They Don't Make 'em Like They Used To: 5 Classic Movies We LOVE

Is it just me, or is it getting to be more and more difficult to find movies the whole family can enjoy together? Especially movies we can enjoy without saying, "It was okay, but I wish they had cut out the part where... (something questionable/ rude / inappropriate happens)."  Lately, we've been revisiting some classics (thanks to free DVDs at the Library!) and so many of the oldies are such GEMS... they aren't just fun and entertaining, but they often provide something thought-provoking and a good lesson as well! So, these are a few of our favoriteamily films and why we love them. Please share your faves too!

#1) Mary Poppins: The music is outstanding, the story is pure imaginative fun, and we love the step back in time to Jolly Old England. Julie Andrews plays the "Practically Perfect" Mary Poppins, the Nanny set to help a British family with a bit of magic as they dance on rooftops, jump into chalk paintings, and let laughter send them flying... the family discovers new relationships and priorities. This is one movie our family never tires of. There is a lot to talk about from cultural questions like, "What are tuppence?" to the evolution of Mr. Banks and his relationship with the children.

#2) Pollyanna: I have to say, I was surprised that a movie made in 1960 begins with a shot (back side) of a little boy skinny dipping... but it is very brief and "appropriate for the time." (One of those culture changes that simply surprised me from a Hollywood that censored the word pregnant on "I Love Lucy."). Pollyanna is set 100 years ago during the advent of the automobile and the fun of a historical piece is pure delight. The characters are vivid, there are multiple stories all at once, and this is one of few instances when I prefer a movie to a book. The book was simply "too sweet" and Pollyanna was almost unbelievably perfect, while Hayley Mills adds just enough spunk to make Pollyanna real without diminishing the "Glad Game" at all. There are terrific character lessons in the story and it's full of laughs and fun.

#3) Jungle Book: There are many renditions, but we love Disney's animated version of the Jungle Book. It is not perfectly true to Kipling's novel, but for children it is great (if you aren't a story purist... and on this one, I'm not). The music is outstanding and upbeat, the characters are hysterical, and it is full of adventure and laughs.

#4) The Absent Minded Professor (original with Fred MacMurray): I'm a fan of Fred MacMurray in general... "Follow Me Boys" is OUTSTANDING (but my girls need to be a touch older to appreciate it... if you have Boy Scouts in your family it's a must see). The Absent Minded Professor is a funny film the whole family will love (if you suspend disbelief for a moment and remember they didn't have CGI when this was filmed). The Professor, played by MacMurray, creates a rubbery, gravity-defying glop that creates a madcap adventure the whole family enjoys.

#5) Cinderella: We enjoy Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical, but Disney's animated film is our favorite. My oldest would call it an outrage if I forgot to include Cinderella on the list. While my daughters all enjoy princess movies, this one is most special in our home. The animation is outstanding... as Cinderella's rags transform into a gown, it was one of Walt's favorite pieces of animation of all time and it's easy to see why as the scene truly sparkles. This is one princess with kindness, perseverance, and grace and a funny and fast paced story to tell her tale.

So, what are some of your favorite films to watch as a family? Any classics from your childhood that you especially enjoy sharing with your children?

Written by Kristina Light