Holiday Enjoyment for the Whole Family
Dec 23 '01 (Updated Aug 23 '02)
The Bottom Line A fine collection of wonderful family films to share with your loved ones.
In honor of this Holiday Season, and in the spirit of the newfound emphasis on family life that seems to be the sign of the times since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, I’ve decided to offer up a change of pace from my usual collection of travel-related reviews. And so here, submitted for your approval is my list of favorite family films on video. Each of these little treasures is likely to warm the heart or bring a tear to the eye (or in some cases, both). All of these are among my favorite films in any genre, and I like to think they could be among yours too. Note that they are in no particular order. So, without further comment, here they are:
1) A little Princess (1995): This remake of the classic 1939 Shirley Temple film (and based on the famous novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett ) became an instant classic itself. Widely praised by both audiences and critics alike, it still only managed to be a minor box-office draw. When released on video however, it did considerably better. Personally, I think this film is nothing less than a cinematic masterpiece. Wonderfully acted, and with absolutely stunning cinematography and a beautiful score (the terrific soundtrack is available on CD and I highly recommend it), it is by turns hilarious and heart-wrenching. My 7 year old granddaughter just bawled during parts of this film – not little whimpering cries mind you, but great gut-wrenching sobs (and I have to admit to a bit of a tight throat myself) – but you know, she LOVES the movie, and watches it over and over again. My personal feeling is that this little masterwork is one of those films that is truly a slice of magic. Though rated “G” it has plenty of appeal for adults, though note that very young children (ages 4 or younger) might find parts of it a little too dark and scary. However, for girls ages 7- 12 it might just be THE perfect film. Starring Liesel Matthews, Liam Cunningham, and Eleanor Bron as the spiteful Miss Minchin.
2) A Christmas Story (1984): This enchanting little film was a major failure when released (mainly because the releasing studio never really gave it chance), but, thanks to video and numerous broadcasts on commercial television, it has grown to be a family favorite in homes across the country – often compared to such truly great films as “It’s a Wonderful Life”. Based on Jean Shepard’s delightful book “In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash”, it stars Darren McGavin, Melinda Dillon, and Peter Billingsley as little 9 year old Ralphie Parker, who’s on a quest for the ultimate Christmas present – an “Official Red Ryder Carbine Action Two-Hundred Shot Lightning Loader Range Model Air Rifle”. Though very appealing to kids of all ages, this movie rarely fails to strike a chord with adults as well – mainly because it dredges up so many wonderful (and near-forgotten) memories of childhood. If you grew up in America during the late 40’s, 50’s or 60’s, I can almost guarantee you will see yourself in little Ralphie’s place. It’s a wonderfully nostalgic masterpiece about the magic of Christmas that is sure to bring a smile to the dourest face. You’d have to be dead not to like this film.
3) ET – The Extra Terrestrial (1982): What can I say about this movie? If you haven’t seen it, you must be an ET yourself. Back when this film first came out, I was managing a car wash while working my way through school, and being the social guy that I am, I made a great many friends among the regular customers. One of them happened to work for Sterling Recreation Organization (SRO) – a local (and now defunct) theatre chain here in the Seattle area. This particular customer was always in involved in the advance screenings of upcoming films. Anyway, he knew I was big movie fan and would always give me heads up on movies that were particularly good. I remember he told me that he’d been to an advance presentation of ET with a bunch of the hard-nosed company executives and he said they were bawling like babies. He said the film was going to be BIG. Boy was he ever right. Starring Henry Thomas, Dee Wallace-Stone, and Drew Barrymore.
4) The Iron Giant (1999): This is simply a wonderful animated film, with a sophisticated plot that has a lot to say about the dark side of human nature. Set in 1958 Maine against the backdrop of Cold War suspicions, it is the story of young Hogarth Hughes and his encounter with a gigantic robot from another world. Predictably, the local citizens are terrified by this colossal creation from beyond the stars, but Hogarth quickly learns that just because someone is different, doesn’t mean he is dangerous. It sounds trite and stereotyped, but it is far from it. This is a fine story, far more sophisticated than your typical animated feature, and indeed is just as suited for adults as it is for children. The animation in this film is simply wonderful (the aerial battle with squadron of US fighter jets is nothing short of spectacular), but it is the imaginative story that really sets this film apart from the multitude of action-based cartoons that flood the television airwaves every Saturday morning. This is a movie that is simply too well written to be viewed as a “mere” animated film. The Iron Giant can truly hold it’s own against any of the live-action Sci-Fi classics. With the voices of Eli Marienthal, Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston, and Harry Connick Jr.
