Hello, readers!
Allow me to introduce myself. I’m a mom to a wonderful toddler, a former elementary school teacher, and a hopeless lover of film.
Welcome to the blog where I will share my ramblings on everything having to do with Family Films. I will be writing in-depth movie reviews of a wide variety of family films, as well as sharing my opinions on topics where film, childhood, parenting, and education intersect.
And how would I define a Family Film exactly? Well, my bare-bones criteria is that it is simply a movie that can be enjoyed by adults and kids: a movie that "the whole family can enjoy" (you imagined that phrase being said in a movie trailer voice, didn't you?).
And now I'm here to channel all my obsessive movie watching, researching, analyzing, and list-making into a resource for YOU.
In the process of reviewing as many family films as I can, I hope to showcase some truly great films that qualify for my 'Great Family Film' seal of approval.
A truly Great Family Film will have the qualities of:
I don't mind a trendy reference or two, but a film built entirely on trends probably won't stand the test of time. Strong themes, rich characters, and quality filmmaking will.
The artistry of beautiful cinematography, an airtight screenplay, or a perfectly composed shot won't always be consciously noticed. Ultimately a great film is great because it's well-crafted.
Positive Themes
In a world saturated with media, it's easy for a parent to feel lost, overwhelmed, and even a little bit cynical. Films won't do the parenting for you, but they can be a powerful way to introduce age-appropriate topics (even some tough ones), strong themes, positive role models, and important historical events.
Whether or not a film is re-watchable is highly personal, but there are some movies that get better with repeat viewings. Whether it's watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas every holiday season, or popping in a cheesy 80's action movie on a lazy Saturday afternoon, these are the movies that we return to over and over again to become your family classics.
Emotional Power
Ultimately, any list of great family films is subjective. Your own family may even be divided on which films are great and which ones aren't. That's okay. I'm a firm believer that a truly great film should make you FEEL something. What that something is, and the extent to which you feel it, will be entirely unique to you. Whether the movie elicits the warmth of sentimentality, the devastation of loss, or the eruption of uncontrollable laughter
Having said all that, the most important criteria is a film that you enjoy. I'm excited to share some of my favorite films and to hear about the wonderful films that you enjoy with your family.
-Family Film Buff
