milo and Otis demonstrate teamwork and courage in The Adventures of Milo and Otis? Why are those important character strengths?
