Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Yes, I Used to Work At Blockbuster


A chilly Spring Break means movie time at the See house.

I thought I’d share with you some older movies we have enjoyed that may be off your radar. Because movie ratings have changed over the years, I’ve noticed that some older PG movies have bad language in them, so I would strongly suggest reading movie reviews from a site like Movie Mom before choosing for your family.

I have found that putting up with a few damns and hells has given us the chance to see movies with much better plots than some of the crapola being made right now (you know—all parents are idiots, the only things kids care about are dating and clothes-- basically anything on Nick or Disney Channel). It’s nice to find movies that I want to watch with the kids.

Once again, please check out movie reviews first. I mean, how many of us were scared to death by POLTERGEIST (1982)? That had a PG rating!

So, like us, you’ve probably enjoyed revisiting the “Free Willy” movies and “E.T.” Here are some other family movies we have enjoyed.

“The Rookie” (2002) Dennis Quaid, baseball coach and dad, gets a second chance at pro baseball.

“A Little Princess” (1995) Gorgeous version of Frances Hodgsen Burnett’s classic.

“Miracle” (2004) Kurt Russell plays the coach of the victorious 1980 USA Olympic Hockey Team. Note: Hockey language included.

“Dreamer” (2005) Dakota Fanning, Kurt Russell, save an injured racehorse and mend their relationship.

“Fly Away Home” (1996) A girl saves a flock of geese by guiding them south and develops a strong relationship with her father.

“Believe in Me” (2006) Small town doesn’t believe in girls’ sports. Cutie-pie actor from “Burn Notice” plays their inspiring coach. Note: Rough language, and teen pregnancy alert!

All the “Shiloh” movies.
And you may remember

"My Dog Skip." I loved it, but the implied elderly doggie death at the very end sent Molly into hysterics.



What older family movies do you like?

14 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Yeah, it's so funny to see the ratings now.

I haven't seen any of those movies! The Princess Bride is a classic.

Deb said...

-->I am STILL scared of Poltergeist if I see that static on a television!

Anonymous said...

Did they see the Dakota Fanning version of Charlotte's Web? That's a good one. It's as benign as can be. Or maybe they are too mature for it.

jbhat

Christy said...

I can't think of any - but I can second Miracle - Matt and I watched that years ago and just LOVED it! What a fun post - I love movie watching at home! Couch, pjs, cadbury mini eggs and a movie - I'm set!

purejoy said...

mmmm fly away home. loved that movie. and my dog skip was tragic, but good. love, love LOVE your list!

old yeller made me cry like a baby, too, but it's fantastic.

love the old parent trap.

christy

and another to watch out for is that movie with tom hanks and the mermaid. sexual innuendo like crazy and it's pg. yikes!

i'm afraid blockbuster employees are going to be extinct soon. they're closing down about everywhere! sad times!

Anna Whiston-Donaldson said...

Princess Bride? LOVE IT!!

What about The Indian in the Cupboard? My kids loved the book and the movie.

vawriter said...

I was around when "Old Yeller" was in the theaters, and my mother had to physically remove me from the theater when Old Yeller died. Same with "The Yearling", which i saw on tv. (read my "Chosen by a Horse" post and you'll see that I haven't changed a bit!
How about "Chariots of Fire" for a great sports movie? What a great message!

Lynn Kellan said...

I didn't realize The Little Princess was made into a movie! It is my daughter's favorite book; I'm going to add it to our Netflix list. Thanks!

Gretchen said...

Kind of like "My Dog Skip" is "Homeward Bound". That story is really cute. And I think they have a "Homeward Bound 2". Very cute.

Also, my kids LOVE The Sound of Music. Yes, it's kinda long but they all love it. Plus the setting is a good topic of conversation (WWII, standing up for what is right even when facing punishment, etc.)

Gretchen said...

And Annie. And, Ben Hur. Actually, we have Ben Hur as a cartoon and that is pretty interesting for my kids. It's (obviously) very religious so that would only be for people who are into Jesus. LOL

Oh, and another PG-questionable movie? JUMANJI. That movie scared the crap out of me and I'm an adult!!!

anymommy said...

Grease and Dirty Dancing. Maybe the themes are a little mature? But they are so much fun. Also Rudy. The Ann of Green Gables series done for PBS. Neverending Story. Original Lassie. I'm done ;-)

Cynthia said...

Luh- Luh- Love some of these!!

Glennon said...

oooh thank you! we need movies we can all watch together. so sick of nemo. also, i heard from your sweet sister! i was overly excited and may have used the word "tickled" accidentally. she was very understanding. thanks, anna. loveloveloveg

Glennon said...

oooh Annie Annie!