Great Flicks For Small Folk
November 19th 2007 18:18
No, I don’t mean movies with midgets – though, incidentally, I have included a few. I’m talking about kids’ films, suitable for adults of all ages. There was many a movie I marvelled at as a slightly wicked, yet adorable and charming child, and quite a few that still appeal to my inner imp now. Here are some of my favourites:
Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Pete’s Dragon – All three originated in the 1960’s and 1970’s and combine live action with animation to glorious magical effect. The first two in particular are quite similar, with their magnificent adventures and discernible direction from Robert Stevenson.
Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, The Lion King, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, The Sword in the Stone and Lady and the Tramp – Animated Walt Disney Classics, most of which were adapted from fairytales and folk stories by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault and Hans Christian Andersen to name a few.
The Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island – Two great films directed by Victor Fleming. I loved The Wizard of Oz in particular as a wee lass, because of the munchkins, the magic, and those fabulous shoes.
My Fair Lady and Dr Doolittle – Who can resist Rex Harrison, especially when paired with either Audrey Hepburn or a gaggle of animals?
The Nutty Professor – Jerry Lewis directed, starred in, and co-wrote this legendary movie, where he somehow manages to pull off not only the nerdy Professor Julius Kelp role with hilarity, but also the role of the ever-so-suave Buddy Love.
The Muppet Movie – These fuzzy Henson critters are hard to beat. This one was as funny then as it is now, as are later films, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Just about the cutest thing on Earth, or any planet, for that matter – and I’m not talking about itty bitty Barrymore. I loved that alien, and his bike-flying talents.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches and Matilda – Roald Dahl is a genius who had a tremendous effect on my childhood. I also love the film adaptations of his books, particularly the first two, which are all-time favourites of mine.
Edward Scissorhands – I first saw this in the early nineties and fell in love with it immediately. Johnny and Winona didn’t last, but this film will live on forever as a Burton classic. And now Tim Burton has a new film on the way that many children and adults alike may find pleasure in: an adaptation of another great kids’ tale, Alice in Wonderland. See Tracy’s post for more.
Little Women, A Little Princess and The Secret Garden – There are many film adaptations of these three classics, which delighted me no end as a young lady. The first, written by Louisa May Alcott, has four main movies based on it, two of which I’ve seen, and all of which are reportedly worthy. The other two were both written by Francis Hodgson Burnett in the early 1900’s, and each has two film adaptations which live up to the enchantment.
Whale Rider, Babe and Charlotte’s Web – Kids who love animals are sure to adore these, since I did, and I’m an adult who is usually only fond of animals from a safe distance.
Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit – Both of these films were made by Nick Park, with Peter Lord and Steve Box respectively, using the painstaking process of stop-motion clay manipulation animation. The fact that they made feature length productions using such a technique is incredible in itself, but both movies are also highly entertaining.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, the Harry Potter films, the Pirates of the Caribbean films, The Cat in a Hat and The Chronicles of Narnia – A few films more suited to older children, with their realistic special effects, violence, and/or gothic themes.
Finding Nemo, Happy Feet, Shark Tale, A Bug’s Life, Shrek and Ice Age – I have seen each of these only once. I understand why children would like them, but I find them a bit too formulaic and reliant upon pop-culture references and the backing of big names.
Which kids’ flicks filled your childhood with wonderment and charm? Which leave an impression on you now?
Michaelie Clark
Mary Poppins, Bedknobs and Broomsticks, and Pete’s Dragon – All three originated in the 1960’s and 1970’s and combine live action with animation to glorious magical effect. The first two in particular are quite similar, with their magnificent adventures and discernible direction from Robert Stevenson.
Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Snow White, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, The Lion King, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, The Sword in the Stone and Lady and the Tramp – Animated Walt Disney Classics, most of which were adapted from fairytales and folk stories by the Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault and Hans Christian Andersen to name a few.
Darling Bambi - Image courtesy of drizzle.com
The Wizard of Oz and Treasure Island – Two great films directed by Victor Fleming. I loved The Wizard of Oz in particular as a wee lass, because of the munchkins, the magic, and those fabulous shoes.
My Fair Lady and Dr Doolittle – Who can resist Rex Harrison, especially when paired with either Audrey Hepburn or a gaggle of animals?
The Nutty Professor – Jerry Lewis directed, starred in, and co-wrote this legendary movie, where he somehow manages to pull off not only the nerdy Professor Julius Kelp role with hilarity, but also the role of the ever-so-suave Buddy Love.
The Muppet Movie – These fuzzy Henson critters are hard to beat. This one was as funny then as it is now, as are later films, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island.
