Movie List

The following are movies which I recommend for the family.  I have found that it is sometimes difficult to find movies that are appropriate for children.  Here is a list of good movies out of my own library.  I put the age that I think the movies are appropriate for, hopefully to help you find the right movies for your family.  I will keep adding more movies as I can.  Enjoy!

The Adventures of Tintin: the Secret of the Unicorn
Summary:  Tintin, an English reporter, jumps into a whirl of danger when a curious model ship leads to the shooting of a detective.  Eager to solve the mystery of the ship, The Unicorn, and her legendary captain, Sir Francis Haddock, Tintin is thrust among villains for a high-flying adventure around the world!
Review:  This movie is conservative enough in violence to be suitable for kids and is still packed with tense action that every adult enjoys!  It is the perfect action movie for the whole family.  There is alcohol content as Tintin's friend, Captain Haddock, must overcome his drunkenness if he is to defeat the villainous man, Saccharine.
Age Appropriate: 10+ [suspense, some drunkenness]

The Agony and the Ecstasy
Summary:  This is the story of Michelangelo and the painting of the Sistine Chapel.  It illustrates the struggle of the early Church's popes in distinguishing religious power with political power and its subsequent wealth. 
Review:  It is a heavy movie with much plot and some depressing truths of Medieval society.  Children will probably be bored, but it is worth seeing.
Age Appropriate: 13+  [thematic material, violence]

Amazing Grace
Summary: Amazing Grace is the story of William Wilberforce's fight to end the slave trade in England, and consequently, the world.  Wilberforce begins as a simple tradesman and member of parliament.  When he "sees the light," so to speak, he contemplates living a life of solitude with God.  However, his close friend, William Pitt, urges him to remain in parliament since, Pitt claims, he could do much more good in the world if he maintained political power.  Wilberforce seeks the advice of his old preacher, the author of the hymn, Amazing Grace.  He convinces Wilberforce to take up the fight as God's instrument and free the slaves from such injustice. 
Review: This is maybe my favorite bio-drama.  It is so moving and, by the end, you somehow seem exultant that the battle is won!  This is a serious movie that deals with thematic matters. 
Age Appropriate:  14+  [thematic material, some language]

Bobby Jones, Stroke of Genius
Summary:  Bobby Jones was an iconic golfer and is remembered in the sports arena for being the first and only golfer to win the Grand Slam (a series of world competitions) in the same year.  However, history also remembers him as being one of the most virtuous sportsman to achieve international fame.  The movie consequently delves into his family life and the struggles he went through to satisfy all those whom he loved. 
Review: This is an amazing portrayal of a amazing man!  However, there is some bad language in the earlier portion of the movie.  Part of the message of Bobby Jones' life was his own struggle with an angry temper and the use of bad language on the golf course.  This struggle was tastefully portrayed and can be easily understood by older teenagers and adults.
Age Appropriate: 16+  [language]

Bolt
Summary: Bolt is an actor dog for a superdog TV show.  But, he thinks the TV show is real; he must save Penny from the villainous Green Eyed Man!  His fate takes a bad turn when he escapes from the movie studio in search of the actress and ends up in New York.  Bolt marvels at the apparent sudden loss of his superpowers.  Its up to an ally cat name Mittens to convince Bolt that he is just a normal dog and to get him back to Hollywood. 
Review: This is a fun family movie with lots of jokes (and talking pigeons!)  There is some brief rude humor.
Age Appropriate: 8+ [rude humor]

Cars
Summary: Cars is one of the oddest childrens' movies!  It is the story of a famous race car who gets lost in a little town on Route 66.  It is a hilarious tale with all types of characters.  The town residents include, a "hippie" VW van, an army Jeep, a model T, an Italian Fiat, a Porche 911 Carrera, and an old wrecker named Tow Mater!  All of these characters help Lightning McQueen, the race car, find what is truly important in life.
Review: One of the best family movies ever made!
Age Appropriate: ALL

