Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Why its here:
The romantic comedy was at its apex in the late 80s/early 90s, with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan its crown prince and princess. I love the genre myself and have seen many examples I might recommend, but this one -- Sleepless in Seattle -- was simply the perfect choice for us.  I'm not sure I realized just how well it might go over or how good it was; but Sleepless has to be the best of the genre -- a near-perfect serving of style, warmth, humor, and absurdity.

Specs:
About an hour and a half, rated PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:

An 8.88! moving it into a tie for second place overall (along with Roman Holiday and just behind It Happened One Night).

More about the film and our reaction to it:

Its hard to explain in a blog post what makes a movie like this so good and so acceptable for family viewing. By the way, although, it was perfectly appropriate for our family, others should note that there is some frank (and, frankly silly) dialog regarding Hanks' dating endeavors. It would be easiest to just direct you to the IMDB parents guide for details.  So, no it's not perfectly tame; but it is pretty tame.  It is also extremely sweet, but never actually sappy.  I'm not sure exactly how they pulled that off. . . . Such is the magic of the film.

The film is magical; it knows it and it doesn't try to be realistic. Its a bit silly and almost weird. In less skillful hands, Meg Ryan's near-stalking of Tom Hanks might have felt objectionable. But instead, we cheer for her.  There are other elements, too, that feel just a bit strange for a romantic comedy. For instance, we all know that Hanks and Ryan have great chemistry, but in this flick, it wouldn't matter if they didn't, because they are not actually together in it. That's odd indeed.

Although ostensibly about romance, the movie is truly about something bigger and funnier than just two people meeting and dating. It is more about the promise of love, and the hope of finding it, than it is about any realization. Thus, it seems so perfectly positioned to steal the hearts of a family -- where all is not lovely dovey and mushy.  The kind of love in Sleepless is more familial; more about bonding, making do with what life has dealt and, of course, hoping.

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A League of Their Own (1992)

Why its here:
How can you fail with Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, baseball, and WWII-era Americana? You can't and this film doesn't. A very fun and also moving depiction of a fascinating little slice of time. . . . But you can set that all aside. The truth is, the main reason we watched is so we could show the boys the iconic "there's no crying in baseball" scene.  :)

Specs:
2 hours; rated PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:

8.38

More about the film and our reaction to it:

The bones of the film are well-known: during WWII, when American men were in high demand for for the war effort, American women stepped up in many many ways. One of which -- that I don't think was widely known before this movie shed light on it -- was by playing baseball games to supplement thae lagging sports/entertainment 'industry', suffering in the wake of the war.

Hanks plays a washed-up, strung-out former coach who gets roped into helping one of these teams of women in the "all girl league." Davis, Petty, Madonna, O'Donnell and other comic talents play the players. The movie, directed with typical Penny Marshall style and skill, plumbs the social clashes and heart-warming drama that ensues when they are all thrown into a pot together. Its a fun, funny and feel good movie.

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Defending Your Life (1991)

Why its here:
Sometimes its all about the star.  This film would probably not have been on our radar but for my desire to show the boys a Meryl Streep performance. This may not be one of Streep's best films, but it is probably one of her best family-friendly ones. (I never realized, until I started researching for our viewing, but the actress does seem to do mostly R-rated, adult-humor, or highly depressing stuff.)

Specs:
Almost 2 hours; rated PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:

7.75

More about the film and our reaction to it:

IMDB's opening comments cut right to the chase: "Considered by many critics to be the greatest living actress, Meryl Streep has been nominated for the Academy Award an astonishing 19 times, and has won it three times."  

No one will claim that Defending Your Life is a career highlight for the actress, but it is an enjoyable and very imaginative film that we would recommend. And Streep is, as always, simply brilliant to watch.

Like Heaven Can Wait, Defending Your Life has a quirky, funny take on the mechanics of the afterlife; like Heaven Can Wait, DYL also has a talented cast and skilled director with a vision, in this case Albert Brooks, who was something of a god of funny at this time. This in fact may be one of his best films.

The movie is set in Judgement City -- a place where folks go when they die and are sorted into movers-on and goers-back. While there, inmates are able to indulge themselves in many ways -- including eating whatever they want (and not getting fat), and lounging in hotel rooms that offer different levels of luxurious accommodation depending on your status upon entering the City.) Brooks (who acts, writes and directs here) and Streep play recently deceased people who have entered the City, are meeting with their case managers, and are in process of learning how the afterlife works. Their fundamental task is, as the film title implies, to prove that they lived their lives fully -- with passion, compassion and bravery, a task that is easier for Streep's character to complete than Brooks'.

Besides being funny, the film is actually quite important. I mean, the concepts behind it are not trivial at all. Brooks' skill with the topic is what makes the film as good as it is. He makes it so the viewer can fall into a state of philosophical introspection while laughing happily and falling in love. That's not an easy trick.

