Movies can provide an excellent teachable moment with your kids. Here are some good movies with themes or issues that provide a springboard for discussions about important topics. While just watching movies with a message will emphasize important values and good decision making (not to mention showing the cost of bad decisions), kids may actually miss the point if left to their own interpretations. Consider having a family movie night where part of the event is a follow up discussion about what you got from the movie (and what you might do in that situation). Prompt them to actually apply the movie to real life.
Checking out a movie before viewing
There are a couple of websites that provide reviews of movies for parents even down to the count of profanities used. They can be a great help in trying to decide whether a movie is appropriate for your kids to watch.
http://www.screenit.com/index.html
http://www.commonsensemedia.org/reviews
http://movieclips.com/ (organized by categories, including 7 pages of themes)
Best movie girl characters from Common Sense Media
There are a number of resources for identifying good movies. Two that I found helpful were
What stories does my son need? By Michael Gurian
Gurian is a widely published expert on boys and men. His books are really good. This book gives both a list of movies and books that he finds meaningful for boys. And, he divides them up by age group. Some I agree with, others I don’t (which you can see by which ones are on his list that aren’t on mine).
The New York Times Essential Library Children’s Movies: A critic’s guide to the best films available on Video and DVD by Peter M. Nichols.
A compilation and description of 100 movies (and an extra 100 thrown in for good measure though just by title). Excellent book.
There is also this annual comprehensive guide to movies – Time Out Film Guide – that categorizes films by themes addressed in the movies (and I mean it is extensive). This would be a great resource if you are looking for a movie that will help you deal with a particular issue or situation.
Finally, remember, the list of movies provided here is not comprehensive and the presence of movies on this list does not constitute endorsement for or support of any of the information or values promoted in any of these movies.
Happy Viewing!
Last modified: 9/4/17
Adrift (PG)
Award winning cinematographer Tom Curran uses family films and interviews to explore the effects of his father’s death on him and his family. Low key and powerful. Gives a portrait of how unresolved loss can get in the way of moving on with your life.
Aeon Flux (PG-13)
Drama: Aeon is a female assassin for a group trying to overthrown a dictatorial and corrupt government. Cold hearted, strong, deadly woman who appears to have no conscience but ends up showing her humanity.
Akeelah and the Bee (PG)
Drama: A poor, middle school aged, African American girl learns what she can accomplish with the help of a mentor and a lot of obstacles along the way. Warm, generous, winning movie about how to be competitive and caring at the same time. Akeelah has all the qualities you want your kid to model.
Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (PG)
Drama: A widowed mother strives to start new life in this critically acclaimed, much-loved 70s drama.
Death of parent, death of spouse, overcoming obstacles, being different, dating done right, persistence, loyalty, self-sacrifice, adult promiscuity, loss, dealing with adversity, overcoming failure, integrity, standing up for principles, friendship, mother-son, step family, enjoying life, kindness, poverty, growing up, facing mortality, being true to yourself, anger.
Alien (R)
Drama: You have to know this movie. Space mining ship is redirected from it’s trip home to check out a distress signal that ends up beginning a whole industry of Alien movies. (You know, silver teeth, extending jaws, looks like a 59 Caddy?) Sigorney Weaver. Feminine but beyond tough.
A Little Romance (PG)
Drama: Two 13 year olds, an American Girl and a French boy, meet and develop a crush. While the message is a little worrisome since they run away together to another city to innocently profess their love, it is nonetheless a beautiful representation of innocent infatuation in early teenagers. Lots to talk about between parents and kids who watch this.
All the real girls (R)
Drama: A notorious womanizer is forced to change his ways when he falls for his best friend’s sister. You need a good reason for your kids to see this one.
Why didn’t the brother want his best friend to date his sister when they were just alike? What responsibility does the brother have for how he does things? Why did they treat girls like that? What changed the best friend’s mind about relationships? What made their relationship special for the best friend? What did the best friend have to give up to be in a relationship with the sister? Why didn’t the best friend want to have sex with the sister? What should the best friend have done when the sister cheated on him? Why was sex so bad for them? Why did the sister have sex with the best friend? Why couldn’t they get the relationship back together? What did the best friend learn about relationships and himself in the end? What did the girl learn in the end?
All the right moves (R)
Drama: Tom Cruise when he was a teen struggles with giving in to the man (in this case his football coach) in order to make it in the world while he is trying to escape his dead end town and the manual labor life he faces.
An Alternative to Slitting Your Wrist (R)
Documentary: Amateur film maker Owen Lowery decides to complete a list of 52 things he always wanted to do. Lowery was struggling to find a way to wrestle his demons (depression, childhood sexual abuse by an older kid, family substance abuse) and find a reason to live after being hospitalized for a suicide attempt. Honest portrayal of the ups and downs of digging out of depression with support (though the use of therapy didn’t get entered into the mix). The end is uplifting and truthful about everything not being all happy happy. This is an excellent film if your (older teen) kid is struggling with depression (and especially if they have suffered abuse).
Amistad (R)
Drama: A deadly rebellion on board a slave ship ignites a legal battle as to what should happen to the slaves after they’ve been captured and imprisoned. Noble movie excellently made. All the issues about slavery, human dignity, standing up from principle and justice.
The Andy Griffith Show
Television: Every single episode. The original black and white, with Barney and the gang; not the color or Mayberry RFD. The whole range of life lessons, good parenting, understanding and acceptance, fundamental values and morals, FUNNY! That show is ageless!
Anne of Green Gables (G)
Drama/Comedy: This 1985 made for (Canadian) television movie and the sequel (Ann of Green Gables: The sequel) is a beautifully made, multiple award winning movie that follows the life of a young orphan girl who goes to live with a couple (who, incidentally, wanted a boy). Ann is bright, inquisitive, sweet and strong willed. Great role model, great story, great movie. Old fashioned (and, therefore, admirable) virtues abound.
Apollo 13 (PG)
Drama: The true life story of 3 astronauts stranded in space and the efforts to figure out how to repair their ship to return them to earth. Bravery, courage under pressure, problem solving, team work; this is how you deal with life threatening situations.
Antwone Fisher (PG-13)
Drama: Based on the true story of a young African American man who was placed at birth in an abusive foster home. He joined the USNavy to escape homelessness at 18. When referred to a psychiatrist to address his explosive anger, Antwone begins the long and successful road to healing. Inspirational. Lots of potential for a kid who struggles with anger, costs and ways to not let it run your life.
Argo (R)
Drama: True story of a secret, one man rescue by the CIA (along with the help of the Canadians) of 6 Iranian embassy staff during the 1979 revolution that brought the Ayatollah Khomeini to power. Courage, sacrifice, gutsy risk taking and no one left behind.
A River Runs Through It (PG)
Drama: Two brothers grow from adolescence to young adulthood in the 1920s midwest facing the consequences of moral and character choices.
The Art of Getting By
Drama: Slacker kid in his senior year is noticed by the hottest girl in his class. He gets his heart broken and finds what he is passionate about while she leads him on and breaks his heart. Unfortunately, there is a whole set of useless, self-absorbed parents that inhabit this film. It’s a formula (but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t resonate with where you are in your life right now). But, there are redeeming qualities: he risks his heart for love, something everyone should do; he gets his ass in gear and makes things happen in his life, something everyone should do; he finally pours his soul into something that matters to him (i.e., art), something everyone should do.
Babe (G)
Drama/Comedy: Talking animals, beautiful cinematography and a wonderful story of kindness, innocence and quiet love and affection. And, it is very funny. Wonderful movie.
Baby Boy (R)
Drama: A young and unemployed black man learns that he must grow up and take responsibility for his actions, behavior and life.
Band of Brothers (PG mostly, graphic injuries, minor cussing, one quick view of discrete, casual sexual intercourse)
Drama: The television miniseries that follows Easy Company from the formation of their unit through WWII in Europe to the end of the war. This is an extraordinary experience. The questions it can raise are endless and important. The nobility, sacrifice and patriotism is devastatingly touching (and inspirational). Watch this with your kids.
Basketball Diaries (R)
Drama: Memoir of a writer’s adolescence where he went from a popular teen with promise to the degradations of heroin addictions before reclaiming his life. Extremely graphic, dark and sad. Cautionary tale about drugs (but you will need a very good reason to expose your kid to this grim characterization).
