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It's officially reached the point that we are so desperate for entertainment and relief from boredom that we're unironically watching shows about the corrupt and weird world of unethical big cat animal shows in the southern United States.
Here's a few suggestions for movies that are slightly more edifying (movie trailers included). I'm focusing on entertaining rather than challenging films for this post-- I think we've got enough challenging stuff to deal with already.
The first few movies are family friendly, and then I move on to some that should probably wait until the kids go to bed.
Here's a few suggestions for movies that are slightly more edifying (movie trailers included). I'm focusing on entertaining rather than challenging films for this post-- I think we've got enough challenging stuff to deal with already.
The first few movies are family friendly, and then I move on to some that should probably wait until the kids go to bed.
1.) Secondhand Lions
A wonderful story about grumpy old men, romantic adventure, and young boy learning how to trust again. Parts are a little bonkers, but in the best possible way.
Rated PG.
2.) The Princess Bride
If your kids haven't seen this yet, now is the time. A dazzling, funny, touching story of romance, adventure, and TRUE LOVE!!!
Also, according to his memoir, when Cary Elwes (Wesley) got to meet St. John Paul II, he was recognized for his part in this film-- "Where you in The Princess Bride? Very good film, very funny."
So...there's that.
Rated PG.
3.) The Prince of Egypt
Subject matter aside, probably one of the best animated musicals ever made. Gorgeous animation, fantastic soundtrack, and a compelling story.
And as regards the writing and acting, I actually personally prefer it over The Ten Commandments.
Rated PG.
4.) Oscar
Sylvester Stallone stars as a Depression era mob boss named Snaps Provolone trying to clean up his act and become respectable, but on the day he's inviting bankers over to discuss making him a legitimate businessman, he suddenly finds himself in the midst of a family crises with his daughter.
Tim Curry shows up at one point as a dialect/speech coach/love interest, and it's probably the funniest thing I've ever seen.
Rated PG.
5.) Galaxy Quest
A loving, but hilarious, parody of Star Trek and Trekkie culture. A group of has been sci-fi actors accept what they think is a gig for a new show, but soon find that it's something requiring a lot more investment. Starring Tim Allen, Alan Rickman (in the only comedic role I've seen him in, and he absolutely knocked it out of the park) and Sigorney Weaver.
And Rainn Wilson (Dwight from The Office) in his film debut. Take a look at the people in the limo in the film's opening act.
Rated PG.
6.) The Scarlet and the Black
This is the first film on the list that might need to wait until little ones go to bed. It would probably be fine for most teenagers.
A story about an Irish monsignor (Gregory Peck) in the Vatican during WWII organizing an underground railroad to evacuate Jews and allied soldiers from an occupied Rome, all the while also playing a game of cat and mouse with a Nazi official (Christopher Plummer). The adventure and suspense in this film are masterfully done, and the story and characters are handled wonderfully too.
This is a 1960s or 70s era PG, so a PG-13 in today's ratings.
7.) Young Frankenstein
For whatever reason I couldn't find a good quality recording of the trailer for this film, so here's a clip instead.
Mel Brooks was a comic master, and this is one of his better films. Rib achingly funny throughout, and very quotable. A descendant of Dr. Frankenstein receives a letter asking him to come and take care of his late ancestor's estate. He makes the journey to Transylvania, discovers the secret to artificially creating life, and hijinks ensue.
There's a fair amount of innuendo in this one, so wait until the littles go to bed.
1970s era PG, so PG-13.
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