Kids' movies are to family movies what macaroons are to macarons. They share characteristics, but they are not the same.
Macaroons have a shredded coconut base, while macarons are meringue-based. Similarly named, both deliver an explosion of flavor, but other than that, they have little in common, just like kids' movies versus family films.
Movies for kids are just that, films with the agenda to entertain young imaginations, with little regard to anyone old enough to get a driver鈥檚 licence. Family movies have a broader appeal, aiming to entertain all members of the clan.
They are same鈥 but different.
With that in mind, here鈥檚 a list to help make movie night enjoyable for all members of the family, no matter what age.
1. In 鈥淜ung Fu Panda,鈥 Jack Black voices Po, an overweight, kung fu-crazy panda who dreams of becoming a master warrior.
In his rich fantasy life, his enemies would go blind from his 鈥渟heer awesomeness.鈥 In reality, he is the son of a noodle maker with no moves, no skill.
When he is accidentally crowned Dragon Warrior, a once-in-a-thousand-years honour, he must look inside himself to conjure the skills to live up to the title and beat the evil Tai Lung (Ian McShane), bringing peace to his valley.
State-of-the-art computer animation brings the fun characters to life, but the gorgeous hand-drawn animation in the fantasy sequences is uncommonly sumptuous for a story like this and gives the movie real character. Imagine if Akira Kurosawa had directed a kid鈥檚 movie and you鈥檒l get the idea.
鈥淜ung Fun Panda鈥 is packed with wit and action and is a rare animated feature that will appeal to all members of the family.
2. The big-screen adaptation of Maurice Sendak鈥檚 classic book 鈥淲here the Wild Things Are鈥 isn鈥檛 a movie for kids as much as it is a movie about being a kid.
The hero is Max, a lonely nine-year-old who goes to an imaginary island populated by seven make-believe giants who crown him king of the Wild Things.
Not much happens, but there are some very arresting images 鈥 Max and monster Carol rolling down a sand dune, a 鈥渨ild rumpus鈥 and a dirt fight.
But it鈥檚 not about the action, it鈥檚 about primal feelings, things that either arenot usually touched on or are glossed over in most kids' films: sorrow, loneliness and the difficulty of growing up.
It鈥檚 a magical movie with a dark, melancholy tone that isn鈥檛 typical of children鈥檚 entertainment, but since this isn鈥檛 really a kids' film, that shouldn鈥檛 matter.
3. With a near-perfect 99 per cent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, 鈥淓.T. The Extra-Terrestrial鈥 is a movie that blends exciting science fiction with touching family drama.
The story of a gentle alien, stranded on earth and cared for in secret by a 10-year-old boy named Elliott (Henry Thomas), his brother Michael (Robert MacNaughton) and little sister Gertie (Drew Barrymore), has some scary moments, but its compassionate heart recommends it for the whole family.
On the surface, 鈥淓.T.鈥 is a movie about an obviously rubber alien puppet, but as soon as he and his glowing finger interact with the children, all artificiality fades away. Somehow, he blossoms into a fairy-tale character, one that brings with him great, family-friendly messages of friendship, loyalty, courage and selflessness.
But it鈥檚 not the movie鈥檚 many morals that earn it a recommend, it鈥檚 the film鈥檚 ability to warm the heart with humour and real emotion.
4. All the highlights from the book 鈥淎re You There God? It鈥檚 Me, Margaret,鈥 including the famous 鈥淲e must, we must, we must increase our bust鈥 mantra and her famous prayers, are present in this movie version.
Director Kelly Fremon Craig, who also wrote the screenplay, maintains the lack of pretence and sense of authenticity that set author Judy Blume鈥檚 book apart from the pack in this gentle realization of Margaret鈥檚 story.
The film perfectly captures Margaret鈥檚 tentative steps into adolescence and the life-changing power that comes along with each of her discoveries. It鈥檚 a trip into self-acceptance at a very complicated time in her life, as she grapples with relationships鈥攚ith her anti-religion parents, her new friends and Moose, the cute boy from down the street鈥攁nd situations she struggles to understand. Like the book, which runs an economical 149 pages, the movie is a small story that tackles big issues.
