Jun 09, 2001 01:07 AM
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There are so many children's movies out there-some made for the big screen, some for TV and those sold directly to the video market (usually sequels). My five favorites are favorites of our children (all boys) that were also enjoyable to us. These are family movies and not all appropriate for the under five crowd.
Willy Wonka ''Come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination''. This retelling of Raold Dahl's classic book for children- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-is pure magic. Willa Wonka's factory is a place of wonder with chocolate rivers running through the edible candy forest. In the five children who win the chance to tour the factory we see caricatures of greed, selfishness, and overindulgence. Breaking of the rules leads to serious consequences (my favorite being when one of the little girls turns into a blueberry). These come along with little morales sung by the Oompa-Loompahs who run the factory. You'll be singing their little tunes for days.
The Never Ending Story This is the story of a quiet boy named Bastion who loves books. He starts to read a book of a kingdom ruled by a child princess and finds himself becoming part of the story. The kingdom is being overtaken by the ''nothing''-sort of a sense of ennui and young warrior Etreyu sets off to save the kingdom. Along the way he encounters many dangers and some interesting characters. The story flows back and forth between the kingdom and Bastion's present day world. Some children may find some of the darker scenes and the beast that represents the nothing too intense.
The Princess Bride This is a classic good vs. evil tale with many comic twists. Stable boy turned pirate (Corey Elwes) aided by less than effective cohorts (Mandy Patinkin and Andre the Giant) rescues the Princess ( Robin Wright ) from the clutches of the evil prince who plans to do her in and take over the kingdom. Great swashbuckling fun.
Matilda Another Raold Dahl tale. Matilda is a magical little girl totally unappreciated by her family. (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman are a hoot as her clueless parents). She attends a dreary school with an evil headmistress. There is, of course, one sweet teacher who befriends Matilda and everything turns out well in the end.
The Wizard of Oz. No childhood is complete without several trips to the Emerald City. This film is timeless. Smaller children may be afraid of the witch and the flying monkeys.
ET Steven Spielberg's story of a visitor from far away. ET has all the elements of a great story. There are some very funny scenes as the kids hide ET from the adults and one of the most heart wrenching moments I've ever seen on film as ET and Elliott lie near death. Look for a very young Drew Barrymore as Gertie.
Honorable mentions to:
Babe the tender story of finding your calling. Great blend of real animals and animatronic figures from Jim Henson's Creature Shop
The Black Cauldron Also from Jim Henson's Creature Shop
Andre True story of a Harbor seal
Cinderella Recent TV version with a multicultural cast featuring Whitney Houston as the Fairy Godmother.
Space Jam Looney tunes characters enlist Michael Jordan to play basketball against Aliens
Angels in the Outfield A story of believing in what might be possible.
The Muppet Movie, Muppet Treasure Island-anything with Kermit!
Why not grab some popcorn and watch one with your kids this weekend.
