For the Kids

Westerns

European Mythos

Historical

Sport

Male Role Model

Insightful

Romance

Science Fiction

Holiday

The Princess Bride (1987) – This is a romantic, swashbuckling tale of the farmboy Westley, and his struggle to free his beloved Buttercup from her planned marriage to the slimy Prince Humberdinck. [Based on the book by William Goldman. Yucky kissing is kept to a minimum.]

The Black Stallion (1979) –   In 1946, young Alec Ramsey is shipwrecked on an island off the coast of North Africa. The only other survivor is a horse he rescues from the cargo hold. The horse learns to trust Alec, and they spend days galloping along the beach. A passing ship rescues them both, and they make their way back to America, where an ex-jockey sees the speed of the stallion and is able to enter him into a match race.  [It’s a beautifully made film with a powerful ending. Based on The Black Stallion  by Walter Farley, 1941] 

Time Bandits (1981) – Eleven year old Kevin leaves the predictable environment of his low-effort parents one night to join a group of space-time travelling dwarves (as you do). The dwarves have stolen the space-time map from the Supreme Being, in order to jump through time and space for the purposes of looting.

Popeye (1980) – Popeye lands in the coastal town of Sweethaven, in search of his father. While there he meets Olive Oyl, and adopts an orphaned baby he names Sweet Pea. Olive Oyl’s ex-boyfriend is a big meanie called Bluto. Because Bluto is so mean, he kidnaps Olive Oyl and Sweet Pea. Popeye has to track down Bluto, and duke it out.   The question is: will Popeye overcome his hatred of spinach in order to stay strong to the finish?   [Younger children will most likely love the physical humour and simple musical numbers]

Willow (1988) – The budding sorcery, Willow, undertakes a quest to find a safe home for a precious newborn, who is marked for death by an evil sorceress. Along the way, Willow learns true power doesn’t reside outside of himself, but rather that he possessed power all along.

The Never Ending Story (1984) – Upon reading a special book “borrowed” from a used book store, ten-year-old Bastian Bux finds himself involved in a struggle to save the Childlike Empress and her land of Fantasia from The Nothing. [Based on the novel, Die unendliche Geschichte, by Michael Ende]

Labryinth (1986) – Sixteen-year-old Sarah Williams foolishly wishes her crying infant brother to be taken away by the goblins from the book she is reading. Her brother disappears and the Goblin King appears, giving Sarah 13 hours to solve his labyrinth before the brother is turned into a goblin. 

The Dark Crystal (1982) – On the planet Thra, the land was green and good until the Crystal of Truth cracked, bringing forth the evil Skeksis and the kind urRu. In an attempt to heal the Crystal, the urRu send the young gelfling, Jen, on an errand to retrieve a shard – before the planet’s three suns come into alignment, allowing the Skeksis to rule the planet forever.

The Muppet Movie (1979) – Heigh Ho, Kermit the Frog here. Kermit has several adventures with fellow muppets and movie stars, on his route from his lillypad in Florida, to his date with stardom in Hollywood.

Clash of the Titans (1981) – In an extremely complicated plot line, Perseus has many adventures in ancient Greece, battling gods and cool-looking monsters.

Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger (1977) –  Sinbad is tasked with saving the life of his sweetheart’s brother, Prince Kassim, before he is turned permanently into a baboon by the sorceress Zenobia. Young children will enjoy the stop-motion creatures.

The Pirates of Penzance (1983) –  A nursemaid accidentally binds her charge, Frederic to a pirate (instead of a pilot) for 21 years. At the end of his apprenticeship, Frederic realizes his service to the pirate king was dishonourable, and swears to defeat the pirates that had been family to him. To complicate things further, he finds he was born on 29 Feburary of a leap year, and his contract was for 21 birthdays – thereby keeping him bound to the pirates he’s come to loath.   [Based on Gilbert and Sullivan’s 1879 opera]

The Incredibles (2004) – Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) leaves his forced superhero retirement behind to fight against Syndrome, who’s bent on taking revenge against Mr. Incredible for rejecting Syndrome as a sidekick. Each member of the Incredible family joins in the fight; each with their own superpower.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles (1987) –  The uptight Neal Page is in a hurry to get home to his family for Thanksgiving. As his travel plans continuously fall through, the bumbling, kind-hearted Del Griffith is there to annoy and befriend him every step of the way. 

