‘Stellaluna’ teaches valuble lessons

Marisa O’Neil

One could describe the animated feature “Stellaluna” as a classic

fish-out-of-water tale.

But bat out of the belfry might be more apt.

Based on the popular children’s book, Stellaluna is a young fruit

bat who gets separated from her mother when an owl swoops down on

them during a nighttime outing. She winds up in a nest with a mother

bird, who accepts her into her family, so long as Stellaluna follows

the rules of the house, or nest as the case may be.

The little bat soon discovers though she’s similar to the birds,

she doesn’t quite fit in.

The other birds tease her for her funny-looking wings and lack of

feathers. Her new mother scolds her for teaching her other babies to

hang out upside-down.

Her initial feeling of alienation eventually gives way to a

celebration of her individuality, with the help of a couple of

colorful birds and a spider with delusions of grandeur.

She discovers that the things that make her different, like her

distaste for bugs, her ability to see in the dark and her night-owl

hours, also make her special.

The baby bat’s unique qualities also help get the baby birds out

of a tight situation after the mean old owl makes a return visit.

Any child who has ever felt like he or she didn’t fit in will

sympathize and learn from “Stellaluna.”

For those familiar with the Janell Cannon book, the film will

provide added enjoyment with its sweetly-drawn characters and

valuable lesson. The musical sections, however, tend to drag on a

bit.

The movie is due out on DVD in July, but Newport Beach Film

Festival goers can get a sneak peak today.

“Stellaluna” plays from 9:30 a.m. at the Edwards Island Cinemas,

theater No. 5, 999 Newport Center, Newport Beach.