Adults are an interesting bunch in that you’re never quite sure what you will get from one to another, and considering they seem so similar, that can really mess with your head. One of the more perplexing “adultisms” that can really mess with your head is when you have parents that are all about family movies, but when having to go check one out with the kids, they’re just not into it. What?!? You want family togetherness and a way for everyone in the family to find a common thing to do for fun, but for some reason, you’re just taken aback by a family movie that just isn’t your cup of tea.
On the surface, it doesn’t make sense, but then think about what usually constitutes a movie tailored for the family – it’s animated. In an adult mind, this means they are having to sit through a cartoon. Most adults abandoned cartoons when they were kids, so having to watch a ‘cartoon’ is tantamount to stomaching an unsavory meal.
But, as with most cool things, adults have seemingly missed the point. Sure, there is animation, but at the heart of the movie is the story. It is the actual human element that adults seem to miss, which is too bad because moviemakers do their best to not only craft stories that engage audiences of all ages, but they also throw in some tongue-in-cheek jokes for the adults to get a laugh.
If you’re an adult and think that you may have missed out on classic family movie moments, here is a look at five films that you owe it to yourself & your kids to revisit:
Finding Nemo – With all that is going on in the world right now, it’s easy to be overly protective as a parent. You’d go to the ends of the earth to make sure your kid was OK. It’s a masterpiece.
Toy Story – We’re familiar with the characters, but we’re even more familiar with what it means to grow apart from the people & things we love most. It’s the first of three of the most heartwarming & heartbreaking movies of the last 25 years.
Up – As adults, we know life is hard & facing the reality of getting older can drain you of your spirit. This movie holds no punches in telling you life can really hurt, but it also teaches you that you need to live life to the fullest every single day.
A Christmas Story – “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Adults can connect to the main character of this cult classic about a boy, an air rifle, and Christmas, but they also have the added benefit of understanding how the boy’s parents deal with day-to-day living & planning for the holidays. It’s a classic for a reason.
The Sandlot – If there were ever a movie that could represent childhood perfectly, it’s The Sandlot. It has classic scenes, memorable quotes, and far too many opportunities for adults to think back to what life was like when they grew up. It’s a must-see for everyone.
Family movies are all about one thing – hanging out with your family. It’s about quality time with the most important people in your life, and even if you’re not digging the movie you’re watching, hug the gang a little tighter because life doesn’t get much better.