The Bad News Bears (1976) – A little league baseball team is established from misfit players excluded from other teams in the league.  A drunken, selfish, ex-ballplayer is hired to coach the team, which is initially a disaster. Over the season, the players develop self-confidence and the coach finally places the emotional well being of his players above his selfish interests. The movie features strong character development and language free of “political correctness”.

The Man From Snowy River (1982) – An absolutely brilliant tale based on Banjo Patterson’s poem. In 1880’s Australia, a young man uses his mountain-bred skills and determination to achieve a legendary ride. In the process, he proves he is no longer a boy – he is a man. 

Lonesome Dove (1989) – Augustus McCrae and Woodrow Call undertake a months-long cattle drive from Texas to Montana in the 1870s. The six hour mini series features master-class acting from Robert Duval and Tommy Lee Jones.

The Searchers (1956) – Ethan Edwards (John Wayne), a Confederate veteran, searches for his niece who was abducted by Comanches.

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962) – Tom Doniphon (John Wayne) helps Ransom Stoddard (Jimmy Stewart) defeat Liberty Valance (Lee Marvin) and his gang in the small town of Shinbone.

True Grit (1969) – U.S. Marshal “Rooster” Cogburn (John Wayne) is hired by a young girl to seek vengeance against her father’s murderer.

The Shootist (1976) – J.B. Books (John Wayne) is an aging gunfighter diagnosed with cancer by a small town doctor (Jimmy Stewart). He passes on wisdom to a young man (Ron Howard) eager to follow in his gun-fighting profession.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly (1966) – “Blondie” (Clint Eastwood) and Tuco (Eli Wallach) search for hidden Confederate gold in New Mexico, while being dogged by the mercenary “Angel Eyes” (Lee Van Cleef). The trio eventually have the most cinematic shootout in movie history.

The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976) – Josey Wales (Clint Eastwood) takes revenge on Union troops after his family is murdered. Wales stays one step ahead of the army, as he is hunted from his home in Missouri to the southwest United States. [Ten Bears, Comanche Chief : “It’s sad that governments are chiefed by the devil tongues. There is iron in your words of death for all Comanche to see. And so, there is iron in your words of life. No signed paper can hold the iron. It must come from men.” ]

High Noon (1952) – A town marshal (Gary Cooper) realizes he must fight a gang of outlaws alone, as the remaining town’s citizens are too cowardly to stand up to the criminal gang.

Once Upon a Time in the West (1968) – While engaged in a life-long pursuit of revenge against a man (Henry Fonda) from his youth, “Harmonica” (Charles Bronson) becomes involved in a plot to protect a homestead from a railroad baron’s hired thugs. 

Lord of the Rings Trilogy :The Fellowship of the Ring (2001), The Two Towers (2002) and The Return of the King (2003) – Set in the HRR Tolkien’s world of Middle-Earth, a fellowship of humans, hobbits, elf and dwarf are tasked with destroying the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The epic tale is replete with the European aesthetic.

Ladyhawke (1985) – The former captain of royal guard of Aquila (Italy) carries a secret curse with him. In his determination to kill the Bishop of Aquila, he enlists the help of a young pickpocket. The film features a mighty European aesthetic.  

Excalibur (1981) – This is visually the most beautiful retelling of the Arthurian legend. The story follows the story arc of King Arthur’s entire lifespan, which inludes: his parents Uther and Igraine, his mentor Merlin, his champion Lancelot, his wife Guinevere, his quest knight Percival, and his mortal enemy, Mordred. The PG version of the film is recommended for children due to violence and the Uther/Igraine baby-making scene. 

First Knight (1995) – This is a simplified version of of the Arthurian legend, focusing primarily on the complicated relationship encompassing Guinevere, Lancelot and Arthur. An important message the film delivers (towards the end) is the importance of each knight serving for the benefit of the kingdom, rather than serving for individual glory.  

Beowulf (2007) – The oldest story written in English is the poem Beowulf, about a warrior from Geatland (in Sweden) who travels to the kingdom of Hrothgar (in Denmark) to battle the half-demon Grendel. This interpretation changes a few of the details of the original poem, but stays true to the courage and valor of Beowulf.

The 13th Warrior (1999) – An Arab is sent from his kingdom to serve as ambassador to Northmen along the Volga river. When a Norse ally asks for help to stop an evil force wrecking this father’s kingdom, a seer instructs the Northmen they will succeed in defeating the evil, if they constitute a party of twelve, plus one warrior not from the North (the Arab). 