There are some parent-warnings that should be made however. Aside from the very nature of film and the topic of death handled irreverently (which may or may not comport with your family's values), there is a fair amount of dialog with sexual references, including penis-envy, STDs, pornography. This stuff doesn't make up much of the film, but is worth mentioning.

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The Hunt for Red October (1990)

Why its here:
Great movie choice if you want a military action thriller that is exciting and full of plot twists, yet still really pretty family friendly.

Specs:
Over 2 hours; rated PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:

7.63

More about the film and our reaction to it:

To  give a flavor of what to expect, it might be enough to say that this film is an adaptation of a bestselling Tom Clancy novel.  If you need to know more than that, then I'll also share that in addition to dramatic characters, politically-driven action, and more than a few plot twists, the film has a highly talented ensemble cast, powerful cold-war era tensions, and very realistic details including a setting almost entirely inside a submarine. If this is still not convincing you to watch the flick, then chances are this is not the right movie for you.

But for the rest of us -- and probably that represents a large chunk of humanity -- this film can't miss.

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Home Alone (1990)

Why its here:
Like it or not Home Alone has reached iconic status -- becoming a part of the cultural fabric with scenes like the one here of Macaulay Caulkin screaming when he comes to learn what aftershave is. Because we'd never seen it before, now was most definitely the time.

Specs:
1 1/2 hours; rated PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:

7.25

More about the film and our reaction to it:

Imagine that you've never seen this film. Forget about the baggage: the five film franchise, the Culkin family's legal battles, the troubled career of this talented little boy -- and just start with a fresh slate. Picture now a talented director and very funny script, top-notch grown-up actors supporting an appealing and charismatic child, and place them all in an imaginative romp where a large extended family goes on vacation and (through an honestly plausible series of events) manages to leave their 8 year old behind at home, well, alone.

Its a great concept and very well-executed. Its the same child-in-a-grown-up's-world survival fantasy concept that movies like Big or books like "From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" plumb to great effect. And Home Alone is no dud in the mix. It is charming, funny, and satisfying.

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Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

Why its here:
Any opportunity for mom to add context and meaning to the Civil Rights era and its nuances is good.

Specs:
1 1/2 hours; PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:
8.5

More about the film and our reaction to it:
Driving Miss Daisy is another film, like The African Queen, On Golden Pond, or Funny Girl, that you just don't expect to score a big hit with teenage boys. I don't know if I mean to complement my kids' open-mindedness for this, or the filmmakers great talent, but DMD was a major success in our household.

What makes the movie great are the same elements that went into us loving other similar films: wonderful scripts, top-notch character-centered acting and a great story. You just can't fake great. This movie is simply very well made and it should stand the test of time because of it.

Jessica Tandy as the elderly white Jewish woman, headstrong and curt, but basically kind, and her grown son played by an astonishingly and surprisingly talented Dan Aykroyd, have hired a middle-aged black driver, played by Morgan Freedman, to do the driving for Miss Daisy, that she can no longer do for herself.  The film is nothing more than the poignant depiction of their business relationship and budding but odd friendship against the backdrop of the civil rights era South.  The story is sweet and simple and very scaled down, yet it is a profoundly good, feel-good movie that manages to be both laugh out loud hilarious and very touching.

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Batman (1989)

Why it's here:

One of the problems with having this blog, is trying to keep up with the workload of maintaining the blog :)  It has been quite a while since we saw this movie and though I remember that we watched it, I really don't remember when, or why, or having ever taken the time to review it critically.  I think it may be here because my younger son was interested in watching the Batman series.

Specs:

2 hours; PG-13

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:

7.75

More about the film and our reaction to it:

OK. As I've just admitted, I didn't really reflect on the merits of this film while we were watching it, so now am at a bit of a loss to evaluate it.  Perhaps the most important thing to note is that it stars Michael Keaton who bears shockingly little resemblance to the guy who delivered a very different recent performance in Beetlejuice. I guess that he can hit these polar opposites (serious, reflective, attractive hero vs. silly, gross, absurd villian) so convincingly, goes to his skill as an actor and ought to be appreciated.

Both films are Tim Burton endeavors and thus have a surreal, comic and slightly disturbing aura about them.  Other than this, anything I might add would seem obvious. I mean this is a comic book adaptation, the first in a long line of modern Batmans (Batmen?), all of which showcase high-end special effects, dark seedy moods and cutout characters.

Sure, its good. Whether you watch or not should just be a function of your family's tolerance for violence and intense action. If these hit the mark for you, then there is no reason you won't love the film.

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Dead Poet's Society (1989)

Why it's here:
As I write this post, it has been a year since Robin Williams passed away. Yet, last summer, when we were watching films from the 1980s, Williams had just died. It was a no-brainer to rush in a film by the great actor/comedian, and "Dead Poet's Society" was the obvious choice.

