Family Flix: Top 10

Since this week was a slow one for family movies I have decided to provide you with the official Family Flix sanctioned list of all-time greatest family movies.

When compiling the list I had to ask myself a crucial question: what makes a movie a family movie? I briefly considered listing all of the movies that I enjoyed when I was young, then quickly decided against it. Let’s face it, they didn’t have the V chip back then and I can’t exactly include Richard Pryor Live in Concert or Airplane (although if memory serves I saw that one in the theater, but I digress).

I asked for AEYOB’s input of course. I realized that this would be problematic because all of his “favorites” were movies that came out in the last six months. Also, if he were completely honest he would say that The Lion King stayed on his favorite list longer than anything, but he would NEVER admit that now.

I also asked my husband for his input. He also voted for The Lion King, not because he liked it especially but because he thought it should be on the list on principle. We also fought bitterly about including Whale Rider because, as he pointed out, you couldn’t pay a kid like AEYOB to sit through it. I ended up overruling him on both counts because it’s my column after all.

Eventually I decided that there were a few criteria that had to be considered. First, it had to be appropriate for families (i.e. children). Second, it had to appeal to children. Last, I had to like it. That’s where the list gets a little unconventional, but if you’ve read some of my work in the past you probably expected as much.

So without further ado, I give you (in no particular order) my 10 favorite family movies. Please feel free to disagree (or agree).

Fantasia (1940)

The greatest Disney movie ever. Brilliant animation, brilliant soundtrack. Who couldn’t love a hippo dancing to Tchaikovsky? OK, so the scene with the dancing Asian mushrooms is not exactly P.C. but I think we can forgive Disney for that one. Let’s face it, he’s done worse (see next week's review of Peter Pan).

The story of a Maori girl in New Zealand who fights for the right to lead her people, against her stodgy grandfather’s wishes. I agree that younger children (especially boys) probably wouldn’t be crazy about this one, but I highly recommend it for tween and teen girls. If you’re not bawling at the end of this movie I’ll give you the rental fee back. (offer not valid)

The Incredibles (2004)

Retired superheroes Mr. Incredible and Elastigirl go into hiding and try to live a suburban lifestyle. This was a tossup, because I just had to choose a Pixar movie and I did love Finding Nemo (and I also really dug A Bug’s Life). When it got right down to it I just enjoyed this one the most.

Napoleon Dynamite (2004)

Granted, this movie about a hopeless goofball and his equally hopeless friends was not intended to be a family movie. My son absolutely loves it though (as does my 66 year old father and practically everyone else I know). If you’re worried that it isn’t appropriate for children, don’t. There is no foul language and the most “blue” material is a reference to “Bust Must” breast enhancers. Besides, it’s stupid/funny, and what kid wouldn’t love that?

Wizard of Oz (1939)

I’d really have to turn in my mommy card if I didn’t pick this one. It’s a standard, but it’s perfect and my baby loves dancing along with the Munchkins. Enough said.

Harvey (1950)

I normally prefer Jimmy Stewart in Hitchcock films, but Harvey is the exception. I daresay that Harvey the invisible rabbit was the inspiration for Snuffelupagus (for those of you who remember a time when only Big Bird could see him).

E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

E.T. taught us to love Reese’s Pieces and that aliens were our friends. And remember Drew Barrymore before she was a former drug addict? I love the part when the stressed-out mom doesn’t notice an alien life form in her living room. I can sooooo relate!

Finding Nemo (2003)

I broke down and included this one after all. The animation was so incredible (no pun intended) and the vegetarian sharks were hilarious. My mother thinks that Ellen DeGeneres is an idiot, but I think she was a hoot as the forgetful blue tang Dory.

Star Wars (1977)

I couldn’t get away with not including this one either. Some may say that the aliens, mild violence and maturish subject matter could be frightening to young children. I can only say that I loved it as a kid and AEYOB loves it now.

The Bad News Bears (1976)

This one made it on and off the list a few times before I finally decided to include it. I can’t help it, I loved it when I was a pup! It’s a classic underdog tale about a team of little league losers and their washed-up coach. I know, don’t tell me. The kids are foul-mouthed and Coach Buttermaker is a drunk. It’s my column. Besides, you have to see it for Tatum O’Neal, Walter Matthau and Jackie Earl Haley before he was an Oscar nominee.

Honorable Mentions:

A Christmas Story (1983)

Superman (1978)

Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)

Watership Down (1978) (But the book was better).

Wendy R., Movie Correspondent:

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