The Right Stuff (1983) – Following the plundering of Germany’s scientists, the space programs of both the US and USSR made significant advances in the “space race”. Against the backdrop of an initial Soviet lead, the film follows both the US military test pilots exploits at Edwards AFB and the rigorous training undertaken by America’s Mercury astronauts.

Apollo 11 (2019) – The film “… focuses on the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, the first spaceflight from which men walked on the Moon. The film consists solely of archival footage, including 70 mm film previously unreleased to the public, and does not feature narration, interviews or modern recreations”

Master and Commander (2003) –  Demonstrating professionalism and loyalty to one’s duty, Captain Jack Aubrey and his crew are involved in a running naval battle with a French heavy frigate.  [The film is drawn from a novel series by Patrick O’Brian]

Immortal Beloved (1994) – Upon Ludwig von Beethoven’s death, his secretary and biographer investigates the composer’s life to determine the mysterious beneficiary of Beethoven’s will.

Kingdom of Heaven (2005) – In 1100’s France, a village blacksmith joins a Baron’s company on their way to fight in the crusades. In Jerusalem, he leads the Christians in a heroic defense of city against Saladin. [A possible question for young viewers would be “Why does a man who is knighted fight better than one who is not?”]

The Messenger (1999) –  In early 1400’s France, the country was simultaneously fighting a civil war, and a war against invading English.  It was during this time Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) was born into a devout peasant family.  She had her first vision of St. Michael at age 13, and told by God she would help defeat the English. Through her faith, she won support from the future king and his troops.  She led successful battles until her capture by the rival Burgundians, and their sale of her to the English, who had her burned at the stake for heresy. 

Zulu (1964) – Following Zulu raids onto farms under British jurisdiction (1879), the empire decided to annex Zulu land, bringing them under control of the Crown. During the campaign, the British suffered defeat at the battle of Isandlwana. A force of Zulu split from that battle to attack a tiny mission used as a resupply base at Rorke’s Drift. In the face of vastly superior numbers, the soldiers’ survival depends on their courage and military discipline. 

The Man Who Would Be King (1975) – In 1885, two former sergeants, stationed in India, are not keen on staying in India, nor returning to England. They devise a plan to smuggle 20 rifles into the Kafiristan region northwest of India. There, they would leverage their military acumen and arms to amass power by leading tribes in conquest against warring tribes.  Through an accident, one sergeant, Danny, is mistaken as a god by the locals. He allows himself to be flattered and becomes an arrogant ruler. Peachy, his mate, isn’t having it at all – and neither do the locals when they discover he’s quite human. [Based on Rudyard Kipling’s story of the same name]

The Blob (1958) – A meteorite lands near a small community in Pennsylvania. A creature emerges from the meteorite that can only be described as a blob. It appears to be unstoppable, devouring all living beings in its path and becoming larger as it does.

Miracle (2004) –  The 1960 Olympic gold in men’s hockey was won by the USA. Herb Brooks was the last player cut from the squad before the games started. Twenty years later, he was given the chance to be part of team USA again. Using his knowledge of psychology, the Soviet stating system, he crafts a team out of bickering rivals that can match up against the nearly unbeatable Soviet hockey team.

Rocky (1976) – A small time boxer is given a chance to fight the heavyweight champion.  Although he feels he has no chance of winning, he wants to go all 15 rounds to prove his worthiness. In order to achieve his goal, he’ll have to stay in the fight, no matter the punishment he receives. 

Rocky II (1979) – After the title fight between Rocky and Apollo Creed, Rocky retires from boxing, while Creed receives “hate mail” for his less-than-stellar performance. Creed begins a campaign to publicly insult Rocky, until he and his trainer, Micky, decide to answer Creed’s challenge (over his wife’s strong objections). 

Hoosiers (1986) – Based on the 1954 Indiana state basketball champs. The film follows an unconventional high school basketball coach who stresses fitness, fundamentals and discipline in order for his team to achieve success against bigger, more athletic teams. 

American Anthem (1986) – Hotshot gymnast Steve Tevere has given up on his gymnastics career since an accident. While keeping tabs on the local team, he spies a beautiful woman that has flown in to train with them. She rekindles his interest in the sport, and they train for Olympic trials. [It’s a bit cheesy, but young gymnastics fans will love the movie.]

The Quiet Man (1952) – Sean Thornton (John Wayne) returns to his native Ireland to buy back his family’s farm. He falls in love with Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara), which complicates his acquisition, since his soon-to-be brother-in-law also wants to buy the same property. The movie has charm that is very seldom seen in modern films.

Doctor No (1962) – James Bond (Sean Connery) is sent to Jamaica to investigate the source of radio jamming, which has been targeting NASA launches from Cape Canaveral. Along the way, he meets Honey Ryder (Ursula Andress) and attempts to thwart the plans of Dr. No.

Crocodile Dundee (1985) – An American jouralist is sent by her editor/boyfriend to Austrailia to write a story about Mick Dundee, who scrapped with a crocodile and came out on top. Mick shows her the territory he calls home, and she invites him back to New York City to continue her story on him. Once back in the big city, she must decide between her rich city boyfriend, and a real man from the Northern Territory.

Conan the Barbarian (1982) – After the Secret of Steel  is passed on to the young Conan by his father, their village is attacked, young Conan is taken captive and his parents are slaughtered by the army of Thulsa Doom (James Earle Jones). Conan (Arnold Schwarzenegger) grows up as a slave, then later forced to fight as a gladiator. After a captor sets him free, he embarks on a relentless mission to kill Thulsa Doom.   [Based on the character of Robert E. Howard]

Soldier (1998) – A government program selects babies at birth and trains them as life-long soldiers. Eventually, another program creates a new “perfect” squad of soldiers by manipulating DNA. Sgt. Todd (Kurt Russell) is cast out as refuse, as he and the original squad are replaced.  Sgt. Todd eventually finds himself protecting a small community abandoned on a remote planet from the “perfect” new soldiers. [This film will especially resonate with boys and young men who have come to feel ostracized from society.]

Gladiator (2001) – During a Germanic campaign of 180 AD, Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the corrupt son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris), kills his father and moves against the loyal General Maximus (Russell Crowe). Maximus escapes, but is later captured by slavers and sold in gladiator combat in North Africa. He eventually wins in combat in Rome, and comes face-to-face with Commodus. 

Troy (2004) – Loosely based on The Iliad, the film tells the story of a negotiated peace between Sparta and Troy – broken by the spoiled Paris – who takes the wife of Sparta’s king back to Troy with him. Several Greek city-states retaliate by embarking on a campaign to destroy Troy. [Young viewers should observe how the decisions of the main characters affect those around them: the selfish and cowardly Paris, the brazen, super-human Achilles, and the noble, responsible Hector.]

300 (2006) – In 480 BC, the Greek world was undergoing a second invasion from the Persian Empire.  In order buy time for city-states to prepare, King Leonidas of Sparta marched 300 of his personal guard 120 miles north to the defensible choke point called Thermopylae to take on the Persian army. Even though the film presents events in comic-book style, the Spartan ethos is faithfully represented.

Fight Club (1999) – The complexity and significance of the film is impossible to summarize. The Narrator (Ed Norton), who is frustrated with his superficial life of material goods – meets Tyler Durden (Brad Pitt) – who shows him how to disregard what is unimportant and become free in all the ways he’s been afraid to.  [Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk]

Groundhog Day (1993) –  The cynical weatherman, Phil Connors (Bill Murray), is sent to a small town to cover a traditional ceremony on Groundhog’s Day. He finds himself trapped there; always reliving the same day. While struggling with his predicament at first, he finally surrenders to his fate, turning his attention to self improvement and helping others.

Wag the Dog (1997) – A US president is caught in inappropriate behaviour weeks before voting day. Knowing the public is easily manipulated, a political fixer (Robert DeNiro) sets out to create a diversion that distracts from the president’s actions. He hires a Hollywood producer (Dustin Hoffman) to “produce” a virtual war. As problems with the ruse arise, the producer deftly alters the production to insure the gullible public stay in the media’s narrative.

Emma (1996) –  In the early 1800s England, young Emma Woodhouse fancies herself a romantic matchmaker. She stumbles in her attempts due to her naivete, and finds true love where she did not expect it.   [Based on Emma by Jane Austen]

Sense and Sensibility (1995)  – When their father dies, Elinor and Marianne Dashwood are forced out of their home and reduced to a small inheritance.  They both find love, and regain financially security once again.  [Based on Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen]

Pride and Prejudice (2005) – A family of five daughters from the gentry class of England take part in the courtship rituals befitting their station in life.  The man Elizabeth Bennet dislikes becomes the one she chooses to marry. No one could have seen that coming. [Based on Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen]

Gone with the Wind (1939) – Scarlett O’Hara lives an idyllic life on a cotton plantation at the start of the War for Southern Independence. The man she loves marries another; she then spends several years making marriage decisions for selfish reasons. Rhett Butler, on the perimeter of her life, often expresses his interest, but never fails to chastise her for her selfish behaviour. Eventually, the timing is right for them to come together, but that doesn’t mean they live happily ever after.

