Best Movies for Kids

As a parent of four small children I am very concerned with what my kids see, hear and learn from movies. Which movies are too violent? Which contain adult situations, profanity, or other unsuitable content? All too often we can't trust the teasers provided by Hollywood as their only goal is to get you into the theater or to purchase the DVD. So, if you are looking for a good movie for the kids to watch tonight, what would be a good selection? Here are a few suggestions.

Toy Story - (1995) - Animated - 4 of 5 stars- This is a classic featuring the voices such Hollywood greats as Tom Hanks and Tim Allen. The story revolves around a group of toys which come to life when their owner is not present. The toys have their own social structure and each has its own quirks. When a new toy arrives a competition develops and the toy world is in chaos. Overall this is a very good story with some solid learning elements included. The toys eventually learn they need to get along and work for the better good of all if they are to achieve their goal, which is to keep their owner happy.

Violence: Some cartoon violence, but nothing to worry about. Language: No problems Adult Content: Some crude humor but it will be missed by the younger children Sex/Nudity: None

Finding Nemo - (2003) - Animated - 5 of 5 stars- Another classic, but this one takes place in the beneath the ocean. Nemo, a little clown fish with one bad fin, is feeling smothered by his overprotective father. Eventually Nemo tries to prove himself and in the process is captured by divers and placed in an aquarium. The movie revolves around the father's struggle to find Nemo, as well as Nemo's own struggle at being away from his father for the first time. Both learn a new respect for the other position and are eventually reunited. This is a great movie with many memorable scenes and a great message of determination, family, and friendship.

Violence: Minor, you may have to explain what happens to Nemo's mom at the beginning of the movie when it is implied she is eaten by a Barracuda. Language: No problems Adult Content: Safe Sex/Nudity: None

Cars - (2006) - Animated - 5 of 5 stars - Hollywood greats such as Paul Newman, Bonnie Hunt and Owen Wilson lend their voices to this animated world where cars are alive. The main character is Lightning McQueen, a rookie race car on the verge of winning the Piston Cup. He has no crew chief because he prefers to work alone. He is ashamed of his sponsors, even though they gave him his big break, and will not listen to anyone who tries to offer friendly advice. Eventually McQueen gets stuck in Radiator Springs, a town in the middle of nowhere. Here he learns the value of friendship and that you can't do things all by yourself. He learn humility, compassion, and finally understands his own personal goals are not the most important thing.

Violence: Cartoon violence of cars crashing and being injured, but nothing severe. Language: No problem Adult Content: None Sex/Nudity: None

Harry Potter Series (2001) - 3 of 5 stars - This series started in 2001 and continues today. While some parents while be opposed to the use of magic and sorcery the movies are about a great deal more. Yes, Harry Potter is a wizard, and he goes to a special school for witches and wizards, but the magic is a small part of the movie. The story is more about Harry, a young boy who has been alone all his life and is suddenly confronted with his past and a quest to find himself. In his travels he develops deep friendships with several classmates, and there is the true value of the movie. The friends stick together, through danger and hard times, they will not abandon one another. Each movie also deals with subjects such as prejudice and battling your own inner demons. Overall, the movies are very well done and I believe present a character who can be a positive role model for children.

Violence: Mild to heavy in certain areas, but no blood or gore. Language: No problem Adult Content: Very mild - Harry is a teenager and is learning about the laws of attraction Sex/Nudity: None

Transformers (2007) - 2 of 5 stars - A young boy gets his first car, only to find out it is actually an alien sent to protect him from a group of robots searching for the ultimate power in the universe. Basically a story of good versus evil with a teenage boy holding the key to Earth's future. The graphics and special effects are great and this is a fast paced movie full of funny one liners and thrilling stunts. The movie is filled with violence and implied death. There is no blood or gore, but in several instances is is clear people are dying and in some instances not in very pleasant manners. The core of the story is good as the main characters fight to save mankind and are willing to sacrifice themselves in the process. This is not a movie for younger children prone to bad dreams as the action sequences are very vivid.

Violence: Heavy, mostly implied, but inescapable present Language: Mild , a few words here and there but nothing severe Adult Content: There are scenes which mention masturbation and teenage sex. These are mostly in a comical way but may require some uncomfortable explanations Sex/Nudity: One of the stars is Megan Fox who was recently named the sexiest woman of the year. There is a scene where the main character is checking her out in her blue jean shorts and white top that is a tad too small. No nudity and no sex scenes other than kissing.

Zathura (2005) - 3 of 5 stars - This movie is basically a remake of the 1995 film Jumanji starring Robin Williams. In this new version two brothers who aren't the best of friends end up playing a game in which the events of the game become all too real. He boys, and their house, end up in outer space where the boys must battle lizard like aliens as well as a killer robot. During their struggles they learn they must depend on one another and our actions and decisions sometimes have long term consequences that are sometimes impossible to reverse. The characters learn to overcome their own fears and to care as much about other as they do themselves. Overall, a fine movie which is very well done and has some fine special effects.

Violence: A lot of fighting, shooting and arguing, but no blood or gore and you never believe the characters are in danger of dying Language: No problem Adult Content: None Sex/Nudity: None

Monsters (2001)- Animated - 4 of 5 stars - Another animated movie but this time in a world of lovable, for the most part, monsters. In the monster world, which is not so unlike our own, monsters must come into the human world to scare children as they sleep. This is not done with any malice, but because the screams of children are what power the monster world. In the story we follow two friends who are on the verge of breaking the all time scream record. Two lovable and very friendly monsters who find themselves unwittingly involved in a plot to kidnap children and do all sorts of horrible things to them. The main characters must stop the plot while at the same time not destroy their own world. The movie shows there is more to us, and to monsters, than we see on the surface and that friendship is perhaps the most important thing of all.

Violence: Some cartoon fighting, but nothing severe Language: No problem Adult Content: None Sex/Nudity: None

E.T. the Extra Terrestrial (1982) - 5 of 5 stars - This movie, now more than 25 years old, is in every sense of the word a classic. The message of friendship, dedication, and unconditional love are as basic today as they were when this movie was first released. An alien is accidentally left behind on Earth and befriends a young boy. The two share thoughts, feelings and emotions as E.T. learns about Earth, and the boy learns about life. A great cast, masterful director, and some fantastic special effects bring this marvelous script to life. A must see for the whole family.

Violence: Nothing of any concern Language: Minor, some crude teenage humor. Adult Content: A mention of an affair, but nothing visual Sex/Nudity: None