Sarah and Peter are obsessed with their phones, so the idea of a night without them seems perilous. When their grandfather takes their phones and insists that they listen to a story, the children are not pleased. Grandfather reads a tale from a captivating book, and before long both Sarah and Peter are on the edge of their seats awaiting the conclusion.
The story begins with a young boy named Scott who is staying with his grandmother at her mansion. After introductions to the house staff and meeting up with an old friend, Emily, grandmother leaves the two to explore the mansion—with one rule: not to go into the attic. Before long, Emily and Scott realize that there is something going on upstairs, and it’s up to them to figure it out.
The Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet is a heartwarming tale of how two children help their friends Abbot, the Wizard, and Rufus, the fantastic pet, save their dying world. They must overcome obstacles and look out for one another. They quickly learn the importance of teamwork and taking care of their planet.
While The Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet is entertaining, parents should be aware that the story centers around sorcery. The entire plot focuses on Scott, Emily, Rufus, and Abbott as they try to save Abbott and Rufus’ “magical world in a kingdom parallel” to earth. They must do so without allowing the evil sorceress, Lilith—who is acting as grandmother’s maid—to steal Abbott’s spell book or magic amulet. Together, they must use the amulet to transport all over the earth and find different ingredients for their potion to save the parallel world.
The magic in this film is more comical than dark. For example, Lilith’s potion to gain her powers back includes a dirty sock which makes her feel sick. No one in the film is killed—they simply have their powers taken or they temporarily run away. Even the verbal spells are very mild, using common words instead of words that are made up or evil.
Despite the sorcery and questionable parental supervision—as Emily and Scott are gone overnight and into the next day with little explanation—The Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet is a movie that is great for the whole family. The story is entertaining and well written for both kids and adults. Parents must consider their opinions related to wizards, but otherwise, The Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet is Dove-approved for All Ages.
The Dove Take:
The Adventures of Rufus: The Fantastic Pet is an entertaining story for the whole family; however, it should be noted that the plot centers around wizards and their magical land.