The Talk of the Town (1942) – A political activist, accused of arson and murder, is hidden in a cottage by a long time acquaintance, Miss Shelley. The cottage has also been rented out to a law professor, working on a book. The two men, ostensibly political opponents – and rivals for the affection of Miss Shelley – come to respect each other’s viewpoint. The activist is eventually captured and put on trial. He will need the help of the law professor to uncover the truth, and save his life.

Roman Holiday (1953) – During her country’s official visit to Rome, Princess Ann escapes from her country’s delegation to enjoy the freedom of anonymity. An American newspaper reporter helps her out of a bind, and the two spend time together enjoy the attractions of the city.

Star Wars (1977) – [In the days before George Lucas became rich, fat and complacent, he had a vision to meld a classical hero’s journey, a western, and a space opera. He stayed true to his vision, creating this monumental film.] Moisture farmer Luke Skywalker longs to leave his boring desert planet and become a pilot in the imperial academy.  What he gets is beyond his dreams – as two droids lead him to a war hero living incognito – who then leads him into the very heart of his galaxy’s conflict.

The Empire Strikes Back (1980) – After destruction of the Death Star, the Rebels avoid their own destruction by fleeing their base on Yavin IV and building a new one on the ice planet Hoth. The Empire detects and destroys the base. When the Rebels flee, Han and Leia seek refuge with one of Han’s old friends. Meanwhile, Luke begins Jedi training in earnest with the Jedi Master Yoda. Luke interrupts his training when he realizes his friends’ lives are in danger, and he must decide to continue his training, or leave it incomplete and attempt an impulisve rescue.

Return of the Jedi (1983) – Following defeats handed out by Darth Vader and his military, the Rebels are on the run, but still in the fight. Han Solo’s friends focus on his rescue, the Rebel fleet gathers for an all out attack, and Luke Skywalker is prepared to die in order to challenge both Vader and the Emperor.

Blade Runner (1982) – In an alternate future, engineered humans, called replicants, are created to perform tasks at the behest of humans. Four of them escape from their off-world location and are loose, seeking freedom and a longer life span from their designer. Police, known as blade runners, are tasked with eliminating errant replicants. Rick Deckard is the one ordered to kill the escapees. However, he finds his orders problematic, as the replicants are more human than he could have suspected.   [Based on Philip K. Dick’s book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? ]

Blade Runner 2049 (2017) –  The replicant blade runner, K, eliminates a rogue replicant, and in the process, finds evidence a female replicant may have given birth several years in the past. K’s human boss orders him to find and kill the child, if it exists. During K’s search for the child, his investigation leads him to a retired blade runner, and to the realization he may be the person he’s been ordered to kill.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) –  George Bailey is a man who consistently puts others first. After a lifetime of selflessly placing his plans on hold, an accident happens that will financially ruin him, and possibly place him in jail. George reaches the end of his rope, and he’s ready to commit suicide. It’s at that point that his guardian angel appears and shows George how he has single-handedly saved his town and saved others’ lives. [One of the most uplifting movies of all time.]

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965) – Even though it’s Christmas season, Charlie Brown is feeling down. Lucy [Psychiatric Help 5¢] suggests Charlie Brown direct the Christmas play.  Charlie Brown accepts, and while purchasing a tree for the play, he buys the only real one available, instead of the shiny, big fake trees.  The other children mock his tree, but then later realize they were missing the meaning of Christmas, while Charlie Brown understood it all along.

Emmet Otter’s Jug-Band Christmas (1977) – Poor little Emmet Otter and his Ma scrape by, by taking any work they can find in Frogtown Hollow. In the hopes of buying the other one a present, they each secretly enter a talent contest, with the hope of winning the prize money. Ma has a song picked out, and Emmet Otter forms his jug band, but the Riverbottom Nightmare Band may just upset their plans.

A Christmas Story (1983) – As Christmas approaches, young Ralphie Parker dreams of a Red Ryder BB gun. His hints and requests, directed at both his mother and Santa Claus, are dismissed with, “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Despite his best efforts to be good, he realizes there is no Red Ryder BB gun under the tree come Christmas morning.