Believe in Me (PG)
Drama: An ambitious male coach discovers he has been assigned to the girl’s basketball team in 1960s Oklahoma. All the good themes of harassment, serious obstacles, respect and hard work. Another (good) underdog sports movie.
A Better Life (R)
Drama: An illegal immigrant father struggles to live a life with integrity and keep his kids on a productive path in life while trying to provide a future for his family.
Billy Elliot (R)
Drama: Despite facing various levels of conflict (peer, family, societal relating to industrial workers strikes) as well as sexual stereotyping, an 11-year-old British boy follows his dream of becoming a ballet dancer in mid-1980s England. Beautiful film about following your passion (and no, the main character is not gay though the movie is clearly gay-friendly).
Black Circle Boys (R)
Drama. Following the accidental death of his best friend, Kyle is drawn into a dark underworld of drugs and pagan rituals as he struggles to overcome his personal demons. This is a good movie about a teen who loses his way following overwhelming loss and guilt and ends up in a group of other lost kids. Dips down into depression and slowly, gradually makes his way out again.
Blind Side (PG-13)
Comedy/Drama: You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, it will become a part of you. Even though it is kind of simplistic and a little to glossy, this is a great movie about every kind of family value: love, loyalty, sacrifice, what makes a family, morals, mutual support.
Boyz in the Hood (R)
Drama: A hard edged film about gangs and growing up black and male in the inner city. Good movie when viewed with a parent to make sense of the dramatic (and possibly glamorized) aspects of inner city life.
Brave (PG)
Comedy/drama: A young princess defies the limits placed on her simply because she is a girl to pursue her desire to compete. Beautifully animated and fun. You can’t have too many shows (both girls AND boys) that emphasize women can (and should) compete.
Broken Hill (PG)
Drama: A talented teenage is stuck in the Australian outback and looking for a way to pursue his dream to become a composer. Inspirational, overcoming odds, finding a way to pursue your dreams no matter what, all the usual (good) messages about following your dream and not giving up.
Can’t Buy Me Love (PG-13)
A nerd pays a cheerleader to be his girlfriend in a bid to join the in crowd. He gets knocked back down but gets the girl in the end. Fun movie.
Changing Lanes (R)
Drama: An automobile accident in which one driver is insensitive to the victim leads to escalating attempts at revenge between the two. A morality play about selfishness, revenge and redemption. What would have happened if each of them had paused and offered a little humanity to the other.
Chariots of Fire (PG)
Drama: A long time ago, only the rich could go to college and participate in things like the Olympics because they were for “amateurs” (namely, only for people who could afford to not work a real job). This is a wonderful, true movie that follows several participants in the 1924 Olympics when the elitism started to change. It is very inspirational and emphasizes what it takes to truly accomplish something great: talent but passion and really, really hard work.
Charlie St. Cloud (PG-13)
Drama: Right after high school graduation, Charlie’s younger brother is killed in an automobile accident. This movie is a touching story of grief, finding your purpose, finding love again and moving on after devastating loss.
Cheats (PG-13)
Drama: Follows the exploits of 4 friends who have developed a way to systematically cheat their way through high school ending with their getting caught and the breaking of their friendship.
Questions: What were the costs of cheating? Who paid the price for their cheating or who did they hurt? What are the justifications for/against cheating? How do you think the friendships ended up after the movie? What would you do if you were in the position of the friend who started student court? Should the friends be forgiven for narcing on the cheaters? See the DVD section on the real story behind the movie.
The Chocolate Wars (G)
Drama: The new boy at a strict Catholic High School refuses to be bullied by a sadistic headmaster and a gang of school thugs into selling chocolates for the school’s annual fund-raising event. The book is also excellent. It is about standing on principle and honor.
A Christmas Carol (G)
Drama: The story of a miserly, bitter, miserable old man who comes to learn the value of generosity and friendship. You’ve seen a version of it; you know, Scrooge, Bob Cratchit, annoying Tiny Tim. Don’t forget to watch it with your kids. Every year. Make it a tradition. There is no better story that captures the Christmas spirit short of the story of Christmas itself. The two best versions in my opinion are the 1951 version with Alastair Sim (remarkable transformation to the giddy, generous heart; the black and white grainy quality adds to the movie) and the 1984 version with George C. Scott (brilliant, he was remarkable; production was beautiful).
The Chronicles of Narnia (PG)
Drama: The allegorical tale of faith, sacrifice, good and evil, temptation and living an life with integrity. Lewis (the author of the books) helps make the Christian faith more accessible to kids (and, to many of us adults). These movies are beautifully made, the special creature effects are great. You will all enjoy watching this and it provides all kinds of opportunities for discussions. There are three (at the time of this writing): The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. They are all great but the inner meaning was clearer in the first two. The Dawn Treader came across as more of an adventure story (though an enjoyable movie).
The Circle (NR but probably R)
Drama: This is a foreign film that follows the fate of several Iranian women that reveals what it is like to be a woman in a conservative, traditional, present-day society. This is definitely for an older adolescent (or a VERY sophisticated and empassioned younger teen). It will help appreciating all the progress we have made in the US and will highlight that we still have work to do (as well as helping the oppressed in other countries).
Circle of Friends (PG-13)
Comedy/Drama: Coming of age story about three friends facing challenges from religion, economics, social class, and sex. This is an excellent story about true character, love for the person inside rather than appearances and the cost of casual sexual relationships.
Questions: What made the guy choose the girl? What made their relationship strong? Why did the guy screw up? What signs were there that the pretty girl could end up doing what she did to her friends and to the guy? Explain the differences in the friendships between the plain girl, the practical girl, and the pretty girl. How did the guy get himself into the bad situation? Why should or shouldn’t the plain girl marry the guy? How could you have known or guessed that the pretty girl would do what she did both with the lord of the manner and the other thing? What are the characteristics of a friend that are important especially when it comes to respecting each other and your feelings? Would you have done what the pretty girl did in her circumstances?
A Civil Action (PG-13)
Drama: A personal injury lawyer risks ruining his career by representing the families of several children who died of leukemia against two large and powerful corporations that may be responsible.
Coach Carter (PG-13)
Drama: Samuel L Jackson plays an inner city basketball coach who requires his players to do well in school before they can play. He then starts forfeiting games until they get their act in gear. Obvious reasons this can be a good movie to watch with your kids. Some inner city social issues addressed so check out the reviews just to make sure it is right for your family.
The Cosby Show
TV show: Want some ideas about parenting? Here’s a way to get some ideas AND be entertained.
Count of Monte Christo (PG-13)
Action/Adventure: After being wronged by his alleged best friend and serving many years in prison, a man sets out to escape and get his revenge on him and others. Great story about survival and being consumed by bitterness.
Courage under Fire (R)
Drama: A disillusioned army officer struggling with his own demons is assigned to investigate the evidence for a female helicopter pilot’s worthiness for the Medal of Honor. Rough elements (these are soldiers after all) and the capacity of women to show traditionally masculine courage.
Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (PG-13)
Drama: This movie is remarkable in a whole lot of ways. The quiet strength and capability of the women, the profound commitment to moral, “right” behavior, the importance of character traits like honor, love, loyalty, responsibility, self-sacrifice and compassion, the extremely cool martial arts fighting scenes, the magical quality of the movie, the beautiful scenery. There is a LOT you can talk about with this movie. And it is really enjoyable.
A Cry in the Wild (PG)
Drama: A 13 year old boy is stranded alone in the Canadian wilderness and has to learn to survive on his own. Based on the incredible book Hatchet by Gary Paulsen.
Dances with Wolves (PG-13)
Drama: A civil war officer is assigned to the American West after heroic action only to learn about honesty, cruelty, compassion, prejudice, and friendship. Prejudice, friendship, love, honor and a bit too much of the noble savage myth thrown in. This is an epic movie that deserved all the awards it received.
Dead Poet’s Society (R)
Drama/Humor: An inspiring teacher in a private boy’s boarding school is falsely blamed for the suicide death of a student leading to a growing experiencing for all the students. The beauty and cost of following your passion when you have to defy authority.
The Delta (R)
Drama: Sexual ambiguity as a seemingly straight teenage boy explores homosexual interests in Memphis. The difficulties of repressed sexual desire and the cost of suppression.
