A friend requested I try to find some “family friendly” movies. I’ll be honest, this is an incredibly tough request for me because parents have different standards for what is acceptable for their children. Obviously, different age groups have different guidelines. For example, when our girls were younger, if a story had a redemptive, moral or a powerful life lesson, we would allow a bit of offensive language. I will try to recommend family viewing for both the big and small screen, with descriptions that I hope will be helpful for parents.
I can safely recommend the film “I Still Believe” to any age group, although young children may be bored. It portrays the true story of Jeremy Camp, one of the best selling contemporary Christian singer/songwriters of all time and stars K.J. Apa of “Riverdale” fame. You can view this movie on Hulu.
I found “Turner and Hooch” on Disney Plus to be sweet and acceptable for family viewing. There is, however, an occasional storyline that is not in line with more traditional family values.
I liked “Poms,” starring the incomparable Diane Keaton as a woman starting a competitive cheer squad at a retirement village. There is some questionable language, but the movie is sweet and explores the meaning of true friends beautifully. It is available on Netflix.
For families with teenagers, I would highly recommend the film “CODA” on Apple TV. It stars Oscar winning actress Marlee Marlin as the deaf mother of one deaf child and one hearing child. Ms. Marlin insisted that all the deaf characters be portrayed by deaf actors. I even convinced husband John Stroud to watch, and he loved it.
Speaking of Apple TV, if you haven’t yet watched “Ted Lasso” after my many recommendations, please start! The language is definitely adult, and there are adult situations, but if you watch with older teens, it could lead to meaningful conversations.
If you were a fan of “Big Little Lies,” you may like Hulu’s “Nine Perfect Strangers,” written by the same author, Liane Moriarty, and starring Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy and one of my favorite actors, Michael Shannon. It a twisted mysterious tale of nine strangers who all end up at a resort with the promise of “changing the life you have.”
On HBO Max, I do NOT recommend “The White Lotus.” You may be lured in by the great lineup of actors led by Connie Britton, but do not go there!
On Peacock, I highly recommend “Dr. Death,” based on the widely popular podcast of the same name. It follows the unbelievable true tale of University of Tennessee trained Dr. Christopher Duntsch. You will fly through this highly addictive true crime saga. Also, check out “Parks and Recreation” on Peacock. I’m late to this party but I’m glad I joined!
Finally, on Netflix, I recommend the movie “The Last Letter from your Lover.” I’m so thankful my friend Jennifer Foley told me to watch this romantic film. Another recommendation from our friends Linda and Tad Dacus led us to start the Revolutionary War spy drama “Turn.” It takes an episode or two to really recognize all the players and which side they’re helping, but it is worth the work, I promise.
The past month I saw four, yes, FOUR, movies in the theaters. It reminded me how much I love the big screen, the amazing surround sound and all the previews! I have one friend I see movies with who totally gets my “you do not miss previews” rule. She wishes movie theaters had one theater where you can watch previews for an entire hour. Count. Me. In.
All four movies I saw had divided reviews from both critics and audiences. The first I saw was the Matt Damon film “Stillwater.” This is not an easy film. It’s very reminiscent of the Amanda Knox story but with a stunning twist. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Matt Damon’s acting is stellar.
The second film I saw was the new M. Night Shyamalan film “Old.” This thriller takes place on a beach that mysteriously ages visitors years in just a few hours. I felt like Mr. Shyamalan was trying to make a film that is a commentary on big pharmaceutical companies. I loved this film. I’m a huge Shyamalan, fan so I may have some bias. The friend who accompanied me to the theater thought it was “mildly entertaining.”
I loved Jennifer Hudson’s masterpiece, “Respect,” the story of Aretha Franklin’s early life. It’s sad, moving and truly redemptive. I saw it with two friends and we were still talking about the film the day after.
Finally, I saw the Hugh Jackman film, “Reminiscence.” I didn’t know what to expect from this film. It is a love story with some science fiction and post apocalyptic influence. I loved this film because it made me think about how we romanticize the past, and how sometimes being stuck in that mindset influences our decisions in the present.
