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Dad's Top
20 Kiddie Rides Films - Ranked!
Countdown from #20 to #1.
This
includes Dad's spoiler-free Mini-Preview!
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Honorable
Mention |
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James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Climb aboard for
the adventure of your life!
Director: Henry Selick, rated G
  Starring:
(the voice talents of) Paul Terry, Joanna Lumley, Pete Postlethwaite, Simon
Callow, Richard Dreyfuss, Jane Leeves, Miriam Margolyes, Susan Sarandon, David
Thewlis
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"When I had a problem,
my mom and dad would tell me to look at it another way." –
James
Why watch this?
Sometimes an abused child's only escape is their imagination.
Plot Summary:
Based on Roald Dahl's classic children's novel, this film tells
the story of a young orphan named James, who lives with his two
cruel and abusive aunts. James dreams of escaping his unhappy
life and finds a chance when he befriends a group of
anthropomorphic insects inside a magical giant peach. Together,
they embark on a fantastical journey to New York City, facing
various adventures and challenges along the way.
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Dad's Preview:
This starts an adventure that will carry James, an orphan, to
New York City, a place he wanted to visit with his parents. It
becomes a story of the importance of friends and support, even
if that help comes in the form of talking spiders and
catapillars. Its
stunning animation style brings forward a wonderful dark fairy
tale
story. And yes, it feels a lot like a Tim Burton movie. The
delightful music was written by children's film soundtrack guru, Randy Newman. |
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Walt Disney
Pictures; Allied Filmmakers,
Skellington Prod.;
Buena
Vista Distributing
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#20 Top |
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Shrek
(2001)
The greatest
fairy tale never told.
Directors: Andrew Adamson, Vicky Jenson, rated PG
Starring:
(the voice talents of)
Mike Meyers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz, John Lithgow, Vincent
Cassel, Peter Dennis, Chris Miller, Cody Cameron
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"We can stay up late,
swapping manly stories, and in the morning, I'm making waffles!" -
Donkey
Why watch this?
Just when you think Disney owns everything, Shrek hits
the scene and starts a franchise.
Plot Summary:
The grumpy ogre Shrek wants his swamp back after the diminutive
Lord Farquaad banishes fairytale creatures to it. Shrek,
accompanied by a talkative Donkey, strikes a deal with Farquaad
to rescue Princess Fiona from a dragon-guarded tower in exchange
for his solitude. Their journey to bring Fiona back to Farquaad
leads to unexpected adventures and a burgeoning connection
between Shrek and the princess.
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Dad's Preview:
From Dreamworks Animation, we were blessed to
receive this animated
treasure. Here, the traditional "villain", a green ogre, becomes
the most honorable of heroes. The premise is creative and tons
of fun. Though made for kids, with many cameos and comedy bits based on
familiar fairy tales, it also features some subtle mature humor
for parents. The
talented voice work performed by Myers, Murphy, Diaz and Lithgow
make this film easy to sit back and enjoy. It's time to be a kid
again! |
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DreamWorks
Animation, PDI/Dreamworks;
DreamWorks Pictures
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Genres:
Action-Adv,
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-Buddy,
Comedy-Family,
Comedy-Parody,
Fantasy-Adv,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-FairyTale,
Romance-Fantasy
Dad's Genres:
Kiddie-Rides,
Likable-Irreverence,
SNL-Alumni |
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#19 Top |
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The Jungle Book
(1967)
The Jungle is
JUMPIN'!
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, rated
G
Starring:
(the voices of)
Phil Harris, Sebastian Cabot, George Sanders, Sterling Holloway,
John Abbott, Louis Prima, Bruce Reitherman
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Man village? They'll
ruin him. They'll make a man out of him." –
Baloo, the Bear
Why watch this?
This is one of Disney's greatest films, pre
Beauty and the
Beast, that is.
Plot Summary:
This children's classic follows Mowgli, an orphaned boy raised
by wolves, who is forced to leave his jungle home due to the
threat of Shere Khan, a man-eating tiger. Accompanied by the
wise panther Bagheera, Mowgli resists returning to the human
village, preferring his life with the animals. Along the way, he
encounters a variety of colorful characters, including Baloo the
bear and King Louie of the Apes, while also facing dangers from
Kaa the snake and the persistent Shere Khan.