5. Ranked 39th on a list of the 100 greatest family films of all time by Channel 4, 鈥淏ugsy Malone鈥 is probably the strangest movie on this list.
Set in Prohibition-Era New York, it鈥檚 a musical about a war between gangsters and Bugsy Malone, a good guy who falls for a speakeasy singer who's entangled with the crime boss.
What makes it strange, and a family film, is that it features child actors playing all the adult roles. Stars Jodie Foster and Scott Baio hand in charming performances, but it is the movie鈥檚 flourishes, like machine guns that fire cream pies, and its boisterous and good-natured vibe that make it fun for the whole family.
While America's southern border remains a hot button issue on the campaign trail, the result of the U.S. election in November could also impact the northern frontier with Canada, which remains the longest undefended border in the world.
Being an armchair detective has turned into an American obsession, fueled by an abundance of true-crime content in podcasts and television series. But some of those projects have sparked actual legal developments.
New data shows the automated speed enforcement camera on King Edward Avenue, between Bolton Street and St. Patrick Street, issued 6,337 speeding tickets in August, the highest number of tickets issued by Ottawa's 40 photo radar cameras.
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton鈥檚 McMaster University.
Fedaa Nassar says any time she has heard the phone ring in the last year, she becomes overwhelmed with anxiety.
NDP House leader Peter Julian says there's more his party wants to do in Parliament before the next election, but if the current dysfunction continues it will become a factor in how they vote on a confidence measure.
The Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident that claimed the lives of two people in Georgian Bluffs, south of Owen Sound.
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
Fedaa Nassar says any time she has heard the phone ring in the last year, she becomes overwhelmed with anxiety.
New data shows the automated speed enforcement camera on King Edward Avenue, between Bolton Street and St. Patrick Street, issued 6,337 speeding tickets in August, the highest number of tickets issued by Ottawa's 40 photo radar cameras.
After a decade of volunteering for one of North America鈥檚 most punishing ultra marathons, an Ontario man decided to challenge himself by stepping up from the sidelines to become a participant.
The owner of a Gatineau, Que. caf茅 says it's 'silly' that Quebec's language watchdog is telling the business to write its Instagram posts in French.
The Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident that claimed the lives of two people in Georgian Bluffs, south of Owen Sound.
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
Former U.S. president Donald Trump plans to return Saturday to the site where a gunman tried to assassinate him in July, setting aside what are now near-constant worries for his physical safety in order to fulfill a promise 鈥 'really an obligation,' he said recently 鈥 to the people of Butler, Pa.
Being an armchair detective has turned into an American obsession, fueled by an abundance of true-crime content in podcasts and television series. But some of those projects have sparked actual legal developments.
A French judge in the trial of dozens of men accused of raping an unconscious woman whose now former husband had repeatedly drugged her so that he and others could assault her decided on Friday to allow the public to see some of the video recordings of the alleged rapes.
A rural Colorado county courthouse beefed up security Friday after threats were made against staff and a judge who sentenced former county clerk Tina Peters to nearly nine years behind bars for her role in a data breach scheme catalyzed by the lie that the 2020 election was stolen from former President Donald Trump.
A judge ripped into a Colorado county clerk for her crimes and lies before sentencing her Thursday to nine years behind bars for a data-breach scheme spawned from the rampant false claims about voting machine fraud in the 2020 presidential race.
The U.S. and British militaries struck more than a dozen Houthi targets in Yemen on Friday, going after weapons systems, bases and other equipment belonging to the Iranian-backed rebels, U.S. officials confirmed.
While America's southern border remains a hot button issue on the campaign trail, the result of the U.S. election in November could also impact the northern frontier with Canada, which remains the longest undefended border in the world.