Cars 2
Summary: Cars 2 is funny! It is about McQueen going to the World Grand Prix and he has to run on Allinol. Mater (who never goes to McQueen's races) goes with McQueen and ends up as a spy! Mater and Holly Shiftwell and Fin McMissile (two British spies) are trying to find the car who is sabotaging the race. The car is...  You have to watch the movie to find out who it is!  - Submitted by Ms. Megan
Review: A fun sequel with the same family qualities as the first.  Some tense scenes may warrant fast-forwarding for small children.
Age Appropriate: ALL

Completely Christ's
Summary: Completely Christ's is a vocations video for young adults.  Many good priests, nuns, and laymen are interviewed on the subject of becoming "Completely Christ's".  The movie delves into modern trials of young people and what it means to serve God - in every kind of vocation, but especially in the religious life. 
Review:  I found this video to be a good introduction to the religious life in my vocational discernment.  The movie answers many questions and instills a greater interest in its audience of the priesthood and religious life.  It is designed for teenagers and young adults.
Age Appropriate: 15+  [chastity discussion]

Emma (1996)
Summary: Pretty and illustrious Emma spends her time arranging marriages for her friends.  Obsessed with match-making, her interference with the romantic lives of the residents of Highbury almost results in disaster.  As unexpected relationships unhold, Emma is threatened with the loss of her own perfect match.
Review: This is a light romantic story that is clean and humorous.  It is a tribute to Jane Austen's original novel. 
Age Appropriate: ALL
Enchanted
Summary:  Giselle is a cartoon princess who is tragically cast into the real world by a wicked queen!  As she waits for her prince to save her, she accidentally steps into the lives of a lawyer and his young daughter.  Set in New York City, Giselle is taught about reality while she teaches those around her about happiness in the simplest parts of daily life.
Review: This is a very funny movie!  It does have a few instances of rude humor that will probably warrant fast forwarding. 
Age Appropriate: 12+ [rude humor]

 Facing the Giants
Summary: Facing the Giants is the story of a underdog football team who cannot seem to get ahead.  Parallel to this story is that of the team's coach, a man whose income barely supports his family and whose wife cannot have children.  It is a moving story that illustrates that, without God, there is no hope, but with God, all is possible!
Review: The profound theme of this movie amazes me!  It is easily understandable and has scenes of tasteful humor.  This is a great family movie!
Age Appropriate: 8+  [thematic material]

Finding Nemo
Summary: Finding Nemo is, in short, the story of the conflict between an overprotective father and his subsequently rebellious son.  However, it is filled with lessons, adventures, laughs, and stunning animations.  The fish must learn about love, trust, and friendship.  The characters go on exciting rides with vegetarian sharks, surfer turtles, friendly whales, and fish that play charades!
Review: A great family movie with Christian lessons!  There are a few mildly scary scenes that children might want to fast forward through, but otherwise it is appropriate for the whole family.
Age Appropriate: ALL

Fishers of Men
Summary: Fishers of Men is a religious film about the priesthood.  It describes the responsibility of being a priest and has some stunning dramatizations of priestly duty.
Review: An insightful film that is very complementary to the sacredness of Holy Orders.  It is most appropriate for high school boys, but I found it very informing while discerning my vocation. 
Age Appropriate: 10+  [thematic material]

The Greatest Game Ever Played
Summary:  Young Francis Ouimet aspired to be a golfer as a child and served as a caddy at the local golf course.  However, the veteran pro, Harry Vardon, had played and taught golf for years.  It was unheard of at the time for a caddy to play competitive golf, but Ouimet and Vardon step up to overcome seemingly impossible barriers in a life-changing tournament.
Review:  This movie delves deep into the social ideals of the time.  Both golfers' lowly pasts have cast a shadow on their lives with years between them in age.  Francis must also balance obedience to his father with the responsibility to use his talents for the good of his community.
Age Appropriate: 10+ [mild language]

