Neglected Family Fare

By Steven D. Greydanus

It’s spring break and the grandkids are visiting. Or you’re looking for a DVD for a birthday present. You want three things: a) something worthwhile (not junk); b) something they’ll enjoy (not just high-minded or educational fare); and, crucially, c) something they haven’t already seen to death.

The staples of contemporary family entertainment are ubiquitous and familiar. There’s lots of animation, above all Pixar, Disney and DreamWorks, and assorted other stuff (Ice Age, Despicable Me).

Then there’s live-action fantasy: Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and of course Harry Potter and the current trend (of which I’m generally not a fan) of dark, revisionistic fairy tales (from Alice in Wonderland to the recent Oz the Great and Powerful).

Kids today are lucky if they know the likes of The Wizard of Oz, The Song of Bernadette, Singin’ in the Rain, The Sound of Music, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Babe and The Iron Giant.

Lots of good stuff there (though older movies may require adult mediation to help kids adjust to the slower rhythms of the Golden Age). But what’s really off the beaten path for kids today? What have most kids not only not seen, but not even heard of?

Of the 10 films highlighted below (with other recommendations thrown in), I can almost promise that at least nine will be brand-new to all but the most film-savvy or fortunate kids—and all are worthwhile for grown-ups, too. (For more on all these films, see DecentFilms.com.)

The Court Jester (1956) This brilliant Danny Kaye spoof of Robin Hood and Zorro surpasses the originals, with a whimsically crafty plot brimming with dazzling verbal and physical humor. Fans of The Princess Bride should love this overlooked masterpiece.

The Kid Brother (1927) Given a chance, kids love silent film, and this “thrill comedy” from silent comedy’s “third genius,” Harold Lloyd, is my favorite introduction to silent film—for all ages. See also Keaton’s The General (1927) and Chaplin’s Gold Rush (the 1942 version). (The Kid Brother is on Vol. 2 of the Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection.)

The Miracle Maker (2000) An astonishingly well-done telling of the life of Jesus, this animated Bible film is simple enough for youngsters, yet sophisticated enough for theology students. Indispensable Holy Week family viewing, and the best animated Bible film ever, edging out The Prince of Egypt.

Mr. Bean’s Holiday (2007) Sweet and clever, Rowan Atkinson’s last hurrah as Mr. Bean—on holiday in France, where he may or may not arrive at the French Riviera—is a credit to the slapstick tradition of Chaplin, Jacques Tati and Jerry Lewis.

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Despite years of Disney marketing, Studio Ghibli remains family entertainment’s best-kept secret (in the USA). My Neighbor Totoro is one of their gentlest films for all ages, along with Kiki’s Delivery Service, Ponyo and The Secret World of Arrietty.

Peter Pan (2000) Arguably the best screen version of Peter Pan, this A&E film of the stage musical starring Cathy Rigby is truer to the spirit of J. M. Barrie’s fairy tale than Disney cartoon and other versions. Only the magical 1924 silent rivals this one.

Road to Morocco (1942) Politically incorrect, slightly naughty and very silly, Bing Crosby and Bob Hope’s “Road” movies are perhaps best watched as a family the first time, with a judicious word here and there, but they’re great fun. If they like these, try Abbott & Costello next.

The Story of the Weeping Camel (2003) Entrancing even kids too young to read the spare subtitles, this gorgeous docudrama tells an eye-opening story of life among an extended family of yurt-dwelling nomad shepherds in the Gobi Desert. Other charming family documentaries of human and animal worlds include Atlantis (1991) and Babies (2010).

Watership Down (1978) Gratifyingly faithful to Richard Adams’ beloved epic novel of anthropomorphic rabbits, this British animated film might be a bit too intense for sensitive youngsters, but for many kids it will open worlds of mythological and cultural invention.

What’s Up, Doc? (1972) Hilarious comic set pieces highlight Peter Bogdanovich’s homage to classic screwball comedy, clearly inspired by Bringing Up Baby (1942)—also merry family fare (especially once the leopard shows up).

ALSO WORTH WATCHING:

Aardman Animations: They might know Chicken Run; make sure they know Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep.

Looney Tunes Golden Collections: Surprisingly many kids today have never met Yosemite Sam, the Road Runner or Tweetie Pie. Don’t let this happen in your family!

Muppets: The Muppet Movie, The Great Muppet Caper, The Muppet Christmas Carol and now The Muppets are the ones to get.

The World of Peter Rabbit and Friends: This animated BBC series is ideal animated entertainment for the youngest viewers, visually and verbally faithful to Beatrix Potter’s classic works.

Zorro: The first season especially of the 1950s Disney series is smashing—and very Catholic-friendly—family entertainment, though expensive (check your library).

Steven D. Greydanus

Steven D. Greydanus is the author of the website The Decent Films Guide (DecentFilms.com) and regularly appears in Catholic print, radio, and television. He is pursuing diaconal studies in the Archdiocese of Newark. He and his wife, Suzanne, have seven children.

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Category: food