By Jennifer McShane
12th Nov 2021
12th Nov 2021
Here are six perfect family-friendly films everyone will love – kids included.
The Wizard Of Oz (1939)
No film fails to transport me like the Wizard of Oz. Even today, the astounding visuals as Dorothy steps into the glorious technicolour dream that is Oz still make an impact. Judy Garland with that voice and those magical ruby slippers remains a vision as she tries to make her way to the emerald city with the help of Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion. Tho whole family couldn’t help but love it the same way.
Song of the Sea (2014)
The Oscar-winning Song of the Sea is one of the most enchanting Irish animations of recent years. The story follows Ben, a young Irish boy and his little sister Saoirse, a girl who can turn into a seal, as they go on an adventure to save the spirit world. Ben is resentful; believing that Saoirse, now mute, caused their mother’s death. He runs away from ‘Granny’ to rescue his dog Cú and stumbles into a magical world of fairies and selkies. It’s a beautiful, beautiful movie.
UP (2009)
Up saw Pixar return to form after a series of lukewarm movies and they’ve yet to match its heartwarming genius. For those who have loved and lost, for those who seek something more, you will truly love this visually beautiful movie. The jokes are as much for the adults as they are for the kids, and such is the animation, the house and its colourful balloons almost fly right out of the screen. It’s one of their best in recent years.
Hook (1991)
One of the late, great Robin Williams’ underrated roles is that of an aged, adult Peter Pan who has forgotten his time in Neverland. He’s forced to confront the memories he has since shut away when his old nemesis, Captain Hook (played by a brilliantly OTT Dustin Hoffman), kidnaps his children and he must fly (with a little help) to save them. It’s as starry-eyed a cast as you could get for a Steven Spielberg film – Julia Roberts, Maggie Smith and look out for the Glenn Close cameo – but it’s full of heart. They don’t quite make them like this anymore.
The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
This ghoulishly delightful Tim Burton classic remains a must-watch due to the incredible songs and score by composer Danny Elfman (who also composed, among many other things, The Simpsons theme tune). Jack Skellington, the Pumpkin King of Halloween Town, feels blue when it comes to organising his annual spooky holiday. He’s bored, he has a block – that is, until he stumbles into Christmas Town and discovers a whole new way to spread the ‘joy’ of All Hallow’s Eve around. Things don’t quite go to plan and fantastical adventures ensue.
Spirited Away (2001)
This one is completely enchanting but does fall into the ‘slightly creepy’ category thanks to some parts. Noted Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki has created this highly original story about a 10-year-old girl, Chihiro, who, along with her parents, ventures through a tunnel that leads to the world of spirits. After a witch, Yubaba turns her parents into pigs, Chihiro must find a niche in the spirit world, where humans are not well thought of, and figure out a way to convince Yubaba to change her parents back into humans and send them all home. It’s charming, playful – a truly enthralling animation.
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