Dolphin Tale (PG)
Drama: A fatherless boy befriends a dolphin that has lost it’s tale and finds meaning in his life in nursing the dolphin back to health. Great movie, love, loss, making a difference in the world, sacrifice, standing up for something you believe in, working to change things you think are wrong, coming of age. Great cast of actors. And, it is based on a true story.
Door to Door (PG)
Drama: Based on the true story of a man with cerebral palsy, a debilitating condition that justified his being on disability without working. He was determined to support himself and so became a door to door salesman of household items. Inspiring and humbling for kids who may be griping about being bored, frustrated or unhappy about having to do something other than sit and play video games or update their facebook page.
Dreamcatcher (R)
Horror: Four lifelong friends who share telepathic gifts must deal with what appears to be an alien invasion. Gets wild at the end with aliens morphing out of perfectly normal seeming people (this is from a Stephen King novel). There is an early scene of boys defending a bullied developmentally delayed kid that is a perfect example of how to deal with bullies. Worth the movie.
The Education of Charlie Banks (R)
Drama: A young man who was terrorized by a dangerous bully in high school only has him show up at the prestigious private college he is attending causing him to come to terms with his fear and stand his ground.
Elephant Man (PG-13)
Drama: A hideously deformed man finds his voice and teaches others about dignity, humanity, and compassion. Beautiful movie.
End of the Spear (PG-13)
Drama: When a group of 5 missionaries attempt to reach an Ecuadorian tribe are speared to death, the wives and children of the murdered men move into the village and end up influencing a change in the culture of violence and revenge. Can be hard to find. The political ramifications of imposing beliefs on indigenous peoples notwithstanding, it is a wonderful movie of a way to respond to loss and grief through love and compassion.
Erin Brockovich (R)
Drama: A woman with only a high school education starts out as a file clerk in a lawyer’s office and ends up being responsible for winning the largest direct-action lawsuit settlement in history. She is an earthy, crude woman who is passionate, determined and intelligent (though she didn’t realize it) with a strong sense of right and wrong (though not in all areas of her life).
Everafter (PG)
Drama: Against remarkable odds, a young woman of the 16th century stands up to her family by being independent and wise. Brilliant movie portraying a strong, smart, principled feminine heroine who takes life on her own terms.
E.T. (PG)
Sci Fi/Adventure: Don’t tell me you need a summary or an explanation for why this is a great movie.
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (PG)
Drama: An 11 year old boy loses his father in the 911 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers in New York. He sets out to solve a puzzle his father left him before his death involving a mysterious key and requiring him to overcome his fears and re-engage with the world. This is a wonderful little movie about love and loss, guilt and forgiveness, grieving while moving forward with your life. Take a little time for a nice emotional moment without ending up sobbing.
Field of Dreams (PG)
Drama: A man in crisis trusts his heart, goes in search of a dream and makes peace with his deceased father. This one makes grown men cry.
Finding Forrester (PG-13)
Drama: A reclusive author, known for publishing only one work, reluctantly tries to inspire, in his own unique way, a brilliant, but underachieving inner-city teen. A movie about finding your value and having a mentor.
Flipped (PG)
Comedy/Drama: Bryce first meets his neighbor Juli, a smart, independent, opinionated girl, in 2nd grade. Triumph, trouble, family problems and first love happen as their attraction to each other doesn’t seem to align in this sweet coming-of-age movie.
Flirting (R)
Drama: Danny Embling, an awkward, bullied, underdeveloped teen suffering from occasional bouts of stuttering, attends an all-male boarding school in Australia strikes up an interracial (heterosexual) romance and finds his voice along the way. This is the sequel to The Year My Voice Broke
Fly Away Home (PG)
Drama: A teenage girl who goes to live with her estranged father after the death of her mother teaches a gaggle of abandoned goslings to fly. Beautiful story about a strong, determined, caring young girl who will not be deterred in following an admirable cause.
Forbidden Planet (G)
Drama/Sci-Fi: A group of astronauts seeking out a famous scientist stranded on a deserted planet are attacked by an invisible but deadly being. Classic science fiction movie that is actually about the power of the darker side of human nature: jealousy, envy, anger. Still holds up after all these years.
Forrest Gump (PG-13)
Drama/Comedy: A mildly developmentally delayed boy is involved in the major events as he grows up from the 60’s through the 80’s using simple but profound principles such as loyalty, kindness, love, and self-sacrifice. Sweetness, kindness, courage, self-sacrifice, love, devotion, relationships.
Four Feathers (PG-13)
Drama: After being labeled a coward for resigning his commission on the eve of battle, a former British soldier sets out for the Sudan in an effort to save his friends and redeem his self-respect. Exceptional and well made movie that demonstrates courage comes in many guises.
Friday Night Lights (R)
Drama: Movie dramatization of the book that followed a Texas football team and the effects of that sports/football culture on the kids and community. Great movie, great catalyst for questions up and down the spectrum of high school sports, academic success and social status.
Gallipoli (PG)
Drama: During WWI, an Australian army unit is sent into what would become one of the most deadly, useless battles fought in the war. This movie introduces you to the young, idealistic soldiers and then follows them to their heartbreaking death. Lots to talk about when watching this movie. War is necessary. Soldiers have to die. Each soldier can’t know if their possible deaths will be worth it. Countries have an obligation to cherish every single life of a soldier put at risk. Humans as leaders can be really stupid. What’re you supposed to do about that?
Gandhi (PG-13)
Drama: The life of Mahatma Gandhi as he affected the world through his dignity, persistence, and nonviolent resistance to injustice. Brilliant movie, a paragon of humanity.
Gattica (PG-13)
Drama/Sci-Fi: A genetically inferior man tries to pose as a perfect human being in a future where a person’s genetic makeup determines their social class and future. Fun and can be the catalyst for some interesting discussions about the value of imperfection.
Get Real (R)
Drama/Comedy: A gay English teenager must decide whether to “come out” when he falls for a popular student whom most classmates presume is straight. Well made movie that provides a model for gay teen relationships. He gets the guy.
Glory (R)
Drama: The story of the all black fighting unit for the North during the civil war and the courage and sacrifices made. As patriotic a movie as you can find.
Good Will Hunting (R)
Drama: A therapist tries to help a brilliant, but troubled young man overcome his personal problems and realize his potential. Powerful movie about finding your potential, overcoming fears of failure and following your dream. Great portrayal of an unconventional therapist client relationship.
Gossip (R)
Drama/Suspense: When a bit of malicious gossip they spread gets completely out of control, a trio of friends must figure out what to do and whether they should try to stop it. (Spoiler) Elaborate (and graphic) hoax perpetrated to get the main character back for starting a vicious rumor about a girl. May be useful to see the cost of spreading rumors.
Great Santini (PG)
Drama: An extremely domineering, abusive military father takes his frustrations out on his family through emotional and physical abuse complicating the family’s grief when he dies in a plane crash. Pat Conroy is a brilliant Southern writer about dysfunctional families with (allegedly) redeeming qualities. Courageous warrior as terrible father and the damage he inflicts.
Green Mile (R)
Drama: A death row prison guard must contend with various convicts under his watch including a giant of a man with a special gift. Racism, justice, injustice, innocence, guilt, psychic powers and evil.
Groundhog Day (PG)
Comedy: What would you do if you had the same day to live over and over and over . . . Great movie; funny and a catalyst for family discussions. Must see.
Happy Feet (G)
Animation/Comedy/Drama: Animated penguin gotta dance! Glorious movie. Funny, lots of thought provoking issues if you want to have a conversation later. Great fun to watch.
Harry Potter Movies (PG)
Drama: Wildly entertaining, great special effects and really wonderful depictions of friendship, strong females, all the good virtues, mentoring and loving (and horrible) family relationships.
Here On Earth (PG-13)
Drama: After being sentenced to help rebuild a small town diner he inadvertently helped destroy, a prep school student finds himself falling for his adversary’s girlfriend. Sweet movie about having a real teen relationship (except she has a terminal illness and so they are artificially drawn into an intense relationship).
Hero (PG-13, subtitles or dubbed in English)
Drama: A fearless warrior rises up to defeat a tyrant and unite an empire. GREAT martial arts fight scenes, the visuals are incredible and the story is surprisingly subtle (could a tyrant be better for most people after all?).
