TV Shows
About
Set in the 23rd century. Animals have mutated/evolved, and they basically run the surface. Humans have been forced to live in underground in burrows. 13 year old human Kipo accidentally ends up on the surface all alone after her burrow got attacked by a mega-monkey. She goes on a journey to find her way home, meeting people and mutes along the way.
Includes 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC representation 
Testimonials
“This is the most wholesome and optimistic show ever. It’s all about seeing the best in others and believing in people’s ability to change. Humans and mutes hate each other, and yet Kipo is just so nice that it is frustratingly impossible to hate her. It has amazing and hilarious world building. Different animals have taken on different personas in the most random way – frogs in suits, bees playing dubstep music, raccoons in 80s fitness clothes.”
About
Adora is raised as a cadet in the Horde army, alongside her best friend Catra. She accidentally discovers a magical sword that turns her into She-Ra, a mythical princess. Adora realizes that the horde has been hurting innocent people and lying to her and manipulating her, so she leaves to join the Rebellion.
Includes 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC representation
Testimonials
“This show has a bunch of princesses with superpowers fighting an evil army. It’s all about the power of friendship and there is lots of queer representation. Also there’s a flying talking rainbow unicorn and a whole sailor moon-esque transformation sequence. What’s not to love?”
Warnings
One important side character dies mid-way through the show.
Movies
Synopsis
Merida (Kelly Macdonald), the impetuous but courageous daughter of Scottish King Fergus (Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (Emma Thompson), is a skilled archer who wants to carve out her own path in life. Her defiance of an age-old tradition angers the Highland lords and leads to chaos in the kingdom. Merida seeks help from an eccentric witch (Julie Walters), who grants her an ill-fated wish. Now, Merida must discover the true meaning of courage and undo a beastly curse before it’s too late.
Testimonials
“One of the first Disney princesses who does not follow the Prince Charming trope. Instead, Brave is an inspiring movie showing the realities of growing up, navigating family relations, but ultimately finding the power within yourself.”
Warning: Violence
Synopsis
Despite his family’s generations-old ban on music, young Miguel dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz. Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. After meeting a charming trickster named Héctor, the two new friends embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
Includes BIPOC representation
Testimonial
“A thoughtful, culturally-rich movie that takes on topics such as family, life, and how to process death. Matched with beautiful music, this movie also brings Mexican culture to the forefront of a funny, yet emotionally-charged and insightful story.”
Warning: Talk of death, scene of someone getting killed via poison.
Synopsis
The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
Includes 2SLGBTQIA+ and BIPOC representation
Testimonial
“Disney really kicked it out of the park again on this film! If you haven’t heard of this movie yet, where have you been? Perfect for all ages with the catchiest of music, this movie will definitely resonate with everyone.”
“This movie has so much heart and such great music. The songs will absolutely get stuck in your head. Encanto touches on how trauma gets passed down between generations – specifically within Latinx families, but relatable to many cultures. Beautiful, hilarious, emotional.”
Synopsis
Set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera, Disney and Pixar’s original feature film “Luca” is a coming-of-age story about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca (voice of Jacob Tremblay) shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, Alberto (voice of Jack Dylan Grazer), but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: they are sea monsters from another world just below the water’s surface.
Testimonial
“Definitely a metaphor for those who feel different and out of place in society. Capturing the bond of strangers, this movie is colourful in content and visuals, great for any ages.”
Synopsis
Teenage elf brothers Ian and Barley embark on a magical quest to spend one more day with their late father. Like any good adventure, their journey is filled with cryptic maps, impossible obstacles and unimaginable discoveries. But when dear Mom finds out her sons are missing, she teams up with the legendary manticore to bring her beloved boys back home.
Testimonials
“A dazzling, heartwarming classic Pixar quest storyline – intertwined with a meaningful message about sibling relationships.”
“I love this movie. The big brother is exactly like my nephew and his wholesome, pure joy in everything he does makes me smile every time”
Warning: References to father’s death.
Synopsis
“Ron’s Gone Wrong” is the story of Barney, a socially awkward middle-schooler and Ron, his new walking, talking, digitally-connected device, which is supposed to be his ‘Best Friend out of the Box.’ Ron’s hilarious malfunctions set against the backdrop of the social media age, launch them into an action-packed journey in which boy and robot come to terms with the wonderful messiness of true friendship.
Testimonial
“This movie genuinely kept me laughing throughout the whole thing- Ron’s behaviour was just too funny. This film attacks the complicated reality of technology in today’s world, and its impact on children, socializing and friendships.”
Synopsis
Shrek is an ogre (Mike Myers) who likes his space. He meets Donkey (Eddie Murphy) who doesn’t know how to give anyone space. They are set on an adventure to rescue Princess Fiona who has a secret and of course hijinks ensue.
Testimonial
“The animation may be dated now but this story is still hilarious. Eddie Murphy claims this to be likely his best work and I tend to agree. Mike Myers uses a Scottish-Canadian accent for Shrek based on his mom and it’s perfect. I now watch it with my kid and enjoy it as much as when I was younger.”
Synopsis
Twelve-year-old Ted (Zac Efron) lives in a place virtually devoid of nature; no flowers or trees grow in the town of Thneedville. Ted would very much like to win the heart of Audrey (Taylor Swift), the girl of his dreams, but to do this, he must find that which she most desires: a Truffula tree. To get it, Ted delves into the story of the Lorax (Danny DeVito), once the gruff guardian of the forest, and the Once-ler (Ed Helms), who let greed overtake his respect for nature.
Testimonial
“The sheer importance of this story will make it a FOREVER classic. From a beloved book into a beloved movie, The Lorax uses bright colours, humour and amazing songs to shed light on the importance of sustainability and taking care of the earth. This movie will inspire all its viewers to start planting seeds afterwards.”
Synopsis
In “Turning Red”, Mei Lee is a confident, dorky thirteen-year-old torn between staying her mother’s dutiful daughter and the chaos of adolescence. And as if changes to her interests, relationships, and body weren’t enough, whenever she gets too excited (which for a teenager is practically ALWAYS), she “poofs” into a giant red panda!
Includes BIPOC representation
Testimonial
“Amazing Canadian representation! Finally a film that is set in Toronto, Ontario. A genuinely amazing new film, full of solid representation. The overall message of “it’s okay to not always be in control” really resonates.”
Warning: Lots of talk about changing bodies (puberty)