Into Great Silence
Summary: Into Great Silence is a documentary filmed inside a Trappist monastery.  True to its title, the movie is mostly occupied with the silent everyday duties of the monks. It is a very inspirational presentation of the silence of religious life.
Review: There is not quite anything more I can say on this movie!  You can live in the monastery by watching this movie.  Children might find it boring.
Age Appropriate: ALL

The Keys of the Kingdom
Summary: The Keys of the Kingdom is the story of a missionary priest who comes to China from Scotland.  After a tragic childhood, Francis Chisholm became a priest and established a mission in China.  He was rejected, mocked in the streets, and witnessed the destruction of his city in war.  With the help of the local mandarin, a Christian Chinese man, three teaching nuns, and a baby orphan girl, Fr. Chisholm builds up his mission and brings Christ to the Chinese people. 
Review: the Keys of the Kingdom is a classic, all-star cast movie that portrays the struggles, and ultimately the triumph, of Christ's missionaries.  Younger children might find it boring.
Age Appropriate: 10+  [thematic material]

Little Women (1994)
Summary: Little Women is the classic story by Louisa May Alcott of four sisters' feats and trials as they grow and mature.  There is Meg, the eldest sister who strives to be a good, proper lady.  Jo is the impetuous, tomboyish sister who constantly gets into mischief, but is the scholar who yearns for intellectual achievement.  Beth is the sweet, generous sister who is selfless in everything and loves to help others.  Finally, there is Amy, the "princess" of the family who seeks to be well liked by her friends and wants to be the richest person so that she can have whatever she likes.
Review: This is a fun story, especially for girls.  It has a light romance and jolly theme.  There are some moving scenes which could upset a younger child.
Age Appropriate: 10+  [thematic material]

A Man for All Seasons
Summary: Tomas More was a prominent English Lawyer, a Catholic, and a friend of the King when Henry VIII asked him to support his divorce case and remarriage.  Sir Thomas refused to help him and renounced his title of Chancellor.  Outraged, Henry ordered the imprisonment and death of St. Thomas More.
Review: The remarkable life and death of Sir Thomas is accurately protrayed by this film which is based on the book by Robert Bolt.  Paul Schofield and Robert Shaw gave outstanding performances as St. Thomas More and King Henry VIII.  There is some language, a tense dialogue scene, but no violence.
Age Appropriate: 12+ [thematic material, language]

Master and Commander
Summary: Captain Jack Aubrey of Her Majesty's Royal Navy commands the frigate, The Surprise.  The ship is attacked by a French vessel and heavily damaged.  "Lucky" Jack is determined to follow the French to the ends of the earth in order to save his country, as England seems to be losing the war to Napolian.  Thus, they embark on a speedy chase across two oceans to capture or destroy the "Phantom Ship".
Review: The movie is packed with examples of heroism, perseverence, and friendship.  There is some language, violence, and intense battle-related scenes that may not be appropriate for younger teens.
Age Appropriate: 15+ [language, thematic material, battle violence]

The Passion of the Christ
Summary:  From the Garden of Gethsemane to the Resurrection, The Passion of the Christ follows every stage of Jesus' Passion and Death.  Bruised, buffeted, scourged, and hung upon a cross, Jesus' fulfillment the Covenant of God is incredibly portrayed.  The dialogue is spoken in the Jews' native Aramaic and the Romans' Latin giving the movie a new depth of immersion into the Passion.
Review:  The best review of this movie is to borrow the words of Bl. John Paul II, "It is as it was."  It is accurate to the Gospels and some details were added according to the vision of a mystic.  It is an excellent movie with one purpose: to accurately depict the Suffering and Death of Our Lord.  Parents and those who have difficulty with violence should be cautious.
Age Appropriate: 16+ [extended scenes of graphic violence, very intense images]