High Plains Drifter (R)
Drama: A lone man shows up in a western town in response to reward offered to help the town rid itself of bad people. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the towns people aren’t as innocent as you might first believe. Graphic depictions of retribution and revenge (spoiler) because the drifter seems to be the ghost like return of the previous sheriff that the townspeople refused to help when he was murdered by the outlaws. Opportunity to talk about what YOU would do with your kid.
Holes (PG)
Drama: After being wrongly sentenced to a hard-labor camp where he and other boys are forced to dig a five-foot hole each day, a teenager tries to figure out what they’re digging for as well as whether he and his family are still living under a generations-old curse.
Hoosier (PG)
Drama: Young men struggling to develop character, discipline, and courage against the backdrop of high school basketball. Great movie. Great values.
Hotel Rwanda (R)
Drama: Based on a true story about a hotel manager’s attempts to harbor potential victims of the genocide in Rwanda. Difficult and important, deeply moving picture of true courage and humanity. Lots of powerful messages about morals and being an ethical human.
I Am Sam (PG-13)
Drama: A single, mentally challenged father tries to regain custody of his daughter when she finally surpasses him intellectually and is removed from their home by the courts.
Illusion (PG-13)
Drama: An aging director nearing the end of his life reviews the life of his son as he pursues love and the role the director played in being a voice of criticism and discouragement.
The Interrupters (R)
This documentary (by the guy who did Hoop Dreams, another great documentary) is about people who are trying to stop community violence (in this case, in Chicago) at its source. Powerful film. What could YOUR KID do?
Inside Moves (R)
Drama: This film follows a crippled suicide survivor who gains self-esteem through friendships with fellow misfits.
In the Company of Men (R)
Drama: Two men, fed up with the way they’ve been treated by women, decide to both date a deaf girl, build up her expectations, and then simultaneously dump her as their revenge upon all women. Unusual movie that starkly presents the darkest side of how men treat women. You will need a really good reason to see this with your kids.
Questions: How could the woman have protected herself from the schemes of these men? Why did the sensitive man decide to go along with his friend? How could the woman have figured out what was going on? Why was the woman vulnerable to these guy’s scheme? How do you think things turned out for each of the characters? What responsibility did the guys have to the woman?
Iron Giant (G)
Animated: A boy shows compassion for a giant made of iron who, in the end, must sacrifice himself to save his new human friends. Makes grown men cry. Beautiful movie.
Iron Will (PG)
Drama: The story of a young man who enters a grueling dogsled race to save his family’s farm and raise money for college. Great movie about a young man who steps up to responsibility in the aftermath of tragic personal loss. Excellent character movie.
It’s A Wonderful Life (G)
Drama: Do I really need to describe the plot? A man who has sacrificed for the good of others all his life ends up, through a series of accidents and maliciousness on the part of a greedy and powerful man, questioning whether his life had any meaning. He then gets to see what the lives of others would have been if he had never existed. Glorious movie.
Jason’s Lyric (R)
Drama: A young man who carries around the guilt of shooting his abusive, alcoholic father meets a girl fighting poverty, gangs and violence who is shot before they can succeed in escaping their environment.
Questions: Why was it so difficult to follow their dreams? Why did the guy feel guilty about killing his father? What could he have done instead? How could they have supported each other better? What was the cost of following their dreams; what would each of them have to give up?
Joy Ride (R)
Suspense/Thriller: A vindictive truck driver terrorizes two brothers and their friend after the young men pull a prank on the anonymous trucker. Has some obvious implications for what can come from messing with people or other drivers or just being stupid altogether, especially when it involves a car.
Julia (PG)
Drama: Lillian Hellman, the writer, has a lifelong friendship with Julia who sacrifices her wealth, her health, her leg and her life to combat Nazism during the time when the rest of the world tried to turn a blind eye to the growing monster. Adult themes but powerful women.
Karate Kid (PG)
Drama: New kid on the block being bullied by his schoolmates meets a mild mannered gardener who just happens to be a martial arts expert. Work, commitment, honor, loyalty and dealing with difficulty in the right way. Exceptional movie that stands the test of time. The Rocky of teen movies. There is also the Next Karate Kid with a teenage girl.
Kramer vs Kramer (PG)
Drama: Dad is busy working all the time and mom has lost a sense of who she is so she picks up and leaves both of them. This beautiful movie looks at responsibility (in a refreshing gender twist); to your self, your spouse, your kid. Hard choices that are still relevant. Lots of things to discuss about what you owe people.
Juno (R)
Drama/Comedy: Teen girl gets pregnant and, predictably, has to figure out what to do about it on her own with uninvolved or clueless parents. The girl is smart and thoughtful, the boyfriend is wonderfully geeky, the issues are real and provide a great opportunity to talk about consequences of sex.
Keith (R)
Drama: A popular girls is thrown together with an outcast guy, throw in a terminal illness and adolescent love; life lessons and loss ensue. Sweet movie
Kids of Survival: The art and life of Tim Rollins + K.O.S.
Drama: Documentary of an inspiring teacher and his classroom of low income, troubled teens using art to learn about literature and life. Inspirational teacher, remarkable kids, the life of the mind outshines the darkness of life.
Knight’s Tale (PG-13)
Action/Adventure: A young squire, accompanied by a hodgepodge of friends, fakes his way into various 14th century jousting contests and then tries to win the hand of a fair maiden all while dealing with a nefarious count who’s determined to defeat him.
Last of the Mohicans (R)
Drama: Loose, but compelling, adaptation of James Fennimore Cooper’s 1750 novel about the French and Indian wars told from the view of the last 3 remaining members of a Native American tribe (one of who is an adopted European). Love, vicious hand to hand fights, army battles, savagery, sacrifice, courage and loss all take place in beautiful scenery with incredible cinematography.
Lawrence of Arabia (Unrated but probably PG)
Drama: Grand, epic, amazing movie adventure about the exploits of a bizarre (and it turns out somewhat crazy) British officer (T. E. Lawrence) who is able to unite the Arab forces during World War I to defeat the Turks. Racism (in this case against Arabs), passion, courage, politics, the horrors of war and redemption are just a few of the themes in this movie.
Less Than Zero (R)
Drama: Movie about friends who are without a real direction in life, have privilege, and who are involved in drugs and sex face the addiction, degradation, and death of one of their group. Harsh look at how kids with promise (and from affluence) end up lost and heading nowhere. Need a really good movie to watch this with your kids.
Questions: What could the friends have done for each other? What are the points in the movie where each of them could have tried to help the other? Why weren’t they able to help the one friend? Why did they use drugs? What could they have done that might have stopped their need to use drugs?
Liar, Liar (PG-13)
Comedy: A magical birthday wish causes a lawyer to tell nothing but the truth for twenty-four hours. Great portrayal about the frequency with which many of lie in the course of a day. And, Jim Carrey is, of course, hysterical.
Life is Beautiful (R)
Drama/comedy: Set in Nazi occupied Italy, a Jewish man goes to great lengths to protect his son from the reality of the danger they face on a daily basis. He does this by changing how his son view the challenges of surviving in the concentration camp. Touching, bittersweet. Worth watching together.
Little Darlings (R)
Drama: Two 15-year old girls from different sides of the tracks compete to see who will be first to lose their virginity while at camp. Dealing directly with the beginnings of sexual awareness makes this a powerful conversation starter but check it out before hand to make sure it doesn’t create more problems than it solves.
Questions: What led to the girls accepting the “challenge?” What could they have done if they didn’t want to go along with the challenge? What would have happened if rich girl would have been successful? What was poor girls experience of sex? Why did she go through with it? How could it have been better for her? Why was it so difficult for her to open up? What was the effect of the poor girl’s mother’s attitudes on her?
The Long Walk Home (PG)
Drama: It’s 1955 in Montgomery, Alabama during the bus boycott sparked by Rosa Parks in protest for discriminatory policies toward African Americans even regarding their “place” on the bus. The life of a maid for a wealthy white family shows the stark contrast of living conditions and freedoms as well as the dignity and integrity of African Americans during that time period.