NDP House leader Peter Julian says there's more his party wants to do in Parliament before the next election, but if the current dysfunction continues it will become a factor in how they vote on a confidence measure.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to announce funding to support French-speaking African countries and initiatives to promote the French language in the Francophonie.
New data raises questions about the drinks people consume and the potential risks associated with them, according to researchers at Galway University in Ireland, in partnership with Hamilton鈥檚 McMaster University.
Convenience store firms that operate thousands of outlets across Canada are taking the federal government to court to overturn regulations that restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies.
A federal judge has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to further regulate fluoride in drinking water because high levels could pose a risk to the intellectual development of children.
Scientists announced on Thursday a milestone in neurobiological research with the mapping of the entire brain of an adult fruit fly, a feat that may provide insight into brains across the animal kingdom, including people.
For humans, flashing a smile is an easy way to avoid misunderstanding. And, according to a new study, bottlenose dolphins may use a similar tactic while playing with each other.
Alphabet's Google is testing showing check marks next to certain companies on its search results, a company spokesperson said on Friday, in a move aimed at helping users identify verified sources and steer clear of fake websites.
You might be thinking, 'Shut up!' but it鈥檚 officially true: the 'Princess Diaries' franchise is finally growing.
Legendary singer Paul Simon has said he is 'optimistic' about being able to return to performing live after losing most of his hearing in his left ear.
The jury tasked with determining if Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard sexually assaulted a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago began deliberating Friday after nearly two weeks of testimony that saw the singer and his accuser give starkly different accounts of what happened.
TikToks of customers stuffing their faces with a US$20 endless shrimp. More than 100 restaurant closures and thousands of layoffs. A revolving door of CEOs. Chapter 11 bankruptcy.
Brazil's Supreme Court said on Friday that lawyers representing social media platform X did not pay pending fines to the right bank, postponing its decision on whether to allow the tech firm to resume services in Brazil.
Convenience store firms that operate thousands of outlets across Canada are taking the federal government to court to overturn regulations that restrict the sale of nicotine pouches to pharmacies.
A five-seat sushi counter located inside another restaurant is the latest Vancouver eatery to receive a Michelin star.
Toilet paper shortages in stores across America are giving folks nightmarish reminders of the pandemic era. But the lack of toilet paper isn鈥檛 a direct result of a major port strike Tuesday. It鈥檚 because of panic buying.
What does New Westminster's t蓹m蓹sew虛tx史 Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.
Paul Pogba has had his four-year ban for doping reduced to 18 months after appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The NFL saw its fewest number of concussions in the preseason since tracking started in 2015.
Caitlin Clark has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year in a near-unanimous vote, giving the Indiana Fever back-to-back winners after Aliyah Boston won the honour last season.
Tesla is recalling more than 27,000 Cybertrucks because the rearview camera image may not activate immediately after shifting into reverse, the fifth recall for the vehicle since it went on sale late last year.
A Pickering, Ont., student going to college to be a mechanic is shocked the engine in his two-year-old car will not be repaired under warranty after the dealership claimed he had been 'over-revving' the engine.
A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.
Chantal Kreviazuk is set to return to Winnipeg to mark a major milestone in her illustrious musical career.
From the beaches of Cannes to the bustling streets of New York City, a new film by a trio of Manitoba directors has toured the international film festival circuit to much pomp and circumstance.
A husband and wife have been on the road trip of a lifetime and have decided to stop in Saskatchewan for the winter.
The grave of a previously unknown Canadian soldier has been identified as a man from Hayfield, Man. who fought in the First World War.
A group of classic car enthusiasts donated hundreds of blankets to nursing homes in Nova Scotia.
Moving into the second week of October, the eastern half of Canada can expect some brisker fall air to break down from the north
What does New Westminster's t蓹m蓹sew虛tx史 Aquatic and Community Centre have in common with a historic 68,000-seat stadium in Beijing, an NFL stadium and the aquatics venue for the Paris Olympics? They've all been named among the world's most beautiful sports venues for 2024.
