Tripp, a popular high school senior, just can’t wait to
leave his small North Dakota town. His parents have split; his father works for
an unethical oil-drilling company and is estranged from Tripp. His mother is
dating Rick, the local sheriff, who has recently moved into their home. Tripp
has a friend in the elderly keeper of a local junkyard, who has given Tripp the
body of a car; if Tripp can make it run, he’ll have a nice set of wheels to
ride around town.
The drilling company has discovered an underground community
of giant creatures, but they are hoping to secretly kill all of the creatures
so that they can continue drilling without having to stop; the
environmentalists would not let them kill off a species, so the drilling company
is hoping to keep it quiet. One of the creatures has escaped their grasp, and
has taken a liking to Tripp – and has taken up residence in the body of Tripp’s
car. Together, Tripp and the creature run from the drilling company’s thugs who
intend to hurt Tripp and kill the creature.
*SPOILERS AHEAD THE REST OF THE WAY*
The Adoption
Connection
Tripp’s parents are separated. His mother has a new live-in
boyfriend who is initially impatient with Tripp. Tripp’s father appears to
betray him.
We eventually learn that the creature with Tripp is a child
who is just trying to reunite with his parents, who have been captured by the
drilling company.
Strong Points
Tripp, his tutor, and a scientist take brave actions to save
the endangered creatures.
Rick and Tripp appear to have a promising relationship by
the end of the film.
Challenges
Tripp’s father betrays him. Tripp responds by driving a
truck through his father’s trailer.
Rick is impatient with Tripp, and thinks ill of Tripp’s
father. He tells Tripp, “you’re gonna wind up just like your dad,” which angers
Tripp.
Tripp tries to tell Rick about the creature, but Rick doesn’t
believe him and instead scolds him. This results in Tripp being pursued by the
drilling company’s thugs.
Recommendations
The plot seems thin, villains seem caricatured, and the
protagonists are rather forgettable. This could appeal to some kids ages 9-12;
there are some opportunities to talk about bravery, being believed, and doing
the right thing even when others are pressuring you to do the wrong thing.
Questions for
Discussion
How do you speak to your kids about their birth parents?
Why didn’t Rick believe Tripp about the creature?
Tell me about a time when you’ve done the right thing even
when others were pressuring you to do something different.
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