Lord of the Rings (PG-13)
Action/Fantasy: A disparate group of beings attempts to return a powerful ring to its place of creation and destroy it there before its evil, original owner gains possession of it. Filled with noble themes and fighting against evil (as well as how you can end up becoming evil from the best of intentions).
Lords of Discipline (R)
Drama: Follows a cadet through military academy where he comes of age dealing with loyalty, prejudice, cruelty, and betrayal. Excellent movie about peer pressure and the complications of honor (and the abuse of loyalty).
Lucas (PG-13)
Drama/comedy: Undersized, smart teen boy with spunk and character deals with his frustrated love, lack of respect and harassment by jocks. He makes his way through it all with dignity and finally makes his was to a kind of respect by peers. Wonderful movie about the struggles of finding yourself and dealing with not being at the top of the social ladder.
Man in the Moon (PG)
Drama: A coming of age movie about the experiences of a young girl facing first love, death, and family relationships. Sweet portrayal (by a young Reese Witherspoon) of prepubescent love and dealing with tragic death (of her love object). Excellent family movie.
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence (G)
Drama: An idealistic, tenderfoot lawyer arrives in a lawless, wild west town and takes on the murderous criminal who is terrorizing the townspeople. He does it by relying on the concept of law and order. He ends up being a hero with a long career in politics. But, there is a twist! To be courageous you have to risk what it is important. Standing up for what is right is dangerous. The nobility of sacrifice can be a quiet, private thing. Love is about giving to the one you love without thought for yourself. It is one of the best western “Character” movies ever made starring John Wayne (enough said), Jimmy Stewart, Lee Marvin, Andy Devine and the lovely Vera Miles.
Man without a Face (R)
Drama: A young boy forms a mentoring relationship with a reclusive man with a terrible facial scar (Mel Gibson) but the relationship comes to an end when allegations surface of the man as a former child abuser. Sweet portrayal of mentor relationship but raises complicated questions due to the shadow surrounding the main character’s possibly inappropriate relationship with a former student. Need a good reason to see this movie.
March of the Penguins (PG)
Those penguins are so CUTE! This is an amazing film. Who woulda thought you could watch a film about a year in the life of penguins and be riveted.
Mask (R)
Drama: True story of a teen with a facial disfiguring disease who must face the world and himself. Cher is great as the course but devoted mom. Deeply moving and powerful movie with all the opportunities for discussing perseverance, cruelty, beauty inside, etc. etc. A must see movie.
Matrix (R)
Sci-Fi/Drama: Futuristic tale in which a man discovers that his life is not what he thought it was. Freedom (and the cost of freedom), avoiding the harshness of reality and REMARKABLE special effects.
Max Keeble’s Big Move (PG)
Comedy: Believing that he’s moving to another city, a junior high student sets out to get his revenge on all of those who’ve wronged him in the past. Lots of twists: getting people back, plans going wrong (when he has to stay to face the music), trying to make a real difference and, typically, adults who are halfwits, evil or oblivious.
Mean Girls (PG-13)
Drama/Comedy: Great movie (despite having Lindsay Lohan as a potential role model) about the difficulties of girl relationships and relational aggression (a.k.a., bullying). Good resolutions.
Men Don’t Leave (PG-13)
Drama: When a father dies, a mother and her two sons must find a way to cope. Lots of struggles including debilitating grief in the mom, the 17 yo son losing his way and the 9 yo son resorting to crime to try to regain their old, more affluent life. Ends well. Thoughtful movie that can spark discussion of what is really important.
Men of Honor (R)
Drama: An African-American sailor must overcome racism and other obstacles as he attempts to become the first black Master Chief Navy Diver.
A Midnight Clear (R)
Drama: A small platoon of WWII American soldiers encounter a small enemy platoon who want to surrender with disastrous results. Raises lots of questions about what makes an enemy, war and honor.
Mighty (PG-13)
Drama: A presumably dimwitted giant of a seventh-grader and an intelligent, but diminutive boy suffering from a degenerative disease combine their best assets to forge a friendship that allows them to cope with the world in which they live.
Million Dollar Baby (R)
Drama: Young adult woman pursues her passion to box. Beautiful movie about breaking stereotypes, working for something you really want, friendship. Excellent movie. Rather raw and clearly intended for adults but could be relevant for some situations with your kid.
Moana (G)
Animated Drama/Comedy: This is such a great movie! Moana is an adventurous, strong willed girl who set out to save your island by finding the demi-god Maui to make him return the heart of the goddess Te Fiti. It is funny, tense and a great model of how to break tradition and follow your own mind (and heart) while still being a responsible person. Moana is a great role model for girls on how to be a forceful person without just imitating how men have always done it. The chicken is a scream!
Mona Lisa Smile (PG-13)
Drama: A progressive young art teacher comes to a women’s college in 1953 to face the sexism and limitations imposed on women, even by themselves, during that time. Mature themes are included but a gentle thought provoking movie about the opportunities for women and how they have changed within our lifetimes.
Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Comedy: Because it is hysterical. Also, the Black Knight is the best embodiment of a “never say die” attitude you can find while laughing with each dismemberment!
Mulan (G)
Drama, animated: Who says delicate looking women can’t kick some butt? (At least in cartoons). Mulan joins the military disguised as a man to save her father’s honor. She ends up being a hero. Maybe a bit unrealistic about how little it takes for her to become the greatest warrior but the message is worth overlooking that little flaw.
My Body Guard (PG)
Drama: A young boy who is the target of bullies employs a school outcast to be his bodyguard leading to the formation of friendship and loyalty. Great movie with the obvious themes beautifully explored.
My Girl (PG)
Drama: An 11 year old girl deals with her mother’s death and her mortician father while experiencing puppy love. Sweet movie about first love. Good portrayal of what young love is supposed to be.
Mystic River (R)
Drama: (Spoiler) Three friends converge on their neighborhood to deal with the death of one of their young daughters reawakening the sexual abuse they all suffered when young. Hard movie to watch, powerful portrayal of the aftermath of childhood abuse. Need a reason for your kid to see this.
The Natural (R)
Drama: Following your dream, losing your way, cynicism and idealism, baseball, evil women, noble women; this movie has it all. Has a dream-like, allegorical quality. Excellent guy movie.
Never Been Kissed (PG-13)
Romantic Comedy: A 25-year-old, first-time reporter, hoping she doesn’t have to relive her geeky past, returns to high school to do an undercover story on teenage life. Fun twist on high school social dynamics. A bit weird when the teacher is attracted to his (disguised adult) student which might be misinterpreted as permission.
Norma Rae (PG)
Drama: A young single mother who makes minimum wage working in a sweat shop factory leads a movement to unionize her work leading to threats and pressure at home and on the job. Here is what quiet courage looks like.
Not Without My Daughter (PG-13)
Drama: Hmmm. Wonder who stars in this movie about an everywoman who finds inner strength, in this case to rescue herself and her daughter from a repressive husband in a Muslim country? I know, Sally Field (see Normal Rae, Places in the Heart, Steel Magnolias). You just can’t keep this woman down.
Now and Then (PG-13)
Drama: Four women look back on time spent as girls in the summer of 1970 exploring life and investigating the murder of a boy dead for three decades. Beautiful portrayal of innocent edge of teen girl friendships (and sweet innocent budding romance).
October Sky (PG)
Drama: A West Virginia teenager hopes to break free from his predetermined coal miner’s life by winning a national science fair competition with his rocket building designs. Excellent view of kids following their passion (in this case, for rocket science).
Old Enough (R)
Drama: Well-bred Lonnie (11 ¾ yo) meets the impudent Karen (14 yo) on the street where these 12 year olds learn something about social differences and growing up. Seeing others for who they really are, young girl friendship.
Old Yeller (G)
Drama: You have to watch this movie with your kid. Disney at its best. Puppies, the simple life, living the frontier life, loyal dog, hard choices, grief and renewal (Spoiler: the dog dies. You’ll CRY LIKE A BABY!). Great guy movie that evokes emotion in the most hard hearted teenage boy.
127 Hours (R)
Drama: You know the one. Guy goes hiking alone. Guy falls and gets his arm trapped under a rock. Guy chews his arm off to survive (alright, he cuts it off. Whatever.). Random things happen in life and you are faced with hard choices that take true courage and decisiveness. What would you do?
