Rating (4 out of 5)

I am glad I spent the 1 hour and 10 minutes to watch this charming and good hearted animated move on Netflix.  This film is far superior the academy award winner and fellow nominee of that year Zootopia.

Plot: A young boy Ikhar’s (he likes to be called Zucchini) mom dies and he is sent to a foster home, where he learns to make friends and find love.

What I Liked:  Simon is one of the boys who is in the foster home with Zucchini.  He seems like a mean character, until one day Zucchini protects him.  Simon then reveals all the stories behind each of the children that is in the foster home.  You realize there are different stories for each child and you want them the kids to find a happiness.

I enjoyed watching the Zucchini slowly getting to know the children and the caregivers.  Slowly they all grow together and establish affection for one another.   Simon seems to grow most of all and works to protect his friends.

I feel like in American media you only see the negative side of foster car providers and the system.  We forget there are also very good people trying to make a postive impact.  In Zucchini, the policemen, and the people running the foster home are portrayed as good people protecting the children as best as they can.

Visually this is striking animated movie.   Claymation is utilized for Zucchini and no another computer generated movie.  The colors of the characters are vibrant and rich which keep the tone of the movie hopeful and upbeat.

What I Didn’t Like:  I understand this is meant for children, but the the movie was a bit happy path, rather than what probably happens with foster children.

Conclusion:  Zucchini is a focused, short, entertaining, somber, happy and hopeful film that will entertain any family.  I am glad I watched this film and would happily watch Zucchini again.