Rainy day? Friday movie night? It’s time to put away the
video games and take a trip back in time with a classic motion picture.
Remember that movie you used to watch at Grandma’s house? Or the one your dad used
to rave about, but you never understood why until you were older? These are our
classics. Today it’s easy to overlook these movies as things of the past. Maybe
you’ve never thought to introduce your kids to a film you used to love, but we
can assure you there are a number of classics that not only make us laugh, but
also contain important lessons for people of all ages. So, grab your popcorn as
we take you through time and five classic movies both you and your children
will get a thrill out of. Ready? Action!
5. Toy Story (1995)
Maybe you loved Toy Story as a kid because you could
imagine your own toys coming to life and fighting over which one would get the
royal privilege of sitting on your bed. Perhaps it was even Mr. Potato Head and
his feisty attitude that sparked your laughter as a child. It’s important to
know, however, that Toy Story has much more to offer than just a bunch of talking
toys running around Pizza Planet.
Toy Story will teach your children important lessons
about friendship, loyalty and even jealousy. Woody learns an important lesson
by the end of the movie. He accepts that it’s okay for Andy to have more than
one favorite toy and more than one friend.
“You’ve
got a friend in me.”
4. E.T. (1982)
A little alien is left all alone on a strange planet. He
soon finds a friend in ten-year-old boy named Elliot. You probably stocked up
on Reese’s Pieces enough to fill your entire closet and tried to bring plants
back to life after seeing E.T. We would be lying if we said that Elliot’s determination
to save his extraterrestrial companion didn’t have us in tears.
This movie shows children and adults alike the power of
friendship. Next time your alien friend gets sick and needs to get on a
spaceship to go home, will you ride your bike over the moon without a helmet on
even if you don’t want him to leave? After seeing this film, you just might
want to!
“You could be happy here. I could take care of you. I
wouldn’t let anybody hurt you.”
3. Star Wars (1977)
A giant rebel space station, robots, unexpected heroes
and even a princess. What’s not to love? While we are huge fans of this
adventure film, it also provides us with important messages. For one, Princess
Leia is not just an ordinary damsel in distress with an iconic hairdo. She
stands up for what’s right and isn’t afraid to fight off any Stormtroopers that get in her way. It’s in the opening scene that she shows
us that even princesses can be brave and tough.
Star Wars blurs the line between good and evil, and
reveals to parents and children that though the choice between good and bad is
more complicated than we think, good will always triumph over evil.
“Who is more foolish? The fool or the one that follows
him?”
2. Mary Poppins (1964)
Mary Poppins is the first musical on our list, and also
the only film here that combines live action and animation. Maybe you dreamed
of having a babysitter as cool as Mary Poppins. Or maybe you just could never
seem to get “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
out of your head. Maybe what you didn’t realize the first time you saw this
flick is that Mary Poppins teaches us to love and enjoy life. That is the real
meaning behind “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious.” Though kids might not recognize this lesson right away, they definitely won't be able to stop dancing and singing along.
“In every job that must be done there is
an element of fun.”
1. The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Get swept away with Dorothy into the
magical Land of Oz. We’re throwing it way back here, but we’re sure that this
movie is family-friendly and magnificent even today. The first feature film to
use both color and black-and-white will take you over the rainbow with lessons
about life and love, as each of the characters have something to show us on
their own.
The Tin Man, the Lion and the Scarecrow
prove that true friendship exists in believing in one another, and that a true
friend is always there for you through life’s troubles, no matter how big or
small.
And finally, Dorothy Gale has many
lessons to teach people of all ages. Dorothy dreams of a life away from home,
but is surprised when she’s taken to the Land of Oz and suddenly longs to
return to Kansas. Dorothy not only teaches us to follow our own paths, but she
also reminds us not to take home for granted.
“A heart is not judged by how much you
love; but by how much you are loved by others.”
Tuesday, November 4th, 2014 the Children’s
Museum in Easton will be hosting its new event Off to see the Wizard. Activities will be based on the popular
story including all of your favorite characters. Don’t miss a visit from
Dorothy and several themed crafts and stories. Follow the yellow brick road with
your little munchkins from 10am-1pm for a magical day of over-the-rainbow fun! Be
sure to watch the popular film and visit us on the 4th. There’s no
place like the Children’s Museum in Easton.
*Written by Deanna Haas, PR Intern