Open Range (R)
Drama/Action: Two cattlemen set out to get revenge on those who killed and wounded some of their workers. Classic cowboy movie.
Ordinary People (PG)
Drama: After the favorite older son is killed in an accident, his family tries to unsuccessfully repair their lives due to the coping techniques of each. Very tough movie about the effects of the death of a child in the family. Good portrayal of therapist/kid client relationship. The importance of communication in the family.
The Other F Word (PG-13)
Documentary: This is a touching set of interviews of punk rock (male) musicians as they struggle with the conflict between being musicians on the road and the nature of their music with their role as fathers. If you are a rebel and a father, this is worth watching. (Not sure it has any significant value for your kids to watch though.)
The Outsiders (PG)
Drama: Teen guys trying to break out of the rut of dead end neighborhood and poverty. Main character is smart and trying to not get drawn into the life, with difficulty because of issues of loyalty, honor, family, love, pride and self image. Another great discussion generator (e.g., “What do you do if you need to take someone’s back but it could ruin your future.” “What is too much for a friend to ask of you.”)
The Oxbow Incident
Drama: Made in 1943 with Henry Fonda. The wild west, a citizen is killed and cattle are stolen, a posse of upstanding citizens (including a woman!) rides out to catch the criminals. Three men are found under suspicious circumstances. They are lynched but not until lots of conflict, recrimination, prejudice, emotional decision making and overriding of morals occurs. Turns out they got the wrong guys. Brilliant movie.
Paper Clips (G)
Documentary: A class project started by a kid in a rural Tennessee town to understand the number of people killed in the holocaust becomes an inspiring story of understanding and reaching out to the world. Even kids can have an impact on the world.
Pay It Forward (PG-13)
Drama: An 11-year-old hopes that his progressive, pyramid-like scheme of getting people to help others will make his and his mother’s lives better. Somewhat contrived (it is Haley Joel Osment after all) but GREAT message and example of how to make a quiet, determined difference for good in the world. (Spoiler: the kid dies after being bullied, seemed a bit gratuitous to try to wring yet more emotion out of an already emotional movie. Oh well. Still worth watching.)
Permanent Record (R)
Drama: When a popular and talented high school student commits suicide, his best friend takes over many of his responsibilities and soon finds himself under the same pressures. Excellent movie about the aftermath of suicide and the ways that guilt and grief unfold (and trip you up).
Philadelphia (R)
Drama: At the height of the panic over the AIDs epidemic, Tom Hanks plays a lawyer who is fired from his prestigious law firm upon the discovery of his illness. He sues the firm. All star cast, beautifully acted that raises the question of what justifies discrimination, makes gay people real.
Pinnochio (G)
Animation: This is a wonderful morality play. Great movie and great opportunity to talk about morals, decisions, make makes a real boy/person.
Places in the Heart (PG)
Drama: It’s the depression and a widow, her African American farm hand and a blind man have to depend on each other to scratch a living out of her farm. Strength, character, determination, grit. Wonderful model of a strong woman without resorting to acting like a man to do it.
Powder (PG-13)
Drama: A teenage albino boy faces extreme prejudice but embodies compassion and forgiveness. I love this movie. It has a kind of mystical quality (you can’t tell if the kid is some kind of alien or what). Beautiful portrayal of love, loss, sacrifice, caring involved adults, fear of the unfamiliar, prejudice all with a kind of allegorical quality.
The Power of One (PG-13)
Drama: The story of a young English boy named P.K. and his passion for changing the world after having experienced prejudice as British in the pre-WWII apartheid era of South Africa. Interesting if uneven movie. White kid encounters racism/prejudice (he is English in South Africa), becomes the hope of black South Africans(?).
Pretty in Pink (PG-13)
Drama/Comedy: A poor teenage girl with a loving father feels struggles with issues of social class when asked out by a wealthy, well-meaning boy. One of a set of well received, good movies about teen relationships.
Radio (PG)
Drama: Based on the true story of a high school football coach who mentors a mentally challenged kid across decades leading to a transformation from a tortured soul to a productive adult. Who might you be able to help and what could that bring to your own life?
Radio Flyer (PG-13)
Drama: Two young children have to learn to cope with an abusive, alcoholic step-father using fantasy to help them cope. Hard to watch, has a kind of fairy tale ending.
Rebel Without A Cause (NR, probably PG)
Drama: Classic movie of teen angst and rebellion. The original kids having to raise themselves with absent or clueless parents. Lots of issues to talk about with the format “what would you do in that situation.” Great movie.
The Red Badge of Courage (Unrated, probably PG)
Drama: Civil War soldier gets the opportunity to redeem himself after an act of cowardice by not being afraid only to realize that courage is not about a lack of fear but doing what one must or should despite the fear. Excellent, classic movie well-acted.
Resurrection (PG)
Drama: A woman emerging from near-death experience with healing powers must deal with the fear and responsibility her gift entails.
Riding in Cars with Boys (PG-13)
Drama: As she grows up over twenty years, a young woman must deal with the many unexpected setbacks and challenges that life throws her way as she tries to make something of herself.
Rocket Science (R)
Drama: A strong willed girl recruits a stuttering guy to be her partner on the high school debate team in a movie about courage, determination, character and first love.
Rocky (PG)
Drama: A has-been boxer gets his shot at the big time ultimately triumphing in love, life, and boxing. Classic movie with good, old fashioned themes.
Rodger Dodger (R)
Drama: Movie about how cold hearted men can be toward women and how men pass this on to boys. You need a REALLY good reason for your kids to see this movie. If you have a REALLY insensitive, hyper macho kid who sees women only as potential conquests. (See also In the Company of Men)
Question: How could you have detected that the guy was a player if you were one of the women. Why were the women willing to be taken in? How do you think the nephew will end up treating women when he’s older? In the final scene in the deleted scenes section of the DVD how do you think the main character would be as a man versus the “cool guy” he was asking about baseball.
River’s Edge (R)
Drama: A troubled high school slacker kills his girlfriend for no particular reason and shows off her dead body to his friends, whose reactions vary about whether to involve the police. Potential value in talking about what you do in situations like this and why.
Rudy (PG)
Drama: A boy pursues a dream formed at the age of ten to play football for Notre Dame despite his having little real ability. Never say quit! Great movie.
A Rumor of Angels (PG-13)
Drama: A 12 year old boy is befriended by a crazy old lady as he continues to struggle with the unresolved grief over the death of his mother.
Saint Ralph (PG-13)
Drama: It’s 1954. Ralph’s mother lays in a coma, he has no one else to care for him, attending a Catholic boys school run by a sadistic head master and Ralph decides he needs a miracle to save his mother: winning the Boston marathon. It is an inspiring, funny and touching movie. This is how you take your life in your hands and pursue a dream.
Saving Private Ryan (R)
Drama/Action: A small platoon of WWII soldiers goes behind enemy lines to find and retrieve a missing paratrooper who’s been ordered home because his three brothers have already been killed in the war. Sacrifice, honor, loyalty, ethical dilemmas during difficult times (like war). Awesome movie.
Say Anything (PG-13)
Comedy: Two high school seniors, a smart girl and a good hearted but unambitious boy, pursue love the summer after their senior year as she prepares to go off to college. Sweet teen love movie about movie forward with your life. This is a wonderful model for guys on how to be in a relationship.
Scent of a Woman (R)
Drama/Comedy: Blind ex marine war hero who is down on his luck hires a cash strapped prep school teen to escort him on a last hurrah trip to New York. Excellent movie about the meaning of life, standing up for your principles, dealing with unfairness and social rejection. Excellent morality movie with fun thrown in.
Schindler’s List (R)
Drama: True story of a Polish businessman (who is rather unscrupulous) who finds a way to save 1100 Jews from the gas chamber by find ways to employ them in his factories at great risk to himself. Another tearjerker. All the best noble virtues (with a flawed hero).
School Ties (PG-13)
Drama: Poor Jewish teen football star gets scholarship to expensive prep school with pressure to hide his background due to prejudice about religion and economic background. All the obvious themes from a movie with this story. Excellent lessons.
Seabiscuit (PG-13)
Drama: It’s the time of the Great Depression. A horse everyone gave up on, a jockey who was abandoned as a child by his destitute parents, a homeless horse trainer and a rich man who lost hope when his young son died. Hope, persistence, loyalty and redemption all around. You’ll cheer. You’ll cry. Your kid will get the message (when you talk afterwards about the important reflections of character issues.)