5) The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992): This is actually my very favorite version of the Charles Dickens classic, with Kermit the Frog as Bob Cratchit, Miss Piggy as his wife, Michael Caine (in the sole non-muppet role) as Ebenezer Scrooge, and featuring the Great Gonzo as narrator (with occasional help from Rizzo the Rat). It features a delightful collection of songs by Paul Williams. I won’t go into the story as everyone surely knows it by now. Suffice it to say that Jim Hensons amazing creations do a wonderful job of conveying the plot. Sometimes touching, sometimes frightening, and often absolutely hilarious, this is in my opinion the most ultimately satisfying telling of the classic tale. Starring the voices of Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz and Dave Goelz.
6) Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986): I just love this film. Even sitting here thinking about it makes me smile. This movie is still incredibly popular among kids of all ages, but particularly so among Jr. High and High Schoolers. They can apparently watch it over and over again (as can I) without growing tired of it. It’s the story of a day of playing hooky by the title character and is filled with such ingeniously witty narration that it almost defies description. Follow Ferris as he proceeds through one unlikely adventure after another while the befuddled school principle tries vainly to track him down. Mathew Broderick showed major star potential in this wonderful film. Directed by John Hughes, famous for "16 Candles", "The Breakfast Club" and "Pretty in Pink" it also stars Alan Ruck, Mia Sara, and Jennifer Grey, as well as the hilarious Jeffrey Jones as Mr Rooney the principle.
7) Bugsy Malone (1976): Do a web search on the title of this movie and you will pull up page after page of local school musical productions based on the screenplay for this film. The studio heads must have thought Alan Parker was nuts when he first proposed the idea for this delightful little movie – a gangster musical starring children and featuring scaled-down sets and “splurge” (marshmellow shooting) guns. It was just too crazy and would never work. Well, they were partly right. The film was a major flop when first released. In fact, I think I was one of maybe 12 people nationwide (just kidding) to see it – actually - 13 since I dragged my mother to see it the very next day. I love this movie! Always have. Always will – and I have to admit I feel somewhat vindicated by the popularity it has gained over the years (as evidenced by the aforementioned number of local productions of the show). Starring Scott Baio, with John Cassisi as the overexcited Fat Sam and the amazing Jodie Foster - who was incredibly, only 11 years old but seemed as sultry a siren as ever was (don’t call me a pervert until you’ve seen the film for yourself). It was obvious to me even then that she was a major star in the making. The movie features a terrific collection of songs by talented Paul Williams, sung by adult singers and lip-synched by the children. Bazaar as the picture sounds, the fact is, kids are absolutely fascinated with this masterpiece. It’s really different, but once you accept it for what it is, it’s a whole lot of fun.
8) The Little Mermaid (1989): This was the film that (at least in my humble opinion) signaled a new burst of creative energy out of Walt Disney Studios. Coming on the heels of the forgotten “The Black Cauldren”, the sadly anemic “The Great Mouse Detective”, and the mediocre “Oliver and Company”, this movie was an instant smash with both critics and audiences alike – and it’s no wonder. With terrific animation and a wonderful score by the team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, it set the stage for a much-needed renaissance at Disney Studios. Personally, I found the story, dialogue and music to be so good, that I often forgot I was watching an animated film. It felt more like a live-action musical production than a mere cartoon. Starring the vocal talents of Jodi Benson as Ariel the Mermaid Princess, Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian the Crab, and Buddy Hackett as Scuttle the befuddled Seagull.
9) Beauty and the Beast (1991): Honored with nominations for 6 academy awards, including Best Picture (I believe the only animated film ever to receive that distinction), this movie was an instant classic. Featuring wonderful visuals and a terrific score by the team of Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, Beauty and the Beast ranks right up there alongside the best that Disney produced during it’s early glory days, and I suspect that Walt would be especially proud of this movie. Like “The Little Mermaid”, this film felt like a live action musical (especially the opening number) and it is really no surprise that it spawned a hugely successful live-action Broadway musical. Featuring the musical talents of Paige O’hara as Belle, Robbie Benson as the Beast, David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth, and Angela Lansbury as Mrs Potts. This is a film they can all be proud of.
10) Toy Story (1995): A simply wonderful film, with great songs by Randy Newman and featuring the vocal talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Don Rickles and Jim Varney, this movie seems to hold the attention of viewers young and old alike over and over again. This is due in part to the amazing visuals by Pixar (I believe the first major film to be 100% computer animated), and in part due to the delightful storytelling. Indeed, there is humor here for both children and adults and it’s no wonder it spawned a highly successful sequel. A definite winner no matter how you look at it.
Well, that’s it. My list of favorite family films. Most of them I’ve sure you’ve seen, a few perhaps not. In any event, I believe that all of them are likely to provide you and your loved ones with a few hours of enjoyable escape.
And so, from my household to yours….
… may you have a Happy Holiday Season and a bright and prosperous New Year.
Take Care,
Ken
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Member: Ken Klein
Location: Seattle, Wa
Reviews written: 36
Trusted by: 109 members
About Me:
I am in love with the tropics (especially the South Pacific).
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