I will admit it. I am a proud member of a group of individuals that have never watched The Princess Bride. Each time a reference to the same is made on one of my favorite shows, I feel personally slighted. Which further hardens my resolve not to watch it. Those who have watched it however are not only quite protective of the movie with a cult following, but proudly quote it as and when they can. It is understandable for in that one moment, these individuals are regressed back to the happiness of childhood, VHS tapes, and weekends not hampered by impending deadlines. “Adulting” is hard. More so if you have kids who not only look up to you for guidance but also take over all facets of your life, most especially your viewing pleasure. We all love a bit of Peppa Pig every now and again, but sometimes we all just want to be selfish with the remote and hog that special place right in front of the TV reserved for the baby of the family. Now, depending on where you grew up, there are certain films you were expected to watch by friends and family. But here are some of our top movie picks that will not only awaken your inner child, but might also be an unexpected treat for your little one.
Hocus Pocus
Starring Hollywood heavyweights Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy, Hocus Pocus remains a Halloween must-watch. And seeing as it is still more or less the season for all things spooky, this movie the perfect watching experience for the entire family, chockablock full of laughs, rather impressive CGI effects for its time, and musical numbers.
Beauty and the Beast
Even though it was remade two years back with a star studded cast including Emma Watson and Dan Stevens, the quintessential version of this movie remains the 1991 animated release. There is nothing quite like following the drama in Belle’s life as she leaves her sleepy countryside village and starts life anew with the terrifying monster who turns out to be a prince in disguise. This is a movie that is always sure to spark the innocent romanticism within all of us.
Mary Poppins
For most of us, the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Mary Poppins is her brolly scene when she comes floating down gracefully like the lady that she is, while she effortlessly touches up her makeup mid-flight. She is the ultimate nanny. We are never offered an explanation as to where she comes from, but she is practically perfect in every conceivable way. It is no wonder that she continues to enjoy a cult following of fans from all across the world and might be a rather amusing watch for your little one who might find themselves singing along at the end of the film.
The Little Mermaid
There has been talk recently of rebooting this particular fan favorite with a live action cast. However, there is something endearing about animated Ariel with her shocking punch-red hair, and her curiously Jamaican crab pal, Sebastian. This is yet another wonderful gem full of whimsy, singing, and a great set of characters which is sure to be appreciated by your little one while feeling wonderfully comfortable and familiar to you.
The Lion King
Admit it! As soon as you read “The Lion King”, you started humming along to the iconic number by Timone and Pumba: “Hakuna Matata”. Though this movie saw a recent reboot, with big stars such as Beyonce part of the new cast lineup, it was not quite the same as the deliciously exaggerated expressions on Simba’s face, or quite as stirring as the scene when Simba’s father tumbles to his death thanks to Scar. Very few animated films can match the emotional depth and memorability of this true classic.
Home Alone
Even though star Macaulay Culkin might be all grown up, his portrayal of a kid accidentally left home by his family remains an all-time favorite. We all wished at some stage to be as inventive as was the kid in the film, turning his entire house into one big booby trap for the three stooges who quickly regret their choosing his home as a target. The only risk with watching this particularly funny film with your kids is that it might tempt them to be whimsical booby trap layers around the house. That aside, it is a barrel of laughs for the entire family.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
We can all agree on Jim Carrey’s unparalleled comical abilities. And in this particular production, he takes hilarious to a whole new level. Seeing as we are fast approaching the Christmas season, this movie is one oldie but goodie well worth scheduling into family viewing time.
What are some of your all-time favorite films from when you were a child? Let us know.
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