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Dad's Preview:
This is a great animated film musical about an orphaned boy who
is raised by wolves, and mentored by a friendly big-bellied bear and
watchful black panther. The boy is also being stalked by the
notorious Bengal tiger, Shere Khan. For a cartoon, it's
wonderfully complex and filled with lots of great songs, laughs,
and even a few scary moments. |
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Walt Disney
Prod.;
Buena Vista Distributing
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#18 Top |
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Finding Nemo (2003)
71% of
the Earth's surface is covered by water. That's a lot of
space to find one fish.
Director: Andrew Stanton, rated G
Starring:
Albert Brooks, Ellen Degeneres, Alexander Gould, Willem Dafoe,
Geoffrey Rush, Brad Garrett, Allison Janney, Stephen Root
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Well, you can't never let
anything happen to him. Then nothing would ever happen to him.
Not much fun for little Harpo." -
Dory
Why watch this?
Another home run for Pixar. It's creative, funny, warm, and inspirational.
Plot Summary:
Marlin, a highly protective clownfish, embarks on a journey
across the ocean to rescue his adventurous son, Nemo, after he
is taken by a diver. Marlin teams up with Dory, a friendly but
forgetful fish, and together they navigate a vast and perilous
ocean encountering various sea creatures, while Nemo attempts to
find his own way back home from a fish tank in a dentist's
office.
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Dad's Preview:
This film is just so darn heartfelt. We quickly grow to
love our adorably cute, damaged main characters. We likewise fall for each
creature encountered along the journey - be them friendly sharks,
surfer-dude sea turtles, stingy seagulls, or a group of
imprisoned
fish called the "Tank Gang". Ellen Degeneres is
hilarious as Dory,
a lovable regal blue tang fish with short-term memory loss. Dive into the tank
and enjoy the fun. "Shark bait! Ooh, Ha-Ha!" |
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Pixar
Animation Studios;
Buena Vista
Pictures Distribution
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#17 Top |
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The Lego Movie (2014)
The story of a
nobody who saved everybody
Directors: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, rated PG
Starring:
(the voices of) Chris
Pratt, Will Ferrell, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, Nick Offerman,
Alison Brie, Charlie Day, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Hey,
I can be dark and brooding too - Guys, look, a rainbow!" -
Emmet
Why watch this?
A movie... using Legos... to make characters... and I love it.
Wow.
Plot Summary:
Emmet is an ordinary, rules-following construction worker in
Bricksburg who is mistakenly identified as "The Special" – a
prophesied hero destined to save the world. He is recruited by a
group of Master Builders to stop the tyrannical Lord Business
from using a super-weapon called the Kragle to freeze the entire
Lego universe into eternal stasis. Despite being completely
unprepared for such a task, Emmet embarks on an epic journey to
prove that even an ordinary mini-figurine can be extraordinary.
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Dad's Preview:
There is no way a mature film critic such as myself can become
emotionally involved with a bunch of CGI-generated Lego creations. That would
be INCORRECT! It is
so easy to enjoy this film. It's crazy, chock full
of pop and comics references, witty... and so darn funny! Hats off to the script
writers and animators. And Will Arnett may be the second best
Batman voice in all of nerd-dome (nobody can touch
Kevin Conroy's Batman). Here - Everything is
Awesome - literally. Pew, pew, pew! |
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Warner Animation
Gp., DC Ent., RatPac-Dune
Ent., Lego
System A/S,
Lin Pictures,
Lord Miller Prod.; Warner Bros.
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#16
Top |
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How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
What started as fire and
fury will become friendship.
Directors: Chris Sanders, Dean DeBlois, rated PG
Starring:
(the voice talents of:) Jay Baruchel, Randy Thom, America
Ferrera, Gerard Butler, Craig Ferguson, Jonah Hill, Christopher
Mintz-Plasse, Kristen Wiig, T.J. Miller, David Tennant
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"Most people would leave.
Not us. We're Vikings. We... have stubbornness issues." -
Hiccup
Why watch this? It's
a wonderful, action-filled tale about Vikings and air-borne
dragons.