The Muppets! Image courtesy of muppetcentral.com
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial – Just about the cutest thing on Earth, or any planet, for that matter – and I’m not talking about itty bitty Barrymore. I loved that alien, and his bike-flying talents.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches and Matilda – Roald Dahl is a genius who had a tremendous effect on my childhood. I also love the film adaptations of his books, particularly the first two, which are all-time favourites of mine.
Edward Scissorhands – I first saw this in the early nineties and fell in love with it immediately. Johnny and Winona didn’t last, but this film will live on forever as a Burton classic. And now Tim Burton has a new film on the way that many children and adults alike may find pleasure in: an adaptation of another great kids’ tale, Alice in Wonderland. See Tracy’s post for more.
Johnny Depp as Edward Scissorhands - Image courtesy of costumezee.com
Little Women, A Little Princess and The Secret Garden – There are many film adaptations of these three classics, which delighted me no end as a young lady. The first, written by Louisa May Alcott, has four main movies based on it, two of which I’ve seen, and all of which are reportedly worthy. The other two were both written by Francis Hodgson Burnett in the early 1900’s, and each has two film adaptations which live up to the enchantment.
Whale Rider, Babe and Charlotte’s Web – Kids who love animals are sure to adore these, since I did, and I’m an adult who is usually only fond of animals from a safe distance.
Chicken Run and Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit – Both of these films were made by Nick Park, with Peter Lord and Steve Box respectively, using the painstaking process of stop-motion clay manipulation animation. The fact that they made feature length productions using such a technique is incredible in itself, but both movies are also highly entertaining.
Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events, the Harry Potter films, the Pirates of the Caribbean films, The Cat in a Hat and The Chronicles of Narnia – A few films more suited to older children, with their realistic special effects, violence, and/or gothic themes.
Harry Potter - Image courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Finding Nemo, Happy Feet, Shark Tale, A Bug’s Life, Shrek and Ice Age – I have seen each of these only once. I understand why children would like them, but I find them a bit too formulaic and reliant upon pop-culture references and the backing of big names.
Which kids’ flicks filled your childhood with wonderment and charm? Which leave an impression on you now?
Michaelie Clark
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Comment by JoH
I think you have covered every possible base! You're far too thorough, thats your problem
I can't go past a bit of Mary Poppins, and a smattering of Charlie's Chocolate Factory (but only the first 45 mins). Once Augustus Gloop falls into the chocolate river I lose interest.....probably cos I was alway miffed that it wasn't me!
Great post!
Comment by Mr Nice Guy
Pop Culturist
Pop Rock Factory
Like JoH - think you've covered a few bases here.
A few films which my kids and I have enjoyed over the years also include Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Herbie The Love Bug, The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes (with a young Kurt Russell) and the original Freaky Friday.
We also loved Bugsy Malone with a very young Jodie Foster and both Parent Trap's.
Strange that in the remake of the Parent Trap, Herbie and Freaky Friday - that Lindsay Lohan stars in all three - and still couldn't kill the magic.
Ohhh - that was harsh wasn't it!
Nice post
MNG
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Comment by Lilla
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With two children of my own, added to my own childhood, I've seen them all, no kidding ...and loved everyone.
Rataouille was the last one and Surf's Up, just loved them too...nothing better than an afternoon matinee with a boost juice and my 12 year old.
But for my own childhood, I remember ...
Mary Poppins (Those spfx made my eyes pop and captured my young imagination), and I loved the moral of the story too... probably becuase my own parents were about as removed emotionally.
But the biggie for me was The Jungle Book with Baloo and Mowgli.. and that song, The Bare Necessities...
The Computer who wore tennis shoes was great.
Then came the other stuff and I think I saw everything from there...
Lady and the Tramp,
The Aristocats
Alice in Wonderland
Fantasia
101 Dalmations
Bambi
Sleeping Beauty
Snow White
on and on and on .... I'm still watching them today and I love what Henson, Pixar and Dreamworks have added to the mix. I agree Shrek is just a knockout, as are many of the others... I'm no sophisticate when it comes to this level of animation genius, I just love it!
... and now a remake of Alice in Wonderland from a quirky director, it is exciting to say the least, as to where the 'spin' will go on it?
Great Topic.
Lilla ...
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Shrek was definitely the best of the last lot. I thought you'd be more into Finding Nemo? Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
It's not me saying that! I love these movies as an adult too, some of them even more than when I was a little lass!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
And you're quite a prize!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Thank you, my lovely lady!
Am worried that you are bitter about not being a short, fat, German boy.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
What I have to say about Lindsay is usually way harsher! And I'm not so sure she didn't kill the magic - I preferred the originals.
