User Reviews

Troop Zero is so colorful and delightful all around! Packed with a great soundtrack, inspirational story, endearing characters, and dialogue that is well written throughout. I don't know why I didn't see sooner it's just my type of charm in cinema. Jim Gaffigan, Viola Davis and McKenna Grace are excellent! Lovely indie about camp, space, and other feel-good vibes mixed with only a little bit of drama would recommend to anyone.

A quirky tale of kids aiming high in their scouts' troop, Troop Zero isn't the world's most original film, but that doesn't mean it can't be a delightful watch. Sweet and heartwarming with a dash of inspiring drama throughout, this is a really lovely movie that blends engaging characters with upbeat and pleasant emotion.

While it's never quite on the offbeat or surprisingly touching level of the likes of Moonrise Kingdom, Troop Zero is an impressively likable watch that's appropriate for younger viewers, and just as captivating for adults.

It's not an ode to the nostalgia of childhood as you may expect, but it's a film that really engrosses you in the lives of its characters, from its ambitious young misfits to a handful of surprisingly complex adult characters, particularly in the form of Viola Davis.

In that, Troop Zero isn't just a throwaway, Disney-esque kids' movie, but a genuinely engaging comedy-drama, brought to life with both sobering drama and wonderfully heartwarming emotion, not to mention a collection of great performances.

Viola Davis stars in the lead adult role as the woman who seeks to help a group of children achieve their dreams, but is troubled by failures in her own past. Throughout, Davis does a great job of blending a warm, almost motherly quality with genuine gravitas, and while the film's main focus is squarely on the fates of the children, she proves an enthralling supporting lead throughout.

But the real standout here is young Mckenna Grace, who is an absolute joy as Christmas Flint, the young misfit with dreams of speaking to aliens and travelling to outer space. Not only is she utterly adorable throughout, but also holds her own against legendary actors like Viola Davis in the film's more dramatic moments, impressing with engrossing emotional resonance alongside her boundless lovability.

Add all that together, and Troop Zero is an effortlessly likable film, with pleasant humour and engaging drama across the board. It's not a purely easy-going watch, and impresses with engaging and complex emotion at times throughout.

However, it's a wonderfully sweet, kind-hearted and uplifting tale of big dreams and doing what you love. It may not be the touchingly nostalgic tale to childhood it perhaps could have been, but with charisma, laughs and a big heart all the way through, it's a film that will easily put a big smile on your face.

I did not think I would love this movie. I watched it because I loved the peformance of Mckenna Grace in the movie Gifted. I enjoy trying to follow young actors that I think will grow into stardom. Grace in these two roles looks like she is on target for that type of career. The movie will remind you of a Wes Anderson or Watitie film two great directors.I was afraid the movie was taking the turn of being PC correct in every aspect of its characters. But it does so without shoving it in your face, Davis is powerful in her troop leader role as is the whole cast. I was teary eyed a few times in this touching depiction of a young girl full of Hope surrounded by nothing in her world that called for it. So she reached beyond and found other misfits like herself and it makes for a fine film. If you like Grace here check out Gifted. Rich

When I first watched the trailer, I thought it would be another one basic PG movie. Eventually, it was so good with a great meaning. The plot and the characters were so interesting and nice choice. The diversity of the casting was magnificent. By the way, the 70's vibes were just in point. The ending was good (I didn't expected something worse, because it's a PG movie). I think everyone should give it a chance, because it explains the meaning of the friendship, hope and revolution. The only thing I didn't like was, the first 15 minutes, it was so boring and childish. Anyway, I'm glad that I saw that movie, wow!

Christmas Flint, the lead character in this film, says: "Zero is the number of infinity", and though this motley troop of kids are - from one point point of view - total losers - there is a cosmic, loving reality inside everyone of us - even them. Quirky, funny, big-hearted movie. Done by the creator of Beast Of The Southern Wild, this has a similar feel; if you enjoyed Beasts, you will enjoy this one, maybe even more, as I did. The kids will be alright.

Ridiculous but so realistic. You will feel at home in troop 0 whether you are the outcast or not. It is so comfortable and brave and will make you wan to fight against oppression of all kinds after you get a hug from you mum.

My husband and I absolutely loved this from the very beginning. The girls are cute, the story is great and even the interactions were fun. I think most of the negative reviews were people that didn't grow up in the 70's and didn't ever experience being teased or left out of the group. I totally related to this film and loved the s#$&* out of it!

