Many movies are made for children, but that doesn”t mean they can”t be enjoyed by older audiences. There are films out there that are “kid”s movies,” but have deep messages meant for those ages seven through 70. Here are a list of films that contain deeper elements beyond the typical fart jokes.
Sam Balas
Rawr
“Kung Fu Panda” (2008)
“Kung Fu Panda” is a film about learning how to overcome life”s obstacles by embracing who you truly are. Po (Jack Black) is an overweight panda who is suddenly hailed as the Dragon Warrior, a prophesied savior who is said to protect his home from evil forces. At first, Po doubts himself, believing himself not worthy of such a lofty title. He is un-athletic and has a horrid time paying attention during his Kung Fu lessons, and yet by the end of the film he defeats the nefarious Tai Lung (Ian McShane) not by gaining any special powers, but by embracing who he is as a person.
Philosophical quote: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift. That”s why it”s called the present.
“Finding Nemo” (2003)
Each of the main characters of “Finding Nemo” is damaged in their own way. Marlin (Albert Brooks) is emotionally damaged from the traumatic and untimely death of his wife, Nemo (Alexander Gould) is physically damaged and disabled from the same attack, and Dory (Ellen DeGeneres) has short-term memory loss. How do each of these characters overcome their issues? They just keep swimming, because in life it is often not the most gifted, but the most persistent of us that are the most successful.
Philosophical quote: When life gets you down know what you gotta do? Just keep swimming.
“Lilo and Stitch”(2002)
Family is an often chosen topic of modern children”s filmmaking, which makes it even more remarkable that “Lilo and Stitch” manages to stand out from other movies that tackle similar issues. Both main characters, Lilo (Daveigh Chase) and Stitch (Chris Sanders) are total outcasts with almost no one who cares for them in their lives. Totally alone and with nothing, both characters meet and together gain everything. That is the true meaning of family, not who shares blood with you, but who shares a bond with you.
Philosophical quote: Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind.
“Toy Story” (1995)
“Toy Story,” sees Sheriff Woody (Tom Hanks), the most loved toy of a young boy named Andy be challenged by Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen) who suddenly over takes Woody as Andy”s new favorite toy. Tensions between the two rise, and they engage in a fight that only serves to get them both captured by evil neighborhood kid, Sid (Erik Von Detten). Only after they work together to escape Sid, do they realize they have a lot in common, and thus starts a friendship that went on to spawn multiple sequels.
Philosophical quote: You got a friend in me.
Sam Balas can be reached at [email protected]