Back to School with Franklin

Back to School with Franklin is a 2003 family-friendly animated film directed by Arna Selznick, featuring an ensemble voice cast of several established actors including Cole Caplan, Richard Newman, Elizabeth Saunders and Bryn McAuley among others. This delightful movie is an extension of the Franklin and friends TV series - a production based on the popular children's books about Franklin the Turtle by Paulette Bourgeois and Brenda Clark.

In Back to School with Franklin, young viewers are welcomed back to the beloved Green Valley with its lush green landscapes, charming red brick houses and quirky, adorable animal residents. This movie extends beyond the typical short tales of Franklin's day-to-day experiences, diving into a longer narrative where Franklin faces the challenges of change and growth in a relatable and compassionate manner.

Cole Caplan breathes life into Franklin Turtle, providing just the right touch of innocence and boldness to the character. Franklin is everyone's favorite friendly turtle, known for his relatable adventures and interactions within the world around him. As summer ends and autumn looms, Franklin and his friends are ready to go back to school. He’s excited to see his friends again and begin another year of learning. Franklin has always been comfortable in his routine and setting, so it's quite unsettling for him when he discovers that his usual teacher, Mr. Owl, will be replaced by Miss Koala, voiced by Elizabeth Saunders.

Richard Newman, with his unique vocal attributes, does a fantastic job at personifying Mr. Owl, Franklin's wise, old-school teacher who goes on vacation, leaving his students in the care of Miss Koala. However, the arrival of Miss Koala, an Australian teacher, stirs some worry among Franklin and his friends. She's different from Mr. Owl in her teaching methods and accent which creates a stumbling block for the students.

Franklin's friends; including Bear, voiced by Luca Perlman; Beaver, given a voice by Bryn McAuley; and other Green Valley inhabitants, also grapple with this change. Watching these well-known characters adapt and overcome their anxieties forms the pivotal plot point of the film. The movie blends Franklin's journey of handling change and Miss Koala's integration into the community seamlessly.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Back To School With Franklin is its ability to connect with its young audience on a personal level, wrapping life lessons in vibrant animations and easy-to-follow storytelling. Despite being an animated children's film, it does not shy away from addressing the subjects of fear of change, acceptance, and adaptability. Whether it’s the new routine or the unfamiliar accent of their teacher, each character in the movie slowly learns that different isn't bad, and change can be good.

Moreover, the film's bright and detailed animation, along with its simple yet touching narrative, makes it enjoyable for both kids and adults alike. When it comes to the pictures, the animation successfully captures the quaint and comforting atmosphere of Green Valley, making it warm and inviting. The creators were able to maintain the essence of the original books while transferring it to the big screen.

The script is sprinkled with humor, adding a light-hearted tone that perfectly contrasts and balances the subtle moments of uncertainty and tension. Moments of laughter shared between characters, and the frequent bursts of whacky situations kept the children glued to their seats. The movie also involves fun, catchy tunes that augment the movie-watching experience, and years later, fans can still remember and hum along to these tunes.

In a nutshell, Back to School with Franklin is a heartwarming tale that resonates with its audience, leaving them with real-life lessons about accepting and adapting to change. It successfully maintains the charm of Franklin’s universe while addressing pertinent issues and delivering valuable messages making the film an unforgettable watch. It is more than just an entertaining movie; it is a beautifully crafted teaching tool that guides young hearts and minds through challenge and change. Merrier, smarter, and stronger, Franklin and his friends show how it's done!