The last living member of the legendary Vancouver Asahi baseball team, Kaye Kaminishi, died on Saturday, Sept. 28, surrounded by family. He was 102 years old.
New data from Greater Vancouver and the Fraser Valley shows a surge in supply and drop in demand in the region's historically hot real estate market.
Chayton Point loved to dance. Just ask his mom.
As the provincial election campaign reaches the halfway mark, the party leaders made pitches to voters on bread-and-butter issues: housing, child care and jobs.
Vancouver police have deployed extra resources in anticipation of multiple protests planned for Oct. 7.
A Toronto city councillor is calling for a public inquiry into the construction of the delayed and over-budget Eglinton Crosstown LRT.
Two pedestrians have been taken to hospital with unknown injuries after an early-morning collision in Vaughan.
Police have arrested four people in connection with an investigation into the trafficking of crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl throughout the City of Toronto.
Three Calgary businesses have been ordered to shut down after inspectors discovered evidence of uninspected meat.
A pedestrian is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle in southeast Calgary on Friday night.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) says it is taking immediate action to expedite care for patients who had referrals to community health-care providers delayed.
New data shows the automated speed enforcement camera on King Edward Avenue, between Bolton Street and St. Patrick Street, issued 6,337 speeding tickets in August, the highest number of tickets issued by Ottawa's 40 photo radar cameras.
The owner of a Gatineau, Que. caf茅 says it's 'silly' that Quebec's language watchdog is telling the business to write its Instagram posts in French.
Gas prices in Ottawa are set to rise this weekend after a slight uptick overnight.
At least two people are dead and others are injured after a fire ripped through a century-old building in Old Montreal early Friday morning, sources told Noovo Info.
The owner of a Gatineau, Que. caf茅 says it's 'silly' that Quebec's language watchdog is telling the business to write its Instagram posts in French.
A 28-year-old female driver was seriously injured in a three-vehicle collision Friday afternoon in Saint-R茅mi, Mont茅r茅gie, reports the S没ret茅 du Qu茅bec (SQ).
A 79-year-old woman is dead after the vehicle she was driving crashed into an east Edmonton building late Friday afternoon.
A letter from Edmonton's mayor to the Alberta government detailing the city's fiscal wishlist ahead of next year's budget calls for fair treatment for the capital city, something several city councillors say isn't already happening.
A new docu-series that reveals what life is like for National Hockey League players on and off the ice during the playoffs is now out.
A teen charged with the murder of another teen on Prince Edward Island last year has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
The federal Fisheries Department says it is concerned about a "pattern" of violence and threats toward its enforcement officers after two tense incidents off southwestern Nova Scotia last month.
According to the Canadian Women & Sport's 2022 Rally Report, 76 per cent of girls who participate in sports believe it helps build confidence and enhances their mental health. While those benefits are important for all children, the organization's CEO says, right now, girls have less access.
It鈥檚 1998. Google was just born, and dial-up was the primary way to connect to the Internet. New sites were being developed daily on any number of topics, from recipes to shopping. David Yanciw, however, was thinking big - big things, that is.
Brady Oliveira and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers continue to roll along. Oliveira ran for a season-high 147 yards and a touchdown to power Winnipeg past the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 31-10 on Friday night.
A new report from Doctors Manitoba is calling for major changes to the way sick notes are issued in Manitoba, saying they are a waste of time for doctors and employers.
A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.
A group of climate activists is challenging SaskPower's move towards natural gas, arguing it violates their Charter rights.
Regina kids facing mobility issues were gifted toy cars through the Go Baby Go program.
Police have laid charges after a car crashed into the side of a Kitchener home early Friday morning.
The K-W Symphony may have played their last concert but the musicians who made up the ensemble aren鈥檛 ready for their curtain call.
Melissa Duff-Shore, a Cambridge, Ont. woman who killed her daughter in 2020, has been ordered to a forensic hospital in St. Thomas.
The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation hosted a virtual election forum on education Thursday evening, giving candidates in the provincial election a chance to share their thoughts and answer questions on issues teachers find most important.
