Old and New: Great Kid Movies for Family Night
In 2014, the Disney film “Frozen” became the highest-grossing animated film of all time, according to Forbes. Disney might keep Elsa, Anna and Olaf near and dear to its heart for their commercial appeal, but kids will remember the nostalgia of their favorite films for life. Share these memories with your kids by making a family movie night featuring some of the best kid’s movies of all time.
“Annie”
“Annie” embodies the ultimate kid’s movie about independence, family and friendship. Song and dance follows Annie through her adventures inside and outside of an orphanage. However, the original 1982 film version may feel a little dated and the orphanage life a little intimidating to kids. And although, the updated, 2014 version may not be the classic its original was, it offers a modern and slightly more realistic reboot. Instead of an orphanage, the story takes place in the framework of a group home and presents a more diversified cast. Kids can learn more about family life, hardships and an interesting look at foster care all through the lens of an entertaining film.
“Matilda”
The charming tale of “Matilda” features a precocious, imaginative girl looking for a better life. Matilda serves as the ultimate bright and perky heroine who enacts revenge on the cruel adults in her life. Her parents are neglectful and and not supportive in her love of learning and books. Meanwhile, Matilda’s principal berates her students and punishes them to fantastical ends. The beloved book and film is now a Broadway show and has been called the best musical since “The Lion King.” Read “Matilda” the book, watch the film and see the Broadway show and argue with the kids over which one is the best.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone”
J.K. Rowling’s book franchise came to life on the big screen in 2001 with Daniel Radcliffe starring as Harry Potter. On his eleventh birthday, Harry discovers that his parents didn’t die in a car crash, but rather were two powerful wizards, and that he is now being courted by Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. He ultimately teams up with a few magical friends to help track down the truth about his family and to find his place in this magical world. Kids will love the fantastical world of Hogwarts and the compelling storyline where Harry learns the value of friendship and his own self-confidence. Best of all, there are more Harry Potter sequels to share on family movie night.
“The Goonies”
Recapture the adventure of childhood with “The Goonies.” In this movie, a group of kids decide to go hunting for rumored treasure to save their neighborhood from development. And if that doesn’t work, then they at least have one last adventure together. Hidden passageways, pirates, booby traps and a team of villains take the group through a maze to a forgotten pirate ship. This movie will make your kids want to go exploring every corner of their town with a treasure map in tow. And you get to see film stars like Sean Astin and Josh Brolin before they were all grown up.
“The Incredibles”
“The Incredibles” follows a family of superheros trying to go mainstream before getting tangled up in some trouble. This action-packed movie has stunning sequences without compromising on a heartfelt storyline, including working together as a family.
“Mary Poppins”
Julie Andrews stars as the ultimate super nanny in the classic film “Mary Poppins.” Two spirited kids, Jane and Michael, are introduced to their new nanny after she comes sailing into town by the gust of her open umbrella. Mary Poppins takes the kids on some fantastical adventures while brightening the disposition of their busy parents to form a deeper family bond.
