IT’S THE DAY after.
Wrapping paper and ribbon is still crumpled around the base of the tree, the smell of roasted turkey and gingerbread still lingers in the air -- and everybody’s playing quietly in their rooms with all their new toys.
Yeah, right!
If your family is like mine, Christmas Break cabin fever starts setting in right around Dec. 26 when the novelty of all the new gizmos, gadgets and toys fades into family squabbles and temper tantrums from young and old alike.
What you need right now is not another trip to Walmart, even if you did threaten to return Guitar Hero the day after Christmas if you caught your husband refusing to share one more time with your seven-year old.
What you really need is a family movie night. It’s the perfect solution. Everyone can still be together in the same room at the same time, but no one has to talk to, or even look at, one another. And you might even learn a few true stories about the past and some good life-lessons for today.
There’s obviously not room to include all the great family movies out there, but here are some of our family’s favorites.
And as a bonus, I’ve included my friend Stephanie Metzger’s crowd-pleasing caramel popcorn recipe just to ensure everyone’s mouths are occupied for the evening!
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
Rated G
Don’t let the title fool you. Although this film is an extension of the popular American Girl dolls empire, it is a delight for the entire family (even boys) to watch. Set during the Great Depression, Kit and her friends unravel a crime of robbery during a time when resources were thin and people would go to great lengths to make ends meet. This movie offers an excellent depiction of American life in the 1930’s and with parallels to today’s economy; it makes the financial crisis of 2008 more understandable to children.
Because of Winn Dixie
Rated PG
When Opal Buloni moves to a new town with her father, a Baptist minister, all she prays for is some friends and to see her mother again. Then she meets Winn-Dixie. Based on the award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo, this movie contains thought-provoking wisdom for the whole family about friendship, forgiveness and the bittersweet nature of life.
National Treasure
Rated PG
Benjamin Franklin Gates is determined to unravel a mystery of his fore bearers who spent their lives hunting for a treasure supposedly hidden by the Founding Fathers of the United States. In Indiana Jones style, National Treasure takes viewers on a journey weaving in U.S. colonial history and fiction. With virtually no profanity or sexual content, the film is a rare treasure for viewers of all ages.
March of the Penguins
Rated G
This National Geographic documentary follows the migration of Antarctica’s Emperor Penguin. The film follows the black and white birds on their annual long, brutal pilgrimage back to their breeding grounds. It’s a magnificent narrative of the birds’ unimaginable sacrifices on behalf of their off-spring. Sure to tug at the heartstrings, March of the Penguins is a remarkable tribute to these birds that have gone virtually unnoticed by humankind.
The Sound of Music
Rated G
A family movie list would not be complete without the Von Trapp’s. But don’t be mistaken. The Sound of Music’s release on DVD isn’t more of the same epic film aired frequently during this time of year. In the new digitally restored DVD release viewers will enjoy the music and drama of Maria and the Von Trapps in its original wide-screen panoramic splendor. And for those who think they know all there is to know about the musical, think again. The new release contains extensive supplementary material where you’ll discover there is more fact than fiction to this tale.
Now that you’ve got a good flick in the DVD player, it’s time to get that corn a poppin’:
Pop three quarts of popcorn. Melt one-half cup of butter on stove. Stir in 1/4 cup corn syrup and one cup brown sugar. Boil vigorously for two minutes, stirring constantly. Pour popcorn into large, sturdy brown paper grocery bag. Pour caramel sauce over popcorn and shake bag. Fold bag down so it doesn’t touch top of microwave. Cook on high for 1 1/2 min. Take out of microwave and shake vigorously. Return to microwave and cook one more min. Let cool. Break apart and enjoy!
We’d like to hear from you too! Go to this column at emporiagazette.com and post your own favorite family movies. Please list only G and PG rated films.
Merry Christmas break to all and to all a good movie night!
Comments
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DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...
Ick, clearly their are no little boys running around your house. Though I like some of those movies allow me to throw in some choices if you have the male little rascals running around.
Cars (G)
Excellent flick, with alot of stuff to make the young'ens laugh
National Treasure (PG)
Okay, so this one is good for the boys and you mentioned it.
Meet the Robinsons (G)
I loved this one and I'm not longer a kid.
Over the Hedge (PG)
This one is hilarious and has all kinds of action, so I highly recommend it.
Hope that helps a little, I mean not to take away from the above mentioned, I just know my little brother wouldn't watch alot of those so I thought I'd throw my two cents in.
December 26, 2008 at 8:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DJrocksthemic (anonymous) says...
Oh and I nearly forgot the Incredibles (PG) it's one of my favorite movies.
December 27, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
marebear14 (anonymous) says...
This sounds just like my house yesterday except it was my husband and the nine year olds not wanting to share Guitar Hero. I have to agree the better move for them in Over the Hedge.
December 27, 2008 at 1:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )