Guest Post: Top 5 End-of-the-year Family Movies You Should Definitely Catch
There are movies and then there are movies you just can’t miss. For those who can’t be bothered to spend time figuring out the latter, we’ve put together this quick reference guide for some of the best family friendly movies hitting theaters before the end of 2014.
Penguins of Madagascar (Release date - Nov 26)
The scene-stealing penguins from Madagascar just got star billing and decided to celebrate with a madcap adventure across the world, in a bid to defeat the world’s evil-lest octopus masquerading as a scientist. DreamWorks’ Penguins of Madagascar (not to be confused with the T.V. series) is a non-stop action-animation comedy stuffed with the silliest jokes and one-liners you just can’t stop laughing at. But the laugh riot also has plenty of heart and a small romantic sub-plot between Eva and Kowalski. Kids who love action movies and the Madagascar series are sure to love Penguins of Madagascar!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Release date - Oct 10)
If you think there’s no such thing as a bad day, you probably just haven’t had one. Eleven-year-old Alexander and his family can attest to the truth of this statement as they experience the worst day of their lives – a day during which his 13-year-old sister accidentally gets drunk on cough syrup; his dad sets his shirt on fire and his 16-year-old brother has a car accident as he answers a call on his cell phone during a driving test. Not to mention other totally random incidents that add to the chaos and the mayhem. All because Alexander, frustrated by his family’s lack of sympathy, made a birthday wish that his family should get a taste of what’s it’s like to have a very bad day. But the family eventually manages to come closer and stay strong in the face of adversity in this oddly heart-warming Disney tale based on a children’s book.
The Book of Life (Release date - Oct 17)
On the Day of the Dead, Manolo, a sensitive dreamer, must travel through magical mystical lands and return safely if he is to win the heart of his one true love. What he doesn’t know is that the lords of the Underworld have a bet over who will eventually win Maria – Manolo or his rival, the arrogant but heroic Joaquin. The Book of Life is a colorful, animated fantasy-adventure with stunning visuals and a message that lodges the movie firmly in your heart. The movie is also an invitation to explore Mexican culture as it takes you through the Day of the Dead celebrations and the ancient myths and legends of Mexico. All in all, an interesting and highly family-friendly adventure by 20th Century Fox.
St. Vincent (Release date Oct 24)
A cantankerous misanthrope turns babysitter for a skinny bullied 12-year-old with some totally unexpected results. When Oliver’s overworked single mom entrusts her son to her neighbor’s care, she has no idea it’s going to lead him to the race track, the dive bar and the strip club – or that the trips will lay the foundation of an unlikely but beautiful friendship. Vincent becomes the guide and mentor that Oliver never had, and the boy sees the good in the friendless old man that no one else can. St Vincent is a must-watch for families!
Annie (Release date Dec 19)
The subject of a popular Broadway musical and a 1982 blockbuster comes to life once again, this time in a modernized avatar. Annie is an orphan who manages to retain her sunny temperament and never-say-die attitude despite her tough life. She manages to escape her horrid foster mom and corrupt orphanage manager when a business tycoon takes her in as part of his New York mayoral campaign strategy. Annie is slated to be a family entertainer and definite crowd puller, judging from the trailers!
That rounds up some of the movies I have watched and will be watching with the family this year. What’s on your list?
Author Bio:
Catherine Ross is a full-time stay-at-home-mum who believes learning should be enjoyable for young minds. An erstwhile elementary school teacher, Catherine loves coming up with creative ways through which kids can grasp the seemingly difficult concepts of learning easily. She believes that a ‘fun factor’ can go a long way in enhancing kids’ understanding and blogs at kidslearninggames.weebly.com
The scene-stealing penguins from Madagascar just got star billing and decided to celebrate with a madcap adventure across the world, in a bid to defeat the world’s evil-lest octopus masquerading as a scientist. DreamWorks’ Penguins of Madagascar (not to be confused with the T.V. series) is a non-stop action-animation comedy stuffed with the silliest jokes and one-liners you just can’t stop laughing at. But the laugh riot also has plenty of heart and a small romantic sub-plot between Eva and Kowalski. Kids who love action movies and the Madagascar series are sure to love Penguins of Madagascar!
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day (Release date - Oct 10)
If you think there’s no such thing as a bad day, you probably just haven’t had one. Eleven-year-old Alexander and his family can attest to the truth of this statement as they experience the worst day of their lives – a day during which his 13-year-old sister accidentally gets drunk on cough syrup; his dad sets his shirt on fire and his 16-year-old brother has a car accident as he answers a call on his cell phone during a driving test. Not to mention other totally random incidents that add to the chaos and the mayhem. All because Alexander, frustrated by his family’s lack of sympathy, made a birthday wish that his family should get a taste of what’s it’s like to have a very bad day. But the family eventually manages to come closer and stay strong in the face of adversity in this oddly heart-warming Disney tale based on a children’s book.
The Book of Life (Release date - Oct 17)
On the Day of the Dead, Manolo, a sensitive dreamer, must travel through magical mystical lands and return safely if he is to win the heart of his one true love. What he doesn’t know is that the lords of the Underworld have a bet over who will eventually win Maria – Manolo or his rival, the arrogant but heroic Joaquin. The Book of Life is a colorful, animated fantasy-adventure with stunning visuals and a message that lodges the movie firmly in your heart. The movie is also an invitation to explore Mexican culture as it takes you through the Day of the Dead celebrations and the ancient myths and legends of Mexico. All in all, an interesting and highly family-friendly adventure by 20th Century Fox.
St. Vincent (Release date Oct 24)
A cantankerous misanthrope turns babysitter for a skinny bullied 12-year-old with some totally unexpected results. When Oliver’s overworked single mom entrusts her son to her neighbor’s care, she has no idea it’s going to lead him to the race track, the dive bar and the strip club – or that the trips will lay the foundation of an unlikely but beautiful friendship. Vincent becomes the guide and mentor that Oliver never had, and the boy sees the good in the friendless old man that no one else can. St Vincent is a must-watch for families!
Annie (Release date Dec 19)
The subject of a popular Broadway musical and a 1982 blockbuster comes to life once again, this time in a modernized avatar. Annie is an orphan who manages to retain her sunny temperament and never-say-die attitude despite her tough life. She manages to escape her horrid foster mom and corrupt orphanage manager when a business tycoon takes her in as part of his New York mayoral campaign strategy. Annie is slated to be a family entertainer and definite crowd puller, judging from the trailers!
That rounds up some of the movies I have watched and will be watching with the family this year. What’s on your list?
Author Bio:
Catherine Ross is a full-time stay-at-home-mum who believes learning should be enjoyable for young minds. An erstwhile elementary school teacher, Catherine loves coming up with creative ways through which kids can grasp the seemingly difficult concepts of learning easily. She believes that a ‘fun factor’ can go a long way in enhancing kids’ understanding and blogs at kidslearninggames.weebly.com
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