Specs:
2 hours; PG

Our family's average rating on a scale from 1-10:
7.63

More about the film and our reaction to it:
As much as everyone praises this movie -- and as much as it deserves praise -- families ought to tread with caution when deciding if it is for them.  For starters, this film is highly unsettling, disturbing and distressing. It deals with rich kids at a high-class private boarding school and their parents' high-class expectations. Robin Williams delivers an incredible performance as the magnetic and brilliant educator who sparks the kids' interest in poetry, famously inviting them to seize the day ('carpe diem'.)  So what's the problem?! A few things; for starters a main character that we spend the movie learning to care for ends up committing suicide in a devastating turn; further,  Williams' character, who is deeply beloved, loses his position at the academy in a tearful ending. It is also very painful and sad to watch a film about suicide, knowing that Williams himself succumbed to that fate. There is a tragic aura lingering about everything his character stands for when the actor delivering the upbeat message suffered such a tragic end.

In other words, like many Robin Williams efforts, the film is beautiful, profound and deep, but also quite melancholy. Yes, there are all the elements one expects from a classically excellent teacher film. In fact, this one often rises to the top of the class in lists ranking the best of that genre. So if your kids are mature enough to handle the film, you simply can't go wrong with the experience. But Dead Poets Society isn't for everyone and I would strongly caution families with kids under 12 to stay away. (By the way, on the tally of parent cautions, beyond the elements just mentioned, please note that there is a scene where the boys are looking at a girlie magazine and there is a surprising amount of nudity shown for a PG rated film as the magazine photo fills the screen for several moments.)


If you do watch, however, you should know that you'll be treated to one of Williams' best performances, some beautiful cinematography, poignant dialog, and an excellent supporting cast, along with classically goose bump inspiring moments like the boys standing on their desks to bid farewell to their teacher.

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Stand and Deliver (1988)

Why it's here:
With a child now in high school, I thought it would be fun for our family to explore the inner city LA educational picture, complete with an inspirational teacher, in a highly acclaimed picture.

Specs: 
About and hour and a half; rated PG

Our average rating (on a scale from 1-10):
8.25

More about the film and our reaction to it:
Inspirational teacher films have become a cliche. Ever since To Sir With Love, people have been fascinated with how teachers shape us, inspire us, drive us, and challenge us. And we just eat it up. Time after time, these pictures make a big splash. The reason why is, I guess, obvious -- because we all have experience with teachers. We understand at a deep and personal level how important they are, and even those of us who have never personally experienced the magic of a Jamie Escalante, can relate to some special grown up who wouldn't give up on them.

What makes a great teacher film? Profound lead performance from a fantastic actor? Check. Inspirational real or fictional character rooting the story? Check.  Troubled youth in some state of challenge/dispair/trauma and in need of support? Check.  Circumstances to overcome and a story arc that makes you feel great? Check.  Yep, Stand and Deliver has it all and we highly recommend it.

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Big (1988)

Why it's here:
This was a no-brainer. I couldn't wait to show the kids Tom Hanks' iconic performance.

Specs:
Just over 1 1/2 hours; rated PG*

Our family's average rating (on a scale of 1-10):
8.5 -- making it one of our highest rated films in the festival

More about the film and our reaction to it:
About halfway in to this film, I was contemplating rating it a '10'. I couldn't quite see what wasn't perfect about the film and was just trying to decide if its 'impact' was significant enough to get that high mark. Luckily I was spared the decision, because in the last half, the film began to lose its purpose and derail into something a bit awkward.  Big loses its true heart and center in the last half hour and begins to feel melodramatic and even a bit depressing as it focuses on Elizabeth Perkins' emotional baggage and issues, rather than the magical transformation of Josh and the real growth of his relationship with his friend.

But... though, it isn't perfect, that doesn't mean it's not fantastic! The best thing about the film is Hanks' overwhelming and profound performance as a 12 year old man. It is impossible to praise his work too highly. He personifies this story perfectly.  I truly believe I'm watching a boy who has been transformed into a grown up body, Hanks so totally 'gets' the 12 year old experience.  The true heart of the movie is the relationship between Josh and his best friend as they negotiate this new challenge and the big scary and exciting world of New York City.

Unfortunately, the amazing start gives way to a more run of the mill 80s comedy/drama and devolves into adult themes.  I'm seeing strong pattern with films of this era. So many of the PG films from the 80s want to blend kid-friendly content with fairly adult sexual content (Roxanne, Three Amigos, Beetlejuice . . . ) Big does this as well. There are scenes that would be very unlikely to be found in a PG film today. In fact, when the scene where Eliz. Perkins and Josh have a sexual encounter came on screen, I gasped. I'd forgotten this was there. She removes her blouse and Josh is mesmerized with her breasts. He is shown fondling her for a moment and this is a very awkward family-viewing moment that parents should be aware of. There are several other moments in the film where Josh stares at Elizabeth Perkins' open blouse or chest area. And, really, the whole idea that Josh begins a sexual relationship with a grown up woman when he is in some way/'really just 13, is somewhat troubling.  But, if you can get past these things, you will find an adorable and memorable movie and, from Hanks, the kind of classic performance that is not to be missed.

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