I just didn't think of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang! I used to play with our model of it and sing the song at the top of my lungs... Alright, I'm shutting up now that I've made myself sound like a sad loser.
Thanks!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Me too! There's no shame in liking kids' movies. When I ask for Mary Poppins at the video store I feel perfectly normal, and not at all compelled to invent children that I am 'babysitting'... Lol.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I won't tell a soul. Can't have a penchant for The Little Princess ruining your rep.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I need to find a small child somewhere to give me an excuse to see these at the movies!
I could not stand Cars. Of all the formulaic kids films to come out of late, it was the worst. It was so lame. I don't think I would have liked it at any age.
Where has all the ingenuity gone? They rely on a standard story recipe, big name animation, celebrity voices and hackneyed jokes.
They keep making money so they keep manufacturing them - and worse, Disney Pixar/Sony Animation/Warner Bros will do a movie, and them one of the others will copy immediately. Happy Feet and Surf's Up, Finding Nemo and Shark Tale, A Bug's Life and Antz, etc.
It really annoys me. Lol.
Sorry for the rant and thanks for the message!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I love Bambi also - but Thumper is my favourite! So cute.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
The Bare Necessities! I loved the songs in the Jungle book! Baloo was my absolute favourite in that movie - I was very frightened of Khan.
I really got into the song about fire too once it got going! "I wanna walk like a human, talk like a human, too-oo-oo!"
Henson and the Disney classics are amazing - I have a lot of them on video and even DVD and love them to bits!
I really liked the Nick Willing version of Alice in Wonderland (with Whoopi Goldberg, Robbie Coltrane, Miranda Richardson, CHristopher Lloyd, Ben Kingsley, Gene Wilder) but am VERY interested to see what Burton does with it! Hope he preserves all the magic while giving his trademark twist!
Thanks muchly Lilla!
Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
You've covered so many of my faves...but I think the best ones are:
Edward Scissorhands
Willy Wonka
Sleeping Beauty
The Jungle Book
Snow White
The Little Mermaid
Cinderella
Pinocchio
Peter Pan
Dumbo
Bambi
Lady and the Tramp
Watership Down
A few made me cry like Edward Scissorhands and Watership Down.
Great topic
Comment by Lilla
From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
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You know I think I will have to re-watch this Eric Scissorhands thing, I didn't get it the first time round. I thought it was so ordinary, and boring and macarbe ...maybe I was in the wrong frame of mind?
Lilla ...
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Instead, I'd suggest The Story of the Weeping Camel, a Mongolian family who struggle to get a mother camel to let her newborn baby feed... heartbreaking and picturesque.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I don't think the film is for everyone, but I know what you mean about being in a certain frame of mind.
Tracy
Comment by Lara M
Love Speaks
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Just to add...'101 Dalmatians' both the animated version and the movie with Glenn Close and Jeff Daniels, but the animated version is my fav...
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Yeah, I've been known to cry in a few too. When Bambi's mother dies and Simba's father dies, I always get sad. Pete's Dragon and E.T do it to me too. But even though some bits make turn me into a total sook, mostly they make me very happy!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I think you should give 'Eric' another go. Lol. It really is a great movie, but I can see where you are getting that feeling from.
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I didn't mind it, but I have a very old cartoon version of it too, which I loved as a kid. I didn't find the books very engaging, especially the others, but maybe that's because I didn't try to read them until I was 12-13?
I hadn't heard of The Story of the Weeping Camel, so I just Googled it. It sounds like a beautiful story, with some very pertinent themes!
Michaelie
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Of course! This is a bit wrong, but my favourite character in 101 Dalmations is Cruella De Ville. She was so fabulously evil. Lol.
Thanks Lara!
Michaelie
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
From the two big guns my #1's are
Disney - the Jungle Book/Fantasia
Pixar- The Incredibles/Monsters Inc
Other animated family favourites in this house also include-
Iron Giant
Monster House
Titan A.E
Antz
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Looney, Looney Bugs Bunny Movie
Princess Mononoke
Live action I worship the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Disney's The Cat from Outer Space/The Shaggy D.A/The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes and Freaky Friday with Jodie Foster
Never Ending Story
The Princess Bride
Flight of the Navigator
Gotta go now, fun topic as usual Michaelie
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Byee
Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
Everyone keeps saying The Computer Wore Tennis Shoes! I'm going to have to go out and hunt it down now because I've never even heard of it!
Thanks always for adding your thoughts!
Michaelie
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Comment by Michaelie
Flick Wit
I do love The Lion King, I have it on VHS and DVD and just regret I didn't see the show!