Plot Summary:
Viking 101: They kill dragons - all of the many kinds. On the
island village of Berk, chieftain Stoick the Vast, has a teen
son, Hiccup, who is a wiz with creating mechanical devices, yet
weak by dad's brawny standards. When Hiccup shoots down a rare
Night Fury dragon, nobody believes him. After searching the
nearby forest for the dragon's body, Hiccup finds the downed
beast very alive and kinda friendly. Meanwhile, Stoick enrolls
the lad in dragon-fighting class, as he once sails away to
destroy the monsters' nests. Hiccup desperately seeks his dad's
approval, but can he actually take a dragon's life?
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Dad's Preview:
This beloved
animated treasure features misunderstood flying monsters, and
the Scottish norse-folk, who have killed the beasts for as long
as they can remember. There's also a loveable cadre of teenage
Vikes who strive to be the best dragon-slayers. However, for me,
the core of this film is a broken relationship between a father
and his son. Once again, DreamWorks has put forth a delightful,
high-quality children's film. It also should resonate with many
adults, especially fathers who might have been too hard on their
sons. But rest assured folks, in this colorful adventure,
all will be put right by the end credits.
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DreamWorks
Animation; Paramount Pictures
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Genres:
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Family,
Fantasy-Adv,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-FairyTale,
Fantasy-Heroic,
Fantasy-High,
Fantasy-Sword-&-Sorcery,
Historical-Fantasy
Dad's
Genres:
Kiddie-Rides |
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#15 Top |
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Batman: Mask of the Phantasm (1993)
The Dark
Knight fights to save Gotham City from its deadliest
enemy.
Directors: Eric Radomski, Bruce Timm, rated
PG
Starring:
Kevin Conroy, Mark Hamill, Dana Delaney, Stacy Keach, Hart
Bochner, Abe Vigoda, Dick Miller, John P. Ryan, Efrem Zimbalist
Jr.
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"Vengeance blackens the
soul, Bruce. I've always feared that you would become that which
you fought against." –
Alfred
Why watch this? This
animated classic is one of the best Batman stories ever.
Plot Summary: A new
vigilante, known as the Phantasm, begins eliminating Gotham
City's crime bosses, and Batman is wrongly accused of the
murders. While trying to solve the mystery and clear his name,
Bruce Wayne reconnects with an old love, Andrea Beaumont, whose
return stirs up complex emotions and raises questions about his
decision to become Batman. The film explores Batman's past and
present, as he grapples with the escalating violence and the
resurfacing feelings for Andrea, leading him to confront
difficult choices about his future.
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Dad's Preview:
After the incredible
Batman: The Animated Series, the same creators finally
gave audiences this full-length animated film. It delivers
big time. It features two legendary voice actors in Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill
(yes, Luke Skywalker of Star Wars)
as The Joker. The plot is, of course, a who-done-it, with
everyone intent on stopping the mysterious Phantasm, a devious
villain, murdering folks in Gotham City. The Caped Crusader will
have to look deep within to solve this confounding mystery. |
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Warner Bros. Family
Entertainment, Warner
Bros. Animation;
Warner Bros.
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#14 Top |
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Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993)
From the makers
of Chicken Run.
Director: Nick Park, Rated TV-PG
Starring
(Voice talent of):
Peter Sallis
"They're
techno-trousers, ex-NASA, fantastic for walkies!" -
Wallace
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
Why watch this?
... it's a delightfully British claymation misadventure
that will leave quite an impression.
Plot Summary: Due to
financial strain, Wallace and his clever dog Gromit decide to
take in a lodger – a seemingly innocent penguin who quickly
takes a keen interest in Wallace's new "Techno Trousers". Gromit
grows suspicious of the penguin's unusual behavior, especially
after being displaced from his own room to accommodate the new
guest. It soon becomes clear that the penguin has a sinister
plan involving the robotic pants.
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Dad's Preview: This
Oscar-winning animated short film, at only 29 minutes, will have
you laughing, while simultaneously amazed at the efforts of its
creators. The plot is not really the point. It's about
Wallace's new invention, mechanical pants, and a really evil
penguin who plots to steal the bionic britches to pull of a
jewel heist. It's a joy to see the amount of emotion that stone-beaked
penguin exudes! If you want more, I whole-heartedly recommend
all other W&G films and shorts including:
A Close Shave (1995),
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (2005) and
A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008).