Searching for Bobby Fisher (PG)
Drama: A 7 year old boy is discovered to have a talent for chess struggles with his father’s drive for him to be the best and his desire to be a child. Unfortunately, it is another child teaching adults what really matters, unfortunately because the movie is good and worth watching. I just grow tired of that theme.
Second Hand Lions (PG)
Drama/Comedy: A teenager hears tales of grand adventure while spending the summer with his two great uncles whose reported riches may have been illegally obtained. Substitute father figures, growing up and taking chances. Excellent movie.
Shallow Hal (PG-13)
Comedy: After being reprogrammed to see only a person’s inner beauty reflected as their outward appearance, a shallow man falls for a woman, oblivious to the fact that she’s extremely obese. Over the top but it gets the point across.
Shane (G)
Drama: A quiet loner shows up in a small ranching community and protects them from gunslingers while showing honesty, courage, and integrity.
Shattered Glass (PG)
Drama: The editor of a prestigious magazine becomes increasingly suspicious about the validity of part or all of the feature stories written by his young star writer. Turns out he has fabricated his stories and lied to everyone. Beginning of conversations about “why not lie”?
Shawshank Redemption (R)
Drama: A new prison inmate, a quiet banker unjustly convicted of murder, befriends a “lifer” and also brings hope and change to an entire prison through his indomitable will. Keeping your dreams alive.
She’s All That (PG-13)
Romantic Comedy: BMOC guy makes over an awkward, geeky girl and they fall in love. She has backbone, he gets tossed when it is obvious what he is doing. They get together in the end. Potential value of conversations about being yourself, dealing with guys trying to make you over (or not valuing you for what you are) and it’s mushy. Some value in talking with guys about what works and doesn’t work for the guys in the movie, and why.
Shipping News (R)
Drama: After the death of the mother of his child, a quiet and introspective typesetter moves to Newfoundland with his daughter and her great aunt and tries to start his life anew in the small town where she grew up. Dealing with grief and building relationships between more quiet, reserved parent and child.
Shrek (PG)
Animation/Comedy/Adventure: Accompanied by an unwelcome and garrulous donkey, an ornery ogre reluctantly sets out to retrieve a cursed princess so that a prince will remove the fairy tale characters that were banished to his swamp home. Great, relatively obvious lessons about beauty on the inside. Great fun.
Simon Birch (PG)
Drama: Two twelve-year-old best friends try to solve the mysteries in their lives as they grow up in the mid-1960’s. Great movie about being your own person despite obvious challenges and physical limitations.
Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (PG)
Comedy: Four teenage girls who are best friends share a pair of jeans over the summer showing the range of issues teen girls face, including the lure of sex. Great movie, issues sensitively but credibly handled. This is another conversation starter (e.g., “What would you do if that happened to you.”)
Sixteen Candles (PG-13)
Comedy: Excellent. This is how to be a freshman geek! This is what happens when you give your panties (or, these days, a sexting picture) to a guy to be nice!
The Slaughter Rule (R)
Drama: A high school football player is cut from the team, his father commits suicide, and his mother is busy with her own life when a man offers him a second chance at football, in the 6 man ranch league. Lost kid trying to find a path in life.
SLC Punk (R)
Comedy: A young man who sees himself as an anarchist takes the audience on a guided tour of his life and Salt Lake City’s nonconformist society. This movie is really good! (Spoiler) The street punk actually realizes he needs to go to college at the end of the movie to not be a loser! Astonishing! Really worth a watch, especially if you have a teen who wants to be a bad ass rather than attend to schooling.
Smile (G)
A privileged American girl discovers something worth caring about when she volunteers for a program that helps kids with severe facial deformities. There she meets and befriends a girl who has not been so privileged. Helps give your kid a little perspective.
Sound of Music (G)
Please. Like I have to describe this to you. You’ll be holding hands and singing “Doe a Deer” all around the house!
Speak (PG-13)
Drama: A teen girl is social outcast after calling 911 on a huge party she attended at the beginning of the school year (spoiler) where she was sexually assaulted. Based on the book by the same name (see book list). LOTS of things to talk about when you watch this movie.
Stand By Me (R)
Drama: Four adolescents who grow toward manhood learning about friendship and loyalty ignited by the accidental death of a young boy. Great characterization of early teen boy relationships. Lots of issues worth talking about that come up during the movie.
Star Wars I & Star Wars IV, V & VI (PG)
Drama/Comedy: The story of a rag tag group of rebels fighting tyranny (and black magic) “a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” Great movies all but these 4 were highlighted because of the strong female characters that were also included.
Stealing Home (PG-13)
Drama: An aimless x-ballplayer returns home to recall the past and the person who made it special.
Steel Magnolias (PG)
Drama/comedy: A group of VERY southern women go through the ups and downs of life in small town Louisiana. Dolly Parton, Sally Fields, Shirley McClain, Olympia Dukakis, Julia Roberts, Darryl Hannah. Outstanding cast, outstanding portrayal of that particular kind of Southern female strength in all its glory.
Stella (PG-13)
Drama: A woman struggling with alcoholism sends her daughter to live with her father in order to have a better life. Excellent portrayal of sacrifice for your kid because you are an unfit parent. Unfortunately, it shows a bad mother in order to do it.
Strictly Ballroom (PG)
Comedy/Drama: OK, this movie is hysterical. It is a complete satire on the world of ballroom dancing but really it is about not letting tradition, The Man or your own fear of failure stop you from following your passion. Other strong points? The guy sees beneath the surface of the plain girl and ends up having a real relationship. Guys, get over it. You can’t help but get caught up in the story. Stop worrying so much about whether someone will find out you watched a movie about ballroom dancing and enjoy the show.
SubUrbia (R)
Drama: A group of suburban twenty-year-olds hang out in a parking lot, waiting to meet an old friend who has made it big. Stark portrayal of kids who didn’t go anywhere. Could be used as a cautionary tale if you have a kid headed in that direction.
Superman (G; PG-13)
You know the story: an alien infant is sent to earth to escape his dying planet where he grows to be a man of superhuman abilities and a model of integrity, sacrifice, honor and humility. The 1978 version is really good but I like the Man of Steel (2013) version because you get to see what it takes for Superman to deal with his differentness as a kid.
Supersize Me (PG)
Want to see what fast food does to you as a primary source of food? It ain’t pretty.
Sweet November (PG-13)
Romantic Drama: After being fired and then dumped by his girlfriend, a busy and self-centered man finds that there’s more to life when he moves in for a month with an odd, but sweet woman who promises to show him the right way to live.
Sweet Sixteen (R)
Drama: Cinema verite style movie that follows the experiences of a 16yo street wise kid who is trying to find a way to make a home for him and his mother when she gets out of jail. Excellent movie about the difficulties kids face who raise themselves. You need a really good reason for your kid to see this movie.
Swimming Upstream (2005) (PG-13)
Drama: SWIMMING UPSTREAM is an inspiring drama that tells the true story of Australian swimmer Tony Fingleton who rose above his deeply troubled home life in order to become a national champion in 1950s Brisbane. Succeeding and coming into your own.
Swimming Upstream (2002) PG-13)
Drama: This happy-go-lucky, all-American kid whose only wish in life is to get laid by his cute, but hesitant girlfriend suddenly faces terminal cancer, bringing painful and difficult issues to the surface including complicated relationship with alcoholic father with redemption in the end. Excellent movie, don’t let the search for sex story line throw you.
10 Things I Hate About You (PG-13)
Romantic Comedy: Updating of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew for teens. Enjoyable, strong willed female lead, fun twists. Decent relationship movie.
Terminator 1 and 2 (R)
Drama: Robot alien comes back in time to try to kill humans that will save the earth in the future. Linda Hamilton goes from ditsy girl to deadly woman out of necessity. Remarkable woman character.
Terri (R)
Comedy/drama: 15 year old obese kid being raised by his uncle is terribly harassed and bullied by his peers. He is befriended by the tough Assistant Principal who helps him find friends and see a future worth living for. Watch this first before you watch it with younger teens. Especially good to watch with your quirky, socially isolated or rejected kid. Make sure you talk about what it took for Terri to start to pull his life together (e.g., adult who cared and who he talked to, finding people who were like him, letting go of the idea of “normal” and finding something that mattered to work toward).
