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Matthew Harbour, Tom Skerritt, Ellen Burstyn, Jane Seymour, Una Kay ... see more see more... , Kevin Jubinville , Michael Sinelnikoff

Live-action filmmaking mixes with imaginative animation in director Michael Landon Jr.'s feature adaptation of author Margery Williams' beloved children's book. An energetic child with a vivid imagina... read more read more...tion, Toby Morgan (Matthew Harbour) lives with his father (Kevin Jubinville), a successful businessman who seemed to shut down emotionally following the death of Toby's mother. When Toby is sent to spend the Christmas holidays with his loving but stern grandmother (Una Kay), he wanders through the lonely house until he eventually discovers the "magic attic" that was once his father's childhood playroom. There, Toby is surprised to find that his mother left him a stuffed velveteen rabbit -- her final gift to her beloved son. Hugging the rabbit close as he starts to cry, the grieving boy watches in wonder as his tears magically bring the toy to life. Before long, Toby is frolicking in the enchanted attic with a whole new group of friends, including the impetuous Horse (voiced by Tom Skerritt) and the wise but skittish Swan (voice of Ellen Burstyn). Toby's one wish is to spend Christmas with his father, and Rabbit's one wish is to someday hop across the fields as a real rabbit. Later, when Toby falls seriously ill, the courageous Rabbit helps him to win over his grandmother and make a full recovery. When Toby's father returns in time for Christmas, the power of the young child's love grants the Velveteen Rabbit its one true wish. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Flixster Users

62% liked it

7,525 ratings

Critics

86% liked it

7 critics

G, 1 hr. 28 min.

Directed by: Michael Landon Jr.

Release Date: February 27, 2009

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DVD Release Date: March 29, 2005

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Stats: 195 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (195)

  • Redlats
    May 22, 2012
    Redlats
    When I saw this movie, it had been years since I glanced at the kid's book the Velveteen Rabbit, and compared to my great memory of the book, I found the movie a little disappointing. But the movie is cute - and for the kids everyone lives happily everafter.
  • thmtsang
    March 17, 2012
    thmtsang
    Cute movie with animated characters. Toby is sent by his dad to stay with his strict grandmother. He finds friends in the magic attic when toy come to life in his imagination.
  • crazydannielle16
    February 1, 2011
    crazydannielle16
    This movie I think had the absolute WORST line in movie history: "Greater love hath no toy than he than laid down his life for a child." I feel so bad for Tom Skerritt who had to say this line with a straight face. I cracked up hysterically and had to pause the movie to get my gi... read moreggles out.

    Despite being SO CORNY at times, this movie was actually quite touching and well-done.
  • John2223
    June 16, 2010
    John2223
    Nice story for kids and family.
  • SunilJawahir
    March 25, 2009
    SunilJawahir
    Used to watch this a lot as a kid and Meryl Streep does an amazing narration.
  • thesouthernlady
    January 3, 2011
    thesouthernlady
    It could have been better, but it was a very cute movie. I like how it show that when we get older we forget about having fun.
  • jenevieve1975
    August 17, 2007
    jenevieve1975
    Awww . . . it's my favorite childhood story come to the big screen! All of the children will love this touching story!

View All The Velveteen Rabbit Reviews

Critic Reviews

Joe Leydon
February 27, 2009
Joe Leydon, Variety

A low-key charmer that's bound to enchant small children and amuse their parents during many hours of repeat viewings. Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
March 19, 2009
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

A family drama, based on the popular children's book, about how loving makes us real. Full Review

S. Jhoanna Robledo
February 27, 2009
S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media

Family film lacks frills but has sweet message for kids. Full Review

Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
February 27, 2009
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul), St. Paul Pioneer Press

The live-action cast may be unknowns, but they're effective enough; the 2-D (drawn and digital) animation is winning; and the story will engross any 8-and-younger with the patience to watch it. Full Review

Lisa Ann Cockrel
February 27, 2009
Lisa Ann Cockrel, Christianity Today

While it isn't exactly a classic, it expresses the power of hope in the imaginary world and the importance of communicating our love for one another in the real world. Full Review

Jeff Vice
February 26, 2009
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City

These days, even employing the traditional, 2-D cel style of animation seems like a quaint notion. Full Review

Brian Orndorf
February 25, 2009
Brian Orndorf, BrianOrndorf.com

Rabbit has a full, gushing heart it wants to share with the audience, and released in the wake of a thousand obnoxious fart-happy distractions, its inherent gentleness and ability to remain inspired b... Full Review

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Facts

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    • Toby Morgan: You were right Rabbit, love does make us real.
    • Toby's Father: I can't go through that again
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