Pope John Paul II
Summary: This is the best dramatisation of the story of Pope John Paul the Great ever!  With stirring performances by both John Voight and Cary Elwes, the story of Pope John Paul comes alive.  You can relive the life of Karol Wojtyla and revisit the magnificent events of his pontificate.
Review: I could never praise this movie enough!  It is one of my all-time favorites!  There are some scary/thematic/bloody scenes especially concerning the German occupation of Poland and the assassination attempt made on the Holy Father.  It may not be appropriate for younger children.
Age Appropriate: 13+  [some violence, intense images, thematic material]

Quo Vadis
Summary: Quo Vadis is the story of Rome at the time of the emperor, Nero.  The main character, Marcus, is a rough, corrupt war hero who falls in love with a Christian.  His fight to win her turns out quite differently than he planned.  Eventually he sees the injustice of Rome and witnesses the persecution of the Christians.
Review:  Quo Vadis is a classic movie with excellent acting and portrayal of the faith of the early Christian martyrs.  As such, there are many frightening scenes that illustrate the deaths of the martyrs.  There is no ostentatious violence, but the violence is implied.
Age Appropriate: 13+  [violence]

Ratatouille
Summary: A young rat named Remy aspires to be a great cook while all his rat family and friends try to get him to eat yucky food.  When an accident occurs and he is separated from the rat clan, Remy runs into a young man who can't cook, but just wants a job at the famous French restaurant.  Inspired by the former restaurant owner's words, "Anyone can cook," Remy and his human friend decide to team up.  After weeks of success as a "puppeteer" cook, Remy and his human are faced with the ultimate challenge: an infamous food critic.
Review: This is a fun movie with lots of clean humor!  The plot takes some surprising turns and leaves the audience in suspense. 
Age Appropriate: ALL

The Ten Commandments
Summary: Charlton Heston stars in this movie as Moses.  The movie follows Moses life from Egyptian prince to Hebrew deliverer.  From birth to death, Moses was the servant of God.  He delivered the people from the land of Pharaoh, set them free, and led them to the promised Land.
Review: As an old movie, its length and slow pace could be boring for young children, but consequently has a great performance by great actors from the height of Hollywood.  This is a classic that every Christian should see!
Age Appropriate: 10+  [violence]

Therese
Summary: Therese is an indescribably moving presentation of St. Therese of Lisieux's life.  Directed by Leonardo Defilippis, the acting is incredible and the environment is simply beautiful.  The movie presents the tragic childhood of Therese Martin and her growth as a child of God.
Review: I cannot praise this movie enough!  Each time I watch it, I find myself crying because of the tenderness of this film.  There are a few sad scenes and one frightening scene which children might want to fast forward. 
Age Appropriate: 10+  [thematic material, one intense image]

Underdog
Summary:  Shoeshine is just an average dog who wants to be great.  One day, his life takes an unusual turn when an evil scientist turns him into a superdog!  While evil Doctor Simon Bar Sinister would use Shoeshine's new powers for his own gain, Shoeshine, with the help of his friends, chooses to become a superhero named "Underdog."
Review: This is a lighthearted movie with lots of fun action.  There is some rude humor that might warrant fast forwarding.
Age Appropriate: 10+ [rude rumor]

The Water Horse
Summary: Young Angus lives on the Scottish Loch at the onset of WWII.  He finds a mysterious egg that hatches into what he thinks is a water horse.  Tumult arrives with a Brittish Army unit that encamps on the property of Angus' home.   The commanding Brittish colonel encourages Angus to act like a soldier, but Angus' tragic family situation forces him closer to the water horse and a mysterious hired handyman.  Is it possible that Crusoe, the water horse, can bring the family back together?
Review: This movie is well rounded with humor, romance, tragedy, and simplicity of life.  There is some mild language, some references to the effects of war, and some frightening/tense scenes.
Age Appropriate: 12+ [mild language, thematic material, tense action]

No comments:

Post a Comment

Please consider that what you are writing will be viewed by many others. Please do not mention your last name and do not use any inapropriate language. Your comment could be delayed and might not be published.