Movies: Choices the Entire Family Can Enjoy

It's been quite a while since I've had to think about good "family" movies for entertainment, without having to sensor them first, since my own children have grown and left the nest. However, I now have grandchildren and sometimes, when they're here for a long visit, it's nice to put on a movie that we can all sit through and enjoy together, without having to wonder if something "questionable" will pop up on the TV screen.

A few of my suggestions are:

1. RATATOUILLE, an animation that's fun for the entire family to watch. It's about a young, french rat who is unlike all the other rats in his community. He's a connoisseur of good food, something that makes him a bit of an outcast amongst his piers and family. He won't eat just any garbage that's found laying around the trash heaps. He finds his way to Paris, at one of the finest restaurants in town, where he meets up with a young man who works at the restaurant, but who is a misfit and an outcast in his own right. As it happens, the rat has been helping himself to the kitchen supplies, not to steal the food but to prepare exquisite dishes after all the patrons and staff have left for the night. Due to a comedy of errors, the young man is given credit for the wonderful new dishes, which soon become regular entrees on the menu, delighting the patrons, as well as a stern food critic who writes for the local paper. Of course, as all good secrets are soon found out, it is soon discovered that "rats" have invaded the restaurant. It is promptly shut down. However, there is a happy ending to this delightful animation that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

2. THE GREATEST GAME EVER PLAYED is the story of a young man growing up in the United States at the turn of the 20th century. His parents are recent immigrants, trying to make the best of their life in a new country, teaching their boys the value of hard work and good ethics. As the oldest of the boys tries to earn extra money for the family as a caddy at the nearby golf course, he grows a strong yearning and desire for the game, watching and learning from his favorite golfers. In time, he himself is mentored by a few caring men from the course and becomes one of the best golfers, breaking both age and social status barriers, as golf at the time was only considered for the wealthy. He finds himself playing up against the best of the best in the 1913 US Open.

Based on true events, this Walt Disney movie is surely one of their best productions and doesn't disappoint the viewer with the quality of the acting, directing and depiction of the story. I would give this a definite two thumbs up both for entertainment value and the fact that it's truly one of the few movies that the entire family will have a good time watching.

3. CARS. A delightful animation with a moral to the story. It's about a young racing car, still wet behind the wheels, who finds himself suddenly swept up in the spotlight. However, on his way to a big race in the circuit, he finds himself lost in the middle of nowhere. He happens upon a small town where he befriends some ordinary, run of the mill vehicles... a cute little sporty car, a beat up old tow truck, an old 1951 Hudson. These autos are soon to teach him some very valuable life lessons, that winning and popularity aren't everything and that true friendship is something to value.

4. OVER THE HEDGE. Another animation, but just as sweet and delightful as could be. When some animals from the forest wake up from hibernation, they are soon to discover that there has been a whole new subdivision of homes built up around them, surrounded by a hedge. While finally making their way through the hedge, they learn that getting provisions (food) becomes a whole lot easier than rummaging through the forest all summer and spring, allowing them more time for fun and leisure. But this also has its drawbacks and comical misadventures. This movie is great viewing for the whole family, as you sit back and enjoy all the hilarious antics of these endearing little forest creatures. A definite 5 star movie in my opinion.

5. STEWART LITTLE. When a young family decides to adopt a child, adding to their family that already includes a little boy, they are so unprepared for the choice they are about to make. While visiting an orphanage, they happen upon a mouse named Stewart. They immediately fall in love with him. However, their young son just isn't sure about having a mouse for a brother. Stewart must find his way into the young lad's heart. This movie is so well put together with partial animations and talking pets. It's a wonderful departure from the usual and an instant winner that's sure to capture the heart of the entire family.

6. BEE MOVIE. You just can't help but love this gem of a movie. This is a bright and bold animation with characters that are just as colorful. As the main "bee" character is about to embark on his future career (one that will last him the rest of his life), he questions his purpose in life. His curiosity and rebellious nature takes him to the outside world, beyond the hive that he's known as his home since birth. Through his adventures, he discovers that "humans" are taking the honey from hives all over the country and marketing it for their own consumption. To him, this is a travesty and unfair to the bee population and their hard endeavors. He feels the honey should belong to only them. He soon encounters a human female, whom he befriends, and who just happens to have experience as a lawyer. With her help, he takes the humans to court to take full ownership of all the honey. He wins his case, but is soon to discover that this idea, although well intended, may not have been a good one, as many problems begin to arise. This is a movie that is sure to be enjoyed by children of all ages, from 2 to 92. A definite 2 thumbs up!