A while back, I wrote about some movies I think every child should watch, and the reasons why (see Movies My Kids Will Watch – Part 1). I’ve been meaning to share more.
In fact, I started a list in a post last year that has since been sitting in limbo, waiting for me like a child forgotten after school who then has to walk home in the rain. I feel like I owe the list an apology and a glass of milk for neglecting it so long. Perhaps even a homemade cookie for its troubles? And for godssakes come in from the rain, you’ll catch a cold.
Finally, here is Part II of the definitive list of the best kids movies of all time (according to me).
WHY? Golden tickets, chocolate!!!, Veruca Salt, bad things happen to boys/girls who break the rules, honesty is the best policy, real winners do not steal or cheat
WHY? The music (duh!), the yellow brick road, imagination, the Emerald City, making friends along the journey, the realization that everyone has the capacity for courage, intelligence and compassion, there really is no place like home
WHY? Hayley Mills, summer nights singing on the patio, ingenuity, optimism, how to make the most out of a tight financial situation, the value of repairing something that needs mending, learning how to adapt
WHY? How to adjust to a new place and people, how to overcome grief, how to deal with bullies, people are not always what they seem, never give up your sense of wonder, always have hope, don’t stop believin’
WHY? Kids are chosen for big responsibility and step up to the challenge, sometimes kids can save their parents, brother-sister rivalry and love, the family that kicks butt together stays together
WHY? Max and Jinx … friends forever, space, zero gravity, perseverance to meet your goals, teamwork, the importance of being able to improvise (especially when you have been accidentally launched into space), learning from your mistakes, knowing your strengths/weaknesses, having confidence in yourself
WHY? The amazingly talented Julie Andrews, “I have confidence the world can all be mine,” eternal optimism (even in the face of Nazis!), good music, having faith, finding joy in the small things (raindrops on roses), making do with what you have (curtains for dresses)
WHY? Cartoon characters come to life, beautiful scenery in Malta, a love for the sea, Olive Oyl’s sweet roll-down socks, learning to have a thick skin even when people are rude, Swee’Pea, great tunes, physical comedy, how to deal with a bully, eating spinach and other good food makes you strong
WHY? The joys of marching to the beat of your own drummer, cleaning up can be fun, being independent, make believe, “Pippi Longstocking is Coming Into Your Town!”
*this is the 1988 version: The New Adventures of Pippi Longstocking
WHY? Hayley Mills (this is always a selling point to me, you realize), matchmaking, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, finding common ground, turning an enemy into a friend