A beautiful funny emotionally driven metaphorically speaking movie. It's an intelligent story that is entertaining to all ages. If you have expectations of something else, maybe you chose the wrong movie. This is delightful. If you're offended, again you may have wanted a different movie. This is a thoughtful story.

Although at times I felt the makers were trying a bit too hard to pull at the heartstrings, and sometimes the influence of Little Miss Sunshine and other films of that kookie, quaint, highly engineered 'homespun' ilk seemed a bit obvious, I really, thoroughly enjoyed it, and I'll admit I shed a tear and I let out a number of very un-British "Whoop"s during the course of this highly engaging and endearing little movie (and it is a little movie; a well-proportioned movie made with a certain amount of love). I will recommend it to all my jaded cinefile friends - no matter how much they might ridicule me!

"Troop Zero," which is based on Writer Lucy Alibar's play, "Christmas and Jubilee Behold the Meteor Shower." Alibar has an appreciation for free-range upbringings, and aims for a sweeter understanding of personal challenges with her latest effort. "Troop Zero" doesn't stray far from underdog cinema formula, but Alibar keeps her material sentimental and empowering, trying to speak to the heart of pre-teen characters as they battle adults, bullying and 1970s. And at its heart, the film never loses sight of the focus of the scouts working together as friends to achieve something good and positive.

Front and center are the young actors of TROOP ZERO. And what a talented bunch! Charlie Shotwell, is a real charmer as Joseph, the lone male Birdie Scout but the one with a flair for fashion and hair. Johanna Colon is one to watch given her spin on Smash. And a wonderful touch is that Smash has an engineering skillset! Similarly, Milan Ray as Hell-No Price is feisty and fun. Bella Higginbotham is also a break-out with her one-eyed holy roller embodiment of Anne-Claire. Put all of them on your radar. But this is Mckenna Grace's film and as Christmas, she carries it with a stubborn and defiant, yet insecure voice that touches the heart. There is a positivity, optimism, and earnestness one rarely sees in an actor of this age and you are drawn to it. I also got a real kick from the sarcasm of Oscar winners Davis & Janney ;-)

Rob Lord's score which is tonally light and refreshing. Can't go wrong with Bowie, Aretha and other 60's/early 70's gems. Period perfect, story perfect, and fun!

An endearingly-gifted young leading lady, sparkling supporting performances, and a devilishly irreverent take on the underdog story make this period movie funny, surprising, and notably current. Filled with heart, joy, inspiration, and fun !

It had its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on February 1, 2019. This was the first feature film from Amazon Studios to be released as streaming-only, on the Amazon Prime Video service, on January 17, 2020.

Directed by Bert & Bertie Written by Lucy Alibar

Cast: Mckenna Grace, Viola Davis, Allison Janney, Jim Gaffigan, Mike Epps, Charlie Shotwell, Johanna Colon, Milan Ray, Bella Higginbotham 9/10

Man, I don't know if I'm super sensitive but this movie made me cry plus it had some fun moments. It was predictable in some parts which is to be expected but I'd you are looking for a feel-good family movie this is it.

Great movie. Makes you feel things and think about life and how you treat people. Simple movie and set. Great cast too.

I think you need to watch it to understand. I promise you wouldn't regret it. The meaning of true friendship, hardship, love and pain felt unexpectedly.

I absolutely loved this movie! Stand By Me for 2020! Fabulous performances both young & old! 😘😘😘😘

Just watched this and I much say, I was very surprised how good this was. Definitely one of the nicest films I've seen in a long time, apart from 'Come As You Are', which is very different to this film but also very good.

Fantastic movie.. it has a wonderful message of encouragement, friendship and love. Is definitely a feel good film in a unexpected way....

This is one of the few movies that I watched again right after the ending. I have been watching "brat pack" movies since Hal Roach's "Our Gang" and it is one off the best of the genre. I laughed and cried throughout the film. The second time was better than the first, and I can tell that a third and fourth time will bring even more out. For example, listen very carefully at the very end to Christmas; every word to hear something I missed completely the first time round.