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Aardman Anamations,
Wallace and Gromit Ltd.,
BBC Bristol,
Lionheart TV,
BBC Children's Int'l;
BBC Enterprises
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#13 Top |
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The Iron Giant
(1999)
It Came From
Outer Space!
Director: Brad Bird, rated PG
Starring:
(the voices of) Jennifer
Aniston, Eli Marienthal, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel, Cloris
Leachman, James Gammon, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"I know you feel bad about
the deer, but it's not your fault. Things die.
That's part of
life. It's bad to kill, but it's not bad to die." -
Hogarth Hughes
Why watch this? ...
a boy finds an unlikely friend when a mysterious metal giant becomes sentient.
Plot Summary:
Set in 1957, during the Cold War, a young boy named Hogarth
Hughes discovers and befriends a giant robot that has
crash-landed near his town in Maine. Hogarth attempts to protect
the robot from a paranoid government agent and the U.S.
military, who are determined to find and destroy the giant. With
the help of beatnik artist Dean McCoppin, Hogarth tries to teach
the Giant about life and prevent him from becoming the weapon
his creators intended.
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Dad's Preview:
This is one of the best non-Disney animated efforts from the 90's. When
a massive iron robot crash lands on earth, its bump on the
head somehow causes it to become "alive".
A fatherless boy, Hogarth, stumbles upon the friendly giant. Their
interactions are fun and wonderful, as the iron man becomes more
and more
human. As par for the course, the Army wants to reclaim their "project"
(designed for warfare),
even if it means destroying him. The all-star voice cast hits every
mark. This heart-warming flick will also leave a mark on your
heartstrings.
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Warner Bros.
Feature Animations;
Warner Bros.
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#12 Top |
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Babe (1995)
A little
pig goes a long way.
Director: Chris Noonan, rated G
Starring: James
Cromwell, Magda Szubanski, Christine Cavanaugh, Dann Mann,
Miriam Margolyes, Hugo Weaving, Roscoe Lee Brown
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"The Boss's husband is
just playing a little game with you. Believe me, sooner or
later, every pig gets eaten.
That's the way the world works. Oh,
I haven't upset you, have I?"
- Dutchess (the
cat)
Why watch this?
It's so sweet and endearing. You will love this pink little
piglet.
Plot Summary: This
is the story of a piglet won by Farmer Hoggett at a county fair.
The pink porker finds a home on the farm and bonds with a
sheepdog named Fly. Babe, against the expectations of his kind,
learns that he too can herd sheep. He must then gain acceptance
from the other farm animals who question his unusual abilities.
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Dad's Preview:
This is another film my family and I loved. It's about a delightful
little orphaned pig who is trained by his observant owner to, of all things, herd sheep. The
film-makers deployed CGI technology to enable the barnyard
animals to speak to each other. It's done well and not over-the-top. I enjoyed
hearing the thoughts and feelings of common farm animals.
James Cromwell's performance as Farmer Hogget is really special.
Babe, voiced by Christine Cavanaugh, earns the blue ribbon. "Baa Ram
Ewe!" |
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Kennedy Miller Productions;
Universal Pictures
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#11 Top |
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Toy Story (1995)
Hang on for
the comedy that goes to infinity and beyond!
Director: John Lasseter, rated G
Starring:
(the voice talents of) Tom Hanks,
Tim Allen, Don Rickles, Jim Varney, Wallace Shawn, John
Ratzenberger, Annie Potts, John Morris, Erik von Detten
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★☆
- near perfect
"YOU - ARE - A - TOY! You
aren't the real Buzz Lightyear, you're... you're, you're an
action figure! You are a child's plaything!"
- Woody to Buzz on day one
Why watch this?
This is the origin story where Woody and Buzz first become
friends.