A Saskatchewan man living in the United States has pleaded guilty to possessing child pornography after he unknowingly provided disturbing videos to an FBI agent he thought was a pedophile.
Saskatoon police arrested a homeless person at the scene of an encampment underneath the University Bridge on Friday morning.
Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard has been found not guilty of sexually assaulting a young woman in northeastern Ontario eight years ago. The former Hedley frontman had pleaded not guilty to sexual assault.
Two police officers in Greater Sudbury required medical attention for injuries they received arresting a man for the second time in just two days.
Police have arrested a Toronto woman in connection with three recent homicides and investigators say that they believe two of the victims may have been 'randomly targeted.'
In case you missed it, CTV News London has gathered all of the top local stories from this week into one video for your convenience.
Fall conditions have arrived in the Forest City, with chilly mornings and warmer afternoons in the forecast.
The Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident that claimed the lives of two people in Georgian Bluffs, south of Owen Sound.
A woman whose son died last month while at a Penetanguishene, Ont. beach with another family member wants to see safety increased at the beach.
The Ministry of Labour is investigating a workplace incident that claimed the lives of two people in Georgian Bluffs, south of Owen Sound.
Provincial police are investigating a collision along Highway 400 in Tay Township Friday afternoon.
After a decade of volunteering for one of North America鈥檚 most punishing ultra marathons, an Ontario man decided to challenge himself by stepping up from the sidelines to become a participant.
In case you missed it, CTV News Windsor has compiled all of the top local stories from this week into one video.
A London, Ont. man, who pleaded guilty earlier this year in a harassment case, has been sentenced to two months in jail for criminal harassment of a Windsor, Ont. family.
We haven't heard the candidates talk much about education during B.C.'s 2024 election campaign, but the teachers' union is trying to put the spotlight on that issue.
The body of a British Columbia mountain climber has been located and recovered after the 39-year-old man was reported missing during a solo climb on Washington state's Mount Baker earlier this week.
Many British Columbians were shaken awake early Friday morning when an earthquake struck in the Strait of Georgia, about 18 kilometres southwest of Tsawwassen.
Three young suspects have been arrested in connection with a swarming attack on a teenager in B.C.'s Okanagan last week 鈥 and authorities have asked the public to stop circulating disturbing videos of the incident.
A father in Kelowna is furious after his 13-year-old daughter was brutally beaten on Gyro Beach. He is calling for criminal charges in the devastating attack, which was caught on video by multiple bystanders.
The officer who shot and killed a forcible confinement suspect in Kamloops two years ago was justified in doing so, according to the Independent Investigations Office of B.C.
A person was airlifted to hospital following a serious crash in Taber, Alta., on Friday morning. Taber RCMP responded to the scene on Highway 864 around 10:30 a.m., for a crash involving an SUV and a semi-truck.
To enhance inclusivity at Lethbridge Polytechnic, the institution has launched a new accessibility micro-credential.
WestJet has changed its operations at the Lethbridge Airport, and it means there's now only a single daily flight from Lethbridge to Calgary, down from three flights a day, as offered previously.
Two teens, ages 14 and 19, have been charged with arson in connection with a July 14 fire in Cat Lake First Nation that destroyed $500,000 in construction materials.
A northeastern Ontario jury has started deliberating in Canadian musician Jacob Hoggard's sexual assault trial, we can now tell you what they weren't allowed to hear.
A suspect who accused Thunder Bay police of being responsible for his throat injury actually hurt himself when he swallowed a large amount of drugs.
He may not have logged the fastest time or even gone the full distance, but residents of a Newfoundland town agree the goat who unexpectedly joined the local weekend half marathon was the event's undisputed champion.
A mother in a community where the cost of living is one of the highest in the country says grocery prices are 'inhumane' and retailers are putting profits ahead of people鈥檚 basic human right to food.
A soccer game in England on Tuesday night drove a spike in online traffic across the Atlantic to a website launched by the Newfoundland and Labrador government.
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