So I’m trying to introduce my 2 sons to good movies that they probably would never have any intrest in because they are to busy on their phones or busy watching clips of new stuff on youtube. Since my divorce 3 years ago, I’ve taken time on my weekends with the boys to show them good movies that I have always loved. Some older than others, but all good, in my opinion. More often then not, the boys loved them too, even when they thought they wouldn’t (Star Wars original trilogy.)
Here’s what they have watched so far and their opinions …
Willow - We all loved it. Speed - Same ET - Thumbs Up Earth to Echo - Thumbs Up The Dark Crystal - Thumbs Up The Labyrinth - Ok Ponyo - Thumbs Up Iron Giant - Loved My Neighbor Totoro - Loved Beetlejuice - Thumbs Up Star Wars , Empire, Jedi - Thumbs Up Pee Wee’s Big Adventure - Thumbs Up Edward Scissorhands - Sad, but Loved it Goonies - Thumbs Up Big - Thumbs Up
I know there were more, I can’t think of them all though … anyway, here’s my question to you : Do you think they could handle the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings series. My boys are 13 and 10. I’m concerned that they may get turned off a bit on some of the slower parts, but they do like fantasy and adventure, but I know that these movies aren’t all action and monsters and adventure all the time. So do you think I should try just the Hobbit (Movie 1) first and see their reaction? I had to basically make them watch Star Wars 1, they almost considered it punishment, but once it was all over, they liked it. I wonder if these will be the same. Do you think that there will be some parts that may involve explanation to the 10 year old. I think there may be, but I do think overall that they’ll like them.
Good suggestions so far, but in regards to my original post, what say you all on Hobbit/Lord? Should I show the boys these films or wait a couple years?
I’d start them on Fellowship of the Ring and then on to the next two LOTR movies. If they watched The Hobbit first, it might turn them off of the better, earlier movies.
Some other suggestions:
Spirited Away
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Jurassic Park
Princess Mononoke
Forbidden Planet
Do you mean the risk of them being traumatized or of being bored stiff? Because I think the latter is much more likely than the former. (That is for the LOTR trilogy–I never bothered with the Hobbit movies.)
My kids like LotR, and they are now 12 and 13- I introduced them to it several years ago. I say go for it.
And I also have to agree with a lot of the additional suggestions: Spaceballs, Big Trouble in Little China, and all things Studio Ghibli (with the possible exception of From Up on Poppy Hill- great movie, but possibly a bit boring for kids).
You’re probably looking for theatrical released films, but how about the TV movies, The Night Stalker and The Night Strangler? these were the two Movie of the Week releases that featured the reporter Carl Kolchak. They’re only 90 minutes long and involve vampires & immortality. I was only 11 & 12 when I saw them, so the age fits your sons.
And, if they like these films you could watch the short lived (only 20 episodes) of the TV series spin-off: Kolchak The Night Stalker which featured a monster of the week.
As much of a fan as I am of Studio Ghibli, I can think of several of their movies that probably aren’t good fits for 10 and 13 year old American boys. Along with From Up on Poppy Hill, I think they would likely be bored by Only Yesterday, Whisper of the Heart, My Neighbors the Yamadas, When the Wind Rises, and When Marnie Was There, and maybe The Tale of the Princess Kaguya. And the 10 year old at least is probably too young for Graveyard of Fireflies. And Tales of Earthsea is simply a lousy movie. So that leaves Castle in the Sky, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Porco Rosso, Spirited Away, The Cat Returns, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Arrietty as recommendations (he already mentioned Ponyo and My Friend Totoro.) Princess Mononokoe may or may not be too intense for the 10 year old.