Howefitz Blog

When I was still living with my parents, I developed a yearly Thanksgiving tradition. I would set the alarm and get up early so that I could watch the entire original Star Wars trilogy before my dad got up and wanted the T.V. for football. Why Star Wars? Because this was before the prequels, so Star Wars still ruled. I’m still not into football, and Star Wars doesn’t have the same luster it once did, so I decided to compile a list of adult-friendly kids’ movies that you can enjoy with your kids this holiday season, or, if you are in to football, here’s some flicks that will distract your kids in another room while you enjoy the game(s).

10. ‘The ORIGINAL Star Wars Trilogy‘ Help me out here and guide your kids through the Star Wars universe pre-Jar Jar Binks. Teach them that Luke didn’t see Hayden Christensen’s ghost in ‘Return of the Jedi’, but the crusty old white man that he unmasked. Please. I beg you.

9. ‘The Wizard Of Oz‘ You can’t argue with the classics, and with the newly released blu-ray and DVD, you can experience the magic again like you never have before.

8. ‘Wall-E‘ Every time I create a list of top family movies, I fight myself not to make it a list of Pixar films. Hence, the placement of ‘Wall-E’ at number 8. Wall-E is a wonderful cautionary tale told in the way that only a science fiction setting can pull off. While most animated sci-fi fall on their faces, (‘Titan A.E.’ and ‘Treasure Planet’) Wall-E delivers a gorgeously animated, solid tale.

7. ‘Labyrinth‘ At least in my home, Jim Henson’s tale of the trials of adolescence and the transition into adulthood has seen a revival with the manga series ‘Return To Labyrinth‘ from Tokyopop. Return to the film, and the whole family will tap their feet with the music and thrill to Sarah’s battle to save her baby brother from the Goblin King.

6. ‘Back To The Future‘ ‘Back To The Future’ is one of those 80′s movies that is infectious.  It is certainly dated, but kids of all ages can still get wrapped up in it. We own the entire trilogy on DVD, and I don’t know how many times I’ve caught the teenager watching it, and then act like someone else turned it on.

5. ‘Monsters, Inc.‘ ‘Monsters, Inc.’ held the top Pixar spot with me until ‘Up’ cut in line without so much as an ‘Excuse me.’ Being the father of two girls, Boo resonates with me more that a lot of animated characters. All the catastrophes she creates in the name of curiosity and fun are all too familiar. Mike Wazowski’s slapstick will keep the kids entertained, and Sulley will make you want to give him a big hug!

4. The ‘Shrek’ Trilogy The first ’Shrek’ is still, I believe, the best animated film Dreamworks has produced. It’s commentary on what Walt Disney has done to fairy tales is priceless. Sadly, by the third installment, Shrek lost a lot of his bite…

3. ‘The Princess Bride‘ OK, fine. I’m a fan of the 80′s movies. You got me. What can I say? The family movies of today, especially fantasy movies, lack a certain organic, heart-felt spark. ’The Princess Bride’ has heart in spades. It doesn’t date itself, except for that opening shot of ‘Hardball’ for the Commodore 64, that makes me chuckle every time. But you can fall in love with Wesley and Buttercup’s tale of woe and eventual triumph over and over again. ‘Anybody want a peanut?’

2. ‘The Iron Giant‘ For a long time, ‘The Iron Giant’ held the place in my heart reserved for best animated movie ever. I had often lamented the fact that Warner Bros. has so many resources at their disposal, but every blue moon when they did produce a theatrical animated film, it was crap. (I’m lookin’ at you, ‘Quest For Camelot’.) But along came ‘The Iron Giant’, and suddenly, I thought Warner Bros. was a force to be reckoned with. Sadly, box office ticket sales didn’t agree with me, and it seems that Warner Bros. has reduced it’s animation department to T.V. and direct-to-video efforts. Try to watch ‘The Iron Giant’ without tearing up as the lovable giant emulates Superman, I dare you! ‘The Iron Giant’ was directed by Brad Bird, the same director that brought us ‘The Incredibles’ and ‘Ratatouille’, if that helps to entice you!

1. ‘Up‘ I’ve said before that Disney/Pixar’s ‘Up’ changed my life. That is why it made it to the #1 spot in this top adult-friendly kids’ movie countdown. ‘Up’ has all the emotional resonance that adults crave, as well as the animated action/adventure, wacky talking animals and imaginative animated scenarios that kids crave. If you watch one animated movie on repeat, make it ‘Up’.

So, while I’m not a fantastic cook, and can’t give you pointers on getting your turkey just right this Thanksgiving (I now get the pre-made kind that comes already spiced and in a bag, just stick it in the oven. They turn out great!) I can attempt to entertain you. I hope these cinematic adventures help!

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