Updated: Jan. 27, 2020
Originally Published: Jan. 27, 2020
In the charming tale of ‘Troop Zero’, we meet a girl named Luna Star—what a name, right? Luna dreams of a chance to be immortalized on NASA’s Golden Record. Ever since her mother passed away, she’s been captivated by the wonders of space, from aliens to stars. To achieve her goal, Luna faces a daunting challenge: she must gather a group of Birdie troop members, motivate each of her friends to earn at least one badge, and somehow come up with $500 to enter the Jamboree competition.
This task is far from simple. There’s another troop in town, helmed by Miss Lila (played by the talented Kate Winslet), who embodies the polished demeanor expected of young ladies in 1970s Georgia. However, Miss Lila’s troop is anything but kind. One of her troop members even cuts off one of Luna’s braids, while others mercilessly tease the members of Troop Zero. They are pure bullies.
‘Troop Zero’ is a heartwarming underdog story that will resonate with every family member, just like it did with mine. We found ourselves rooting for Luna and her band of misfits—Rocco, Daisy, Tammy, and Ben—as they strive for success. The film touches on themes like race, class, gender, teamwork, loss, and friendship, keeping us engaged for the entire hour and thirty-seven minutes. It’s a relatable journey that makes us ponder: should we blend in or stand out?
Leading the Birdie Troop is the fabulous Miss Rayna (played by Viola Davis), who has ambitions of becoming a lawyer. She works for Luna’s father (played by comedian Kevin Hart) and reluctantly steps into the role of a surrogate mother. Initially hesitant to lead Troop Zero, Miss Rayna eventually embraces her responsibilities, bringing plenty of humor with her smokes and knowing glances. She embodies fierce independence while remaining appropriate for a younger audience.
Each girl in the troop works tirelessly to earn at least one badge for the Jamboree—an uphill battle. Daisy struggles with anxiety, causing her to throw up when nervous, while Luna faces embarrassing accidents. Rocco has a fiery temper, Tammy is quick to fight, and Ben, who loves fashion and hair, faces ridicule for being the only boy in the group. The film balances comedic moments, like a hilarious food fight, with heartfelt scenes that showcase blossoming friendships and the triumph of standing up to bullies.
I absolutely adored ‘Troop Zero’ because it reminds me of two of my all-time favorites: ‘The Secret Life of Bees’ and the classic ‘Now and Then’. It strikes the right balance of sass and heart, especially during Troop Zero’s adorable Jamboree performance—fun for the whole family without needing to shield their eyes or ears.
After watching, my kids had tons of questions. The movie, set in the 1970s South, still rings true for today’s audiences, touching on issues that kids and adults face alike. While munching on popcorn, we delved into discussions about Luna’s anxiety and the impact of grief on our emotions. We also tackled the topic of bullying, exploring how it can manifest in different forms from both kids and adults. We talked about standing up to bullies, inspired by a recent incident my older daughters faced on the school bus, where a boy was mocking others with derogatory remarks.
The film also addresses socioeconomics and privilege. Troop Zero struggles to scrape together money for the Jamboree, while their rival troop has it easier. Luna lives in a trailer, which brings its own stereotypes.
‘Troop Zero’ boldly embraces themes of gender diversity and inclusion. Luna finds Miss Rayna’s beauty tools bizarre and prefers her rain boots over traditional femininity, earning her disapproving comments from adults. Meanwhile, Ben, who joins the troop to earn his badge by giving makeovers, faces teasing for being the only male. In a humorous twist, Luna’s father has to step in as the troop’s leader, adding to the comedy.
Like all great family films, ‘Troop Zero’ wraps up with a joyful ending—though I won’t spoil it for you. Its messages of hope, resilience, and self-confidence are sure to leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside. A movie that makes you laugh and cry? That’s a win for everyone!
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In summary, ‘Troop Zero’ is a delightful film capturing the spirit of determination and friendship, perfect for family viewing. It blends humor and heartfelt moments, making it a standout addition to Amazon’s lineup.