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Don't Just Run Out And See The Latest From Disney's Mediocrity FactoryApr 27 '01 (Updated May 06 '04) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line "Children's Movies" shouldn't just be made for children, but made so that people of all ages can enjoy them together. That's right, I'm naming names. Disney, over the last ten-twenty years, has become the Number One source of dumbed-down, mediocre pablum to fill the minds of our children with schmoo. Inspector Gadget? Lookin' right at ya. 101 and 102 Dalmatians? How could Glenn Close do that to herself? Lady and the Tramp 2 (soon to be followed, I discovered, by Peter Pan 2, Dumbo 2, Hunchback of Notre Dame 2, CINDERELLA 2, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD?!?!?!?!?!???) Too many people just go and get in line at the theatre or video store and pick up Disney's latest release to entertain their children. That has become a BIG risk. Time for some new ideas in entertaining your pups, folks. If you NEED to prop them up in front of the idiot box (which I know I'll be doing too, eventually) it's time to be a little more discriminating. I have a two-year old son, and another son on the way (due in August). I wrote this review/list before the first was born, but in re-reading this now, my feelings haven't changed. I think too many movies underestimate children. I really don't like watching movies that talk down to them. I don't like movies that dumb things down for kids, or fill movies with gross-out humor, even as benign as a fart, for a cheap, easy laugh. I'd much rather have my children watch something that will make them think, or at least enjoy watching someone else think, and maybe learn something about themselves. That said, I myself am still pretty much a 4-year old in a lot of ways, and a 17-year old in others. And I still laugh at fart jokes. But IDEALLY, here are my top ten Children's Movies (subject to change when I remember another one): 1. The Wizard of Oz (1939) With powerful themes of friendship, loyalty, redemption, good vs. evil, this film that everyone and their little dog too has seen a dozen times is a great introduction to these ideas. That with bright fantasy, wonderful acting and songs, and unforgettable, very basic and easy to understand characters make this film my number one Children's Film. And it probably always will be. A remarkable accomplishment in 1939, that hasn't been surpassed since. And those flying monkeys still give me nightmares. 2. E.T. (1982) This movie is remarkable for a few things: the message of acceptance and inter-species cooperation, a realistic depiction of family, and being one of only two films I've ever seen that I liked Drew Barrymore in. The other one was The Wedding Singer. E.T. is also the first movie I ever cried at (although I followed it up the next year when Darth Vader died...). Great movie--can't wait for the DVD. There is some...age-appropriate dialogue in it--you may not want your kindergartner using the words Elliot and his brother use; But overall it's a breathtaking movie from Spielberg & Friends. 3. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) Probably the trippiest movie on this list, and in places the scariest--another movie with strong, easy-to-identify messages that teach children the "evils" of greediness, selfishness, gluttony, watching too much TV, nose-picking, etc. Another very enjoyable film for adults as well as children, with great performances from the entire cast. I do wish Charlie would comb his hair. That's another lesson for the brats, I suppose. 4. Mary Poppins (1964) Another wonderful film, this combination of live-action and animation has always worked well, and still holds up today. Makes chimney-sweeping seem like fun, and made the rooftops and service alleys of London a magical place to be. Great performances from the child actors, and especially from Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. 5. The Bear (1988) It's just the story of a Bear's life, and has very little human dialogue; it just lets the scenery and animals tell the story. Great movie, appropriate for all ages. Kinda a live-action version of "Bambi" with no songs, and a thousand pound carnivore instead of a fawn. 6. The Secret of Roan Inish (1994) A modern fairy tale about a little girl who is sent to live with her grandparents who are fishermen off the coast of Ireland; she starts to hear rumors and stories about her ancestors being "selkies"--sort of mermaids who are women who turn into seals. A quiet little film, that treats the supernatural and legendary elements as everyday, actual events. Great acting, and a must-see. 7. October Sky (1999) Based on a true story, this is about a boy living in a small mining town who wants to pursue his dream of becoming a rocket scientist. He faces enormous obstacles in his path, but together with a bunch of friends, is able to overcome them. Reminds me a bit of "Dead Poets Society" in places, but is a fine film. I may have cried at the end of this one. 8. Muppet Treasure Island (1996) The Muppet movie that best blends action, adventure, comedy, and the spirit of family that pervades the best Muppet productions; their take on Robert Louis Stevenson's classic takes some liberties (hey, it's the Muppets!), but tell a wonderful story with some nice tunes. The most fun of the recently released Muppet films, this one is one of my favorites. 9. The Sandlot (1993) I'm not a big baseball fan, but I am a fan of the camaraderie-coming-of-age stories like Stand By Me, Outsiders, those kinda things. Sandlot is similar to those movies, but for a younger set. Well-written, filmed not far from my neighborhood in Utah, and just a fun movie that's appropriate for all ages. The new kid in town learns how to fit in with the neighborhood gang in the 1950's/early 60's. Good stuff. 10. Incredible Journey (1963) This story of two dogs and a cat who get separated from their family and have to find their way home has become a classic--I think it's even been remade since this original version, but I haven't seen the update. They've probably added fart jokes. Just what every movie needs. Great outdoor scenery and adventure, and the message of cooperation between bitterest enemies can be appreciated by children of every age. Honorable Mentions: Anything from PIXAR. Whether it's one of the Toy Story movies, Monsters, INC, or the surprisingly emotional Finding Nemo, they're my go-to guys for a fine "family" flick. The Star Wars Trilogy (I just figured that since I use it in every review, it'd fit in here, and it does...) The other Muppet Movies (ditto) Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh The Wilderness Family Swiss Family Robinson The Princess Bride  |
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by carstairs38
by Stephen_Murray