That’s What I Am (PG)
Drama: A bullied kid finds himself in the company of a true social outcast resulting in all the good values including compassion, tolerance, standing up for yourself and not judging a book by its cover.
Thirteen (R)
Drama: Much to the dismay of her single mother, a young teenager turns rebellious when she falls in with the most popular girl at school. Man! Realistic (unfortunately since that is really what can happen). You need a good reason for your kid to see this.
Questions: What does the girl sacrifice to be with the cool kids? Why does she cut herself? What could she do instead? Who could she have talked to about what was going on? What does she really want? Why doesn’t she go all the way? What is likely to happen after the movie ends? What does she sacrifice to change friends? What does she gain/lose?
13 Reasons Why (PG-13, R in some episodes)
Drama: This video series, based on a best-selling teen novel, is the story of a 17 year old girl who commits suicide and leaves 13 tapes for each of the people who contributed to her decision to commit suicide. There are 13 episodes, one for each of the tapes. Everyone is talking about this series; kids because they love it, adults because they hate it. There is depression, achievement pressure, angst, missed opportunities, substance abuse, parental neglect, risk taking, poor decision making, love, sex, pregnancy scares, loyalty, morality, bullying, sexual harassment, accidental death, rape and, ultimately, suicide. And it is a really good show. These things are happening in your kid’s school; not to everyone but kids hear about it, know about it or, unfortunately, have experienced it. This is a great, indirect way to get conversations going with your kid about the darker side of adolescence. Unfortunately, it does have the potential to glorify cynicism, despair and even suicide which is why I want you watching this with your kid. They are going to see it (if they haven’t already). Go through it together. You need to have the chance to influence what they take from the story.
This Boys Life (R)
Drama: A single mother and her son face life with an abusive man leading to personal growth for the child. Dealing with adversity and the complications of divorced and blended households (and how they can go bad). Worth considering if your kid has had a similar experience with a stepparent.
Titan A.E. (PG)
Animation/drama: Vividly and beautifully realized story of a kid whose father was killed trying to save the earth from aliens. He finds his father’s legacy and completes the task. Just good family fun.
To Kill A Mockingbird (G)
Drama: A single father raises his two children in a small town demonstrating integrity, principles, and compassion. Everything is right about this movie. Worth using as a guide to life and parenting (though with a little greater monitoring in these modern times).
True Grit (NR, probably G)
Drama: The John Wayne movie was incredible. The Jeff Bridges movie was, unexpectedly, equally incredible. In both versions, the one to watch is the young girl who hires a bounty hunter to avenge her father’s murder. Wonderful, wonderful movie for girls. Everyone will enjoy the cantankerous Rooster Cogburn and the relationships that develop between the characters.
Tuck Everlasting (PG)
Drama: A teenager tries to break free from her rigidly proper social training and gets the chance when she meets a mysterious family that claims they never age and can’t die. Love and heartbreak. Excellent movie.
Twelve Angry Men (G)
Drama: Twelve men must decide the fate of an 18-year-old boy accused of fatally stabbing his father and only one wants to take the time to coolly deliberate the case. Great morality tale. How to stand by your beliefs even against significant pressure from other people.
The Ultimate Gift (PG)
Drama: There is this great book (on the book list) called The Ultimate Gift that is an allegory about a guy who is set to inherit his grandfather’s fortune but the will requires him to do a few things first: demonstrate that he is a decent human being by demonstrating that he has all 12 gifts of being human (humility, hard work, kindness, etc.). This movie is the adaptation of that story. Excellent morality tale.
The Untouchables (R)
Drama: Gangsters, law men, loosely reconstructed American history during the late 20s, good and evil, standing up for what’s right, sacrifice and the evil of criminal lawlessness. Superior movie. The main characters are worth modeling your life after (which makes it a movie to watch with the kids).
V for Vendetta (R)
Drama: Queen Amydala stands up to tyranny. Seriously, you get to see how a nice, conscientious woman becomes outraged (though, admittedly by being brutally tortured just to help her see the light). She is tough as nails.
Varsity Blues (R)
Drama: Predictable but still worthwhile movie about a high school football player (who is also smart) who takes on the over the top coach encouraging the players to do unethical things just to win. The usual teenage coming of age struggles. I like that the team takes a principled position in the face of authority. I hate that, once again, the kids are shown having to deal with all this by themselves due to corrupt, complicit or clueless adults.
Vision Quest (R)
Drama: A high school wrestler is trying to win the state championship while also struggling to find himself and envision a future. This is a great little movie, gritty. Again, the kid is pretty much trying to raise himself but setting goals and working hard to accomplish them. Excellent characters and values.
Walk to Remember (PG)
Drama: Two disparate high school students find themselves unexpectedly falling for each other. Beautiful, sweet love story where the girl (spoiler) dies in the end from leukemia. Great model for a meaningful teen relationship.
The West Wing (NR)
Television: Yes it is a TV show. Yes, it has a liberal slant. That’s not why I’m recommending it. CJ Craig, the White House Spokesperson. She is brilliant, vulnerable, TOUGH, feminine, complex. This is how a capable, ambitious woman can be (without trying to just be another one of the guys).
Whale Rider (PG)
Drama: A young New Zealand girl challenges tradition and her rigid grandfather by trying to prove that she’s as capable as any boy of becoming the leader of her people. Girl in charge while still being a girl! Great movie.
Where the Red Fern Grows (G)
Drama: Dirt poor and living in the Arkansas Ozarks, Billy has always wanted a hunting dog. He works, saves up money and is able to buy two. The movie follows their adventures including becoming championship hunting dogs. The best of old fashioned values (e.g., this kid WORKS for his money to buy the dogs, he doesn’t like killing the racoons he hunts, he tries to do things for his family, etc.) The movie is filled with themes of love, loyalty, character, responsibility and sacrifice. Spoiler: Of course the dogs die in the end. One from defending them from a mountain lion and the other from grief. Crying like a baby is the appropriate emotion (see also Ole Yeller above).
White Squall (PG-13)
Drama: A group of teenage boys spends a year on a schooling schooner ending with a dangerous encounter with a deadly storm. Dealing with life or death situations. Teenage boys facing a challenge and dealing with the aftermath of tragedy.
Wide Awake (PG)
Drama: After the death of his grandfather, a ten-year-old sets out on a quest to find God and make sure his grandfather is okay. Looking for the place of God in life. Thought provoking and sweet.
Wild American (PG)
Adventure: A trio of brothers in the 1960’s set out across America to film endangered wildlife (Marty Stoufer and his brothers, PBS nature show guy). Fun film that shows how teens can pursue their interests and not give up on their dreams.
Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (G)
Comedy: Kindness, hard work and character will lead to you becoming fabulously wealthy AND all the candy you want. The musical with Gene Wilder is incomparable. The remake with Johnny Depp is bizarre and funny. In both, the examples of bad behavior and poor character are instructive.
Wind Talkers (R)
Action/Drama: A Marine is assigned to protect a Navajo radioman and the secret code he uses as their unit tries to take the island of Saipan during WWII. True story, prejudice, loyalty, seeing through prejudice to find the real person, the value of the melting pot (you never know when you are going to need someone who knows the Navaho language now, are you?)
Winslow Boy (G)
Drama: A father fights his son’s expulsion from a naval academy with the help of his family and a cunning lawyer in pre-WWI London. Trust, honor, loyalty, family sacrifice. Good movie.
The Wizard of Oz (G)
Drama/Comedy: Another no explanation needed. Don’t miss the opportunity to raise the issues of virtue, family, dealing with mean people, etc.
The Year My Voice Broke
Drama: Danny and Freya are two teenagers, living in an Australian rural town in 1962. They have known each other all their lives and are very close friends. When Freya falls pregnant to Trevor, a macho football player, the ensuing scandal forces Freya to move to the city, leaving behind her closest friend. Coming of age story. “Flirting” is the sequel to this movie.
You’ve Got Mail (PG)
Romantic Comedy: Two rival bookstore owners unknowingly carry on a platonic relationship over the Internet. Sweet movie with a positive model of a relationship.