Film: Frogs and Toads

When this movie started, I was a little skeptical. By the end, I wanted to watch it again! Frogs and Toads tells the tale of young Max, his friend Jesse, and his older brother Jannus. Jannus must have his tonsils removed, and he tells Max that he will never be able to speak again unless he can find frog spawn. Max is staying at their grandmother’s house in the country. He tries to get frog spawn, but only falls in the water. Max is impatient to get it, and when he visits his brother in the hospital after the operation and finds Jannus is angry and cannot speak, he runs away to search for frog spawn.

Soon, he meets budding “doctor” Jesse, who insists that Max become her patient. Then together they set off to reach Max’s goal. But it’s not that simple. First, they must escape a rather eccentric bus driver. Then they struggle to keep their new friendship on track. That accomplished, they make an exciting journey through forest paths, fields of tall grass, and beautiful roads that go through the country. Humorous songs and incredible animals, plants and insects keep up their courage and leave you delighted and laughing.

I can’t tell you the end, but it is great, and musical!

An interesting thing about this film was that it is in Dutch. Don’t worry, though, English subtitles make sure you understand the movie, and by the end, you will probably have learned some of this language!

I recommend this movie to ages 1 to 1,000! Even if you are too young to read, I think you will enjoy it. Also, after a while, for most of the scenes you don’t even need the subtitles. Try it out!

In all, I liked Frogs and Toads. It has loyalty, friendship, music, love, and pancakes (yes, pancakes) all together.

— Pearl Vercruysse

If you are interested in becoming a kid critic, please call the Martha’s Vineyard Film Festival at 508- 645-9599 or e-mail Lindsey Scott at lindsey@tmvff.org.