I want to give a big shout out to the staff at the AMC Majestic Theater. They are working incredibly hard to keep the theaters clean and provide great service at the snack bar.
So until next month, from the theater and my couch, please pass the popcorn …
I can safely recommend the film “I Still Believe” to any age group, although young children may be bored. It portrays the true story of Jeremy Camp, one of the best selling contemporary Christian singer/songwriters of all time and stars K.J. Apa of “Riverdale” fame. You can view this movie on Hulu.
I found “Turner and Hooch” on Disney Plus to be sweet and acceptable for family viewing. There is, however, an occasional storyline that is not in line with more traditional family values.
I liked “Poms,” starring the incomparable Diane Keaton as a woman starting a competitive cheer squad at a retirement village. There is some questionable language, but the movie is sweet and explores the meaning of true friends beautifully. It is available on Netflix.
For families with teenagers, I would highly recommend the film “CODA” on Apple TV. It stars Oscar winning actress Marlee Marlin as the deaf mother of one deaf child and one hearing child. Ms. Marlin insisted that all the deaf characters be portrayed by deaf actors. I even convinced husband John Stroud to watch, and he loved it.
Speaking of Apple TV, if you haven’t yet watched “Ted Lasso” after my many recommendations, please start! The language is definitely adult, and there are adult situations, but if you watch with older teens, it could lead to meaningful conversations.
If you were a fan of “Big Little Lies,” you may like Hulu’s “Nine Perfect Strangers,” written by the same author, Liane Moriarty, and starring Nicole Kidman, Melissa McCarthy and one of my favorite actors, Michael Shannon. It a twisted mysterious tale of nine strangers who all end up at a resort with the promise of “changing the life you have.”
On HBO Max, I do NOT recommend “The White Lotus.” You may be lured in by the great lineup of actors led by Connie Britton, but do not go there!
On Peacock, I highly recommend “Dr. Death,” based on the widely popular podcast of the same name. It follows the unbelievable true tale of University of Tennessee trained Dr. Christopher Duntsch. You will fly through this highly addictive true crime saga. Also, check out “Parks and Recreation” on Peacock. I’m late to this party but I’m glad I joined!
Finally, on Netflix, I recommend the movie “The Last Letter from your Lover.” I’m so thankful my friend Jennifer Foley told me to watch this romantic film. Another recommendation from our friends Linda and Tad Dacus led us to start the Revolutionary War spy drama “Turn.” It takes an episode or two to really recognize all the players and which side they’re helping, but it is worth the work, I promise.
The past month I saw four, yes, FOUR, movies in the theaters. It reminded me how much I love the big screen, the amazing surround sound and all the previews! I have one friend I see movies with who totally gets my “you do not miss previews” rule. She wishes movie theaters had one theater where you can watch previews for an entire hour. Count. Me. In.
All four movies I saw had divided reviews from both critics and audiences. The first I saw was the Matt Damon film “Stillwater.” This is not an easy film. It’s very reminiscent of the Amanda Knox story but with a stunning twist. I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Matt Damon’s acting is stellar.
The second film I saw was the new M. Night Shyamalan film “Old.” This thriller takes place on a beach that mysteriously ages visitors years in just a few hours. I felt like Mr. Shyamalan was trying to make a film that is a commentary on big pharmaceutical companies. I loved this film. I’m a huge Shyamalan, fan so I may have some bias. The friend who accompanied me to the theater thought it was “mildly entertaining.”
I loved Jennifer Hudson’s masterpiece, “Respect,” the story of Aretha Franklin’s early life. It’s sad, moving and truly redemptive. I saw it with two friends and we were still talking about the film the day after.
Finally, I saw the Hugh Jackman film, “Reminiscence.” I didn’t know what to expect from this film. It is a love story with some science fiction and post apocalyptic influence. I loved this film because it made me think about how we romanticize the past, and how sometimes being stuck in that mindset influences our decisions in the present.
I want to give a big shout out to the staff at the AMC Majestic Theater. They are working incredibly hard to keep the theaters clean and provide great service at the snack bar.
So until next month, from the theater and my couch, please pass the popcorn …
RSS Feed