It has many points of genius that set it apart from other brat pack films and IMO will make this movie remembered as a classic. I didn't realize it the first time I ran the film but Lucy Alibar, the screenwriter for "Beasts of the Southern Wild" wrote this one. The screenplay, like "Beasts", is multi-layered, talks to me in little girl girl voices from some sort of magical world of remembered hurts and joys and friendships. The detailed settings by the The Art Department are rich and colorful. A movie like this I may watch a dozen times in the coming years and I am certain i will find new fun things in the settings each time. Another point of genius was brought by the the casting people: Lindsay Graham and Mary Vernieu. They brought a perfect child actor and actresses for each role. Its the actresses and actor playing the children of "Troop Zero" which capped off a near perfect "brat pack" movie:

Grace McKenna should be nominated for a "Best Young Actress" Award for her work in this role. I have seen her in Mr. Church (2016), Gifted (2017), How To Be a Latin Lover (2017), and I, Tonya (2017) previously (and some of her TV appearances). In "Troop Zero" she plays Christmas Flint in what is one of the more touching roles I have seen a little girl play in a long time. She reminds me of Mary Kornman, an adorable girl lead in Hal Roach's Our Gang who was special in the same sort of way. Another comparison might be made with Mhairi Anderson in The Daisy Chain (2008). She is so vulnerable and at the same time strong, funny, pathetic, adorable and, well, special in a way that I can't quite pin down.

But it doesn't stop there, all the kids were perfect: Milan Ray as the bulling poor girl with nothing to lose named "Hell-No" Price; The painfully shy little Jesus loving Anne-Claire who has a piece of cardboard covering her missing eye played by Bella Higginbotham; Christmas's best friend Joseph, "half-boy and half-girl" played by Charlie Shotwell; and last but not not least, the chubby "Smash", who lives up to her name smashing everything in sight played by Johanna Colón. The combination of the five is dynamic.

Its been called on many reviews a "little movie" and still rated highly. I may be the first to write that I consider it an instant brat pack classic with a unique focus on girls.

Disclosure: I don't work for or have I worked for, or know anybody involved in this movie or the movie industry. I did write an unpublished thesis on girls in film history which includes "Beasts" and McKenna Grace.

This is an underrated gem of a movie. It is a feel good movie that we all need now and I think everyone should watch it. I did not want to see it, because I was not drawn to the story or plot. I was so wrong. I laughed a lot, I cried, I felt good vibes for the first time in...well, it has been a while. ⭐🌟🌠⭐🌟🌠⭐🌟🌠⭐

Loved this movie. It was a pleasant surprise. The film has plenty of messages in it for all of us and it is such a heartwarming story with just the right amount of humor and pathos. Quirky characters, great acting and I wanted to stand up and applaud them all at the end. Well done.

Just finished watching Troop Zero- Everyone on the globe should be made to watch it- If a kid wants to be an astronaut, a hair dresser, or a lawyer, they should have their chance to dream, and their chance to try- Every kid wants to be accepted for who they are, and they should be, without bullying, and with friends who get them, and less than perfect parents and role models who love them like crazy- The credits are a must see and hear, where children of every nation, and in every language say "Hello, from the children of planet Earth" to anyone "out there" who might be listening 👽

I enjoyed this so much. There's a lot of deeper messages that actually hit home. I loved the unique characters and the setting and time period and all. Soundtrack was pretty great. Epic David Bowie tribute moment. I cried when the play was performed and the kids show solidarity together. You'll know what I mean. This is a kid's film with a lot of imagination and hope, but also an unsentimentally which is refreshing. Perhaps there were some moments I doubted. But all in all I think it ended in a meaningful way that wasn't perfect or happily ever after. I appreciated that. I think there is a great deal of good morals here that will be enriching for the young and the older people who see it. I think I would place it as most similar to "The School of Rock" and it's band of misfits with a good dose of "Stand By Me" and some of the moral intensity it has, and then set in the South where people say "funna."

Troop Zero is your classic underdog beatdown-redemption story, so though it doesn't break new ground in storytelling/plot originality, it's still a good implementation of a classic archetype. We particularly loved young Mckenna Grace's portrayal of underprivileged yet persistently delightful "Christmas Flint". She's a special little actress and looks to be on the same trajectory that Jodie Foster was as a famous child actress. Allison Janney portrays the villainous Miss Massey, not too unlike her "Bonnie" character in the long-running series, "Mom". Bert & Bertie are relatively new to directing films but they've done a fine yeoman's job here, requiring us to reach for tissues at the end, nice. It's a fine, well-built family film that young families will especially be drawn to.

This isn't a new story. It isn't going to blow you away with amazing special effects and historically accurate costumes. It's not going to boggle your mind with complexity.

Instead it will spread a message of acceptance, perseverance, empathy, and bravery to a new generation of underdogs and misfits. This isn't a new story, but it's an important one and Troop Zero delivers it with the quirkiness and love it deserves.