Family Favorite Movies
We enjoy sharing a great movie together while baking or working on crafts. Following are movies we watched together and what we thought of them. They are rated on a ***** scale, with five * being the best, and none being the worst. Let me know what you thought of these movies and if we have missed any good ones!
A
PG-13 comedy about a pet detective who gets involved in a murder-mystery related to a missing dolphin. Jim Carrey is hysterical and charming, and seeing him in a tutu is well worth the rental fee for this funny flick. There are many reasons for small children not to see this, including sexual situations and language; I would have rated it R.
***
Jim Carrey is back as the comedic pet detective, this time trying to restore peace to warring villages in Africa. Carrey goes over the top with the rhino scene. Once again PG-13 due to sexual situations and language, this one is also more violent.
**
The kooky Addams family and their wealth become the target of a con-artist and her son. Posing as the long-lost Fester, the son of the con-artist gains access to the mansion and tries to find the fortune. The actors portray the characters perfectly and the movie is delightful. Rated PG-13 but younger children will enjoy it if viewing with a parent.
****
A new addition to the Addams family creates a new brand of sibling rivalry. The nanny turns out to be a gold-digging homicidal maniac, which would be okay if she would just let her new husband, Fester, visit the family. The actors give as much to this film as the original, and the addition of Joan Cusack improves the fabulous formula. Again rated PG-13; this one has more sexual innuendo than the original.
****
Fabulous story of a poor boy who falls in love with a princess and wins the means to woo her through a magic lamp and a genie. Robin Williams is superb as the genie, and the story is very good. Another Disney classic! Rated G
*****
Disney adapatation of Lewis Carroll's story about a girl who falls into a rabbit hole and a magical world. Very beautiful animation and wonderfully engaging music. Our favorite part is when the flowers sing, and the children always get a kick out of the sassy Cheshire cat.
****
Wonderful story about the life of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Adults will love the plot and the acting, children will be exposed to the unsurpassed music of Mozart and enjoy the antics of the musician. Tom Hulce is charming as the cursed musician. I recommend watching it in two installments as it is a little long for younger children to endure at one time. Rated PG
*****
Rob Reiner directs this charming film about a modern president who is widowed and falls for a lobbyist. The politics of the situation get a little stale, but the chemistry between Bening and Douglas holds the film up. The best part is the president's attempt to send flowers to the lobbyist. Rated PG-13
***
Cute story of an immigrant mouse named Fievel in 1880's New York City who is separated from his family. Dom DeLuise shines as the voice of a cat. Rated G.
****
Fievel and his family head west and he is once again separated from them. Dom DeLuise returns as the voice of Fievel's cat-friend, and shines even more than before. Engaging musical score. Rated G.
****
This film was actually better than I expected. The mysterious tale of Czar Nicholas II's missing daughter stars Meg Ryan as the voice of Anastasia. I did not like Rasputin's character; his part in the movie was very disjointed and not historically relevant. Rated G.
***
Heart-warming and spiritually reaffirming tale about a boy who is placed in foster care and believes his ne'er-do-well father that they can be a family again if the hapless California Angels baseball team wins the pennant. The boy prays that they win, and his wish is granted in the form of angels who miraculously help the ball players. Great movie for the whole family, a little dark at times when dealing with the childrens' personal issues. Rated PG.
*****
Historically accurate portrayal of the seduction of Anne Boleyn by King Henry VIII and his eventual betrayal of her. The costumes and scenery are stunning, and the acting is perfect. Great video to show children who are ready to study English history or Shakespeare. Rated PG
*****
Very disappointing film depicting an ant revolution. None of the children I know, ages 2-11 enjoyed this film, and I could not concentrate on it to follow the story. Perhaps it was just overshadowed by the "other ant story" released at the same time? Rated PG.
no *
Val Kilmer portrys a blind masseuse who is at peace with his life until he falls in love with an architect from New York City. She pushed him to try to regain his sight and the ensuing operation is successful, only in that he can see. Many problems ensue in their relationship and his ability to deal with the world. The ending is good. Rated PG-13.
****
Dramatic effort by Robin Williams pays off in this portrayal of a doctor determined to "free" some catatonic patients. His experiments are successful, but soon backfire. Robert De Niro is fantastic in this film! Rated PG-13.
****
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