Finding movie entertainment for littlies is pretty easy. There are loads of good or at least passable films for the five to ten age group and as children are happy to watch the same film over and over, one DVD tends to go a long way.
But worthwhile films for young teens and pre-teens are harder to come by, as is that elusive Nirvana – a movie for the whole family. Here are just a few recommendations – many of which our children were happy to watch with us until they left school and started DVD collections of their own. They are in no particular order, though of course we have our personal favourites.
Harvey
This marvellous piece of wimsy made in 1950 stars James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd, a grown man who has a close relationship with a rabbit named Harvey that only he can see and talk to.
It’s a Wonderful Life
Stewart also stars in this perennial classic by the great Frank Capra. Despite its chocolate-box style and overt family values message, it remains a must-see movie.
Harold and Maude
This fabulously black satire is as fresh and bitingly bracing as the day it was made. A marvellous film for that grumpy, non-communicative 16-year-old in your house who used to be your dear little boy.
Gallipoli
Peter Weir’s definitive story about Australians in World War I still packs a punch. Other Australian films that tell great stories about our past are Newsfront, The Year My Voice Broke and Rabbit-proof Fence. Another favourite is the 1986 comedy Malcolm, which has some of the best special effects gadgets ever seen outside a James Bond blockbuster.
Hitchcock omnibus
Not all of Alfred’s oeuvre translates for the teenager but a few do, and they hold up really well. Our list includes The Trouble with Harry, North by Northwest, Rear Window (gee, James Stewart again) and The Lady Vanishes. Psycho and The Birds are good introductory creepy thrillers too.
Rain Man
This tale of separated brothers, autism and loneliness strikes a chord with kids. Dustin Hoffman is brilliant and of course there’s the famous Qantas line.
Tootsie
Hoffman again – worth it just to see him in drag.
The Sting
Once your kids are old enough to follow a complex narrative, let them loose on this. Two hours of great second-guessing for all the family. Redford and Newman are pretty easy on the eye too.
Fly Away Home
Anna Paquin was still a kid herself when she starred in this Canadian film, based on a true story, about a girl who adopts a gaggle of orphaned Canadian geese.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Bob Hoskins is terrific as a frustrated gumshoe in this wonderful amalgamation of animation and live action.
Together
If your kids are open to a bit of a challenge, try them on this Chinese tear-jerker from famous director Chen Kaige about a poor peasant who struggles to send his gifted son for violin lessons in Beijing.
Farewell My Concubine
Groundhog Day
Just in case this one slipped under your radar. Unlikely I know …
Apollo 13
Another great story about real events in history. Keeps you on the edge of your seat even though you know what happens at the end!
The Bicycle Thief
Vittorio de Sica’s post-WWII film still makes me cry. But if the kids aren’t moved by the story they will at least fall in love with little Bruno.
Wallace and Gromit
All these animated films by Nick Park are good but our favourite remains The Wrong Trousers – love that evil penquin.
Close Encounters of the Third Kind
After graduation from ET, sci-fi enthusiast may like this. Also the original version of The Day the Earth Stood Still and 2001: A Space Odyssey may be winners.
Kes
A working-class British kid and his pet falcon – the Billy Elliot of its day. Monsieur Hulot’s Holiday: Jacques Tati was a comic genius who made films that sent up modern obsessions with work and lifestyle. This is his most famous.
Frontline
This Aussie doco by David Bradbury profiles war photographer Neil Davis, a Tasmanian lad who lived, loved and ultimately died in Southeast Asia. He was one of the great recorders of the Vietnam War and this doco is a must for any teenager studying that period of history at school.
My Cousin Vinny
If you’re prepared to cop the prolific f-word use, this is a hoot of a movie. Witty story and great characterisation.
O Brother Where Art Thou?
A few swear words in this too and it is quite violent in places but it’s a fun outing with George Clooney playing an escaped convict from Hicksville.
The Big Lebowski
Classic fare from the Coen brothers about slackers in LA. Jeff Bridges leads a star cast.
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