LIST
A HAPPY MEDIUM
5 JOYOUSLY GREAT FAMILY FILMS
THE PRINCESS BRIDE
Rob Reiner / 1987 “I'm not a witch, I'm your wife. But after what you just said, I'm not even sure I want to be that anymore.” THE PRINCESS BRIDE follows a group of adventurers who try to rescue Princess Buttercup (Robin Wright) from Prince Humperdinck (Chris Sarandon). With lively comedy, engrossing romance, gripping action, thrilling adventure, sweet revenge and eminently quotable dialogue, there is something in this charming film for everyone. 
MRS DOUBTFIRE
Christopher Columbus / 1993 “My first day as a woman and I’m getting hot flashes.” When Daniel (Robin Williams) divorces his wife and loses custody of his three children, he disguises himself as a nanny in order to spend more time with them. The late Robin Williams brings his classic improvised vocal and physical comedy to a very average story and makes it something worth watching. While it has a tendency to become too melodramatic, especially in the third act, it does have a touching message and the humour across the rest of the film makes it a great watch. 
THE INCREDIBLES
Brad Bird / 2004 “No matter how many times you save the world, it always manages to get back in jeopardy again. Sometimes I just want it to stay saved! You know, for a little bit?” While it may not pack the emotional punch of other Pixar films, THE INCREDIBLES is one of their most entertaining. Ex-superhero Robert Parr (Craig T Nelson) misses his old life and soon finds himself and his family getting back in the game. The film plays with the conventions of the superhero genre but still takes itself seriously enough to encourage wholehearted investment in this wonderful family. 
WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Mel Stuart / 1971 “So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. Thank you.” Roald Dahl dominates the children’s fiction world and the adaptations of his books are no exception. In this film, Charlie Bucket (Peter Ostrum) is one of five children to find hidden golden tickets to the chocolate factory and the film follows them as they explore this wondrous place. The songs capture the playful tone of the film and Gene Wilder perfectly embodies Wonka’s eccentric nature. The special effects may look a little dated compared to today but they do help create a beautiful sight. 
THE LEGO MOVIE
Christopher Miller and Phil Lord / 2014 “I only work in black and sometimes very, very dark grey.” THE LEGO MOVIE is one of the most inventive films of recent years. It takes the toy that was famous for its unlimited possibilities and makes a film that matches. Ordinary guy Emmet (Chris Pratt) is taken out of his cosy life when Wyldstyle (Elizabeth Banks) thinks he is the “Special”: the person destined to save the Lego world. With its creation of fantastic worlds and characters that capture the imagination of children and adults alike, nothing is more joyous than seeing a film embrace its creativity. More short reads about JOY >>> |
