Story

Based on the popular children’s television show of the same name, Postman Pat: The Movie follows friendly postman Pat Clifton (voiced by Stephen Mangan), who promises his wife Sara (voiced by Susan Duerden) a trip to Italy when he gets his annual bonus.When Pat’s new boss cancels all bonuses, Pat decides to audition for the talent show You’re the One to win Sara her dream holiday.But while Pat is busy with singing success, his new boss builds an army of robot postmen who threaten Pat’s friends and family. Pat must decide what is more important – his success or his family.

Themes

Friends and family relationships; robots; fame and success

Violence

There is some violence in Postman Pat: The Movie. For example:

  • An evil robot cat shoots lasers from its eyes. No-one gets hurt.
  • The robot postmen have scary eyes. When they’re driving in their vans, the postmen nearly run over people.
  • The evil boss character threatens to hurt Postman Pat, but Pat is never hurt.
  • The robot postmen chase Postman Pat and try to attack him, but Pat escapes.

Sexual references

There are some sexual references in this movie, including occasional hip-thrusting dance moves.

Alcohol, drugs and other substances

None of concern

Nudity and sexual activity

None of concern

Product placement

The following products are displayed or used in this movie:

  • The talent show You’re the One is a clear reference to Britain’s Got Talent and The X Factor.
  • Postman Pat merchandise is marketed to children.

Coarse language

Simon Cowbell (the judge from the talent show) uses language such as ‘tatty country bumpkins’ and makes other rude comments, but he doesn’t use coarse language. Simon is often mean to the talent contestants, and children might copy his rude and sarcastic behaviour.

Ideas to discuss with your children

Postman Pat: The Movie is a fun and charming movie about the problems that come with success and fame, and the importance of cherishing human interactions.

The movie is ideal for children aged 5-10 years. Although some older children might find the movie boring, its humour is also likely to entertain adults. We recommend parental guidance for younger children because they might find the robots frightening.

These are the main messages from this movie:

  • Life is busy and fast, but it’s important to take time to cherish your friends and family.
  • Success makes you happy only when you have people to share it with.
  • The most important things in the world are friends and family.

Values in this movie that you could reinforce with your children include kindness, appreciation of others, and confidence and belief in yourself.

This movie could also give you the chance to talk with your children about:

  • Simon Cowbell’s attitudes and behaviour, and what might happen in real life if somebody is rude, sarcastic and very critical of other people
  • the real-life problems that can come with fame and success.

Supported By

Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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