Plot Summary: Andy's
longtime favorite toy, Woody the cowboy doll, faces an
existential crisis when a new, flashy spaceman toy named Buzz
Lightyear becomes Andy's new favorite. Driven by jealousy, Woody
attempts to get rid of Buzz, but a series of mishaps strands
them both far from home. The two must then overcome their
rivalry and work together to escape a toy-destroying neighbor
and reunite with Andy before he moves.
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Dad's Preview:
This was the first great Disney-Pixar film. It combines a
superb, original plot, excellent CGI, and an all-star case of
voice actors. This film certainly appeals to kids, but
there's a ton of "grown up" humor. The running gag
where Buzz thinks he is the real Buzz Lightyear was a stroke of
genius. The film is cute, funny,
warm, and even a little dark, especially when toys are being
Frankenstein'ed by a neighbor named Sid. A sequel only seemed natural. (which, of course,
was delivered - 4 more times... and counting). |
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Buena Vista
Pictures Dist.
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#10 Top |
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Wall-E
(2008)
In Space, No One
Can Hear You Clean
Director: Andrew Stanton, rated G
Starring: Ben Burtt,
Elissa Knight, Jeff Garlin, Fred Willard, John Ratzenberger,
Kathy Najimy, Sigourney Weaver
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I can't just sit here
and... and do nothing. That's all I've ever done! That's all anyone
on this
blasted ship has ever done - nothing!" - Captain
Why watch this?
Wall-E will work his electronic way into your heart.
Plot Summary: Earth
is a trash-filled wasteland, centuries after humanity evacuated
due to an uninhabitable environment on the ship Axiom.
WALL-E, the last remaining trash-compacting robot, discovers a
tiny living plant, initiating a chain of events that could
potentially allow humanity to return to Earth. He follows a
probe named EVE to the Axiom, where they must overcome
challenges posed by the ship's autopilot.
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Dad's Preview:
How can a film set after the end of the Earth be warm,
poignant, and even inspiring? Pixar pulls it off, as we follow
the adventures of a lone, trash-gathering robot. His (we assume
it is a "he") one simple
job is to pick up trash and compact it into cubes. When a probe,
named EVE, comes to earth, "she" encounters Wall-E. When Wall-E
presents her with the first sign of plant
life since the apocalypse, things get crazy. It's ingenious, visibly stunning and so
darn cute. It also serves as a thought-piece on humanity and our
role in keeping this planet safe and livable. |
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Pixar Animatoin
Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures
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#9 Top |
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Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)
It's the story of
a man, a woman, and a rabbit in a triangle of trouble.
Director: Robert Zemeckis, rated
PG
Starring: Bob
Hoskins, Christopher Lloyd, Charles Fleischer (voice), Joanna
Cassidy, Kathleen Turner (voice)
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"I'm not bad. I'm just
drawn that way." – Jessica Rabbit
Why watch this?
... to watch, in awe, the genius it took to intertwine humans and
cartoons into the same celluloid space.
Plot Summary: In
1947 Los Angeles, where cartoons and humans coexist, a private
detective who loathes toons takes a case involving a rabbit toon
star accused of murder. As the detective investigates, he
uncovers a complex conspiracy that threatens the existence of
Toontown, the animated metropolis where toons reside.
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Dad's Preview:
I am always a fan of something new and inventive, even if the
effort sometimes falls short. This film is an example
where expectations were exceeded! Splendid film director, Robert Zemeckis, creates a 1950s-ish,
quasi-noir world
where humans and cartoons co-exist, and it's
business-as-usual. This is an easy film to love. We're
introduced to the spazzy Roget Rabbit. We get cameos
from all
our favorite cartoon characters (Mickey, Donald, Daffy, Porky,
etc.), zany slapstick bits, devious villains, a
wonderful
ending... and let's not forget naughtily-drawn bombshell, Jessica Rabbit.
Va-Va-Voom! |
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Touchstone
Pics, Amblin Ent., Silver Screen
Partners III;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.
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Genres:
Action-Comedy,
Animation-Live-Action,
Animation-RotoScope,
Animation-Traditional,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-Buddy,
Comedy-Family,
Comedy-Physical,
Crime-Comedy,
Crime-Cops,
Fantasy-Adv,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-Low,
History-Alternative,
Historical-Fantasy
Dad's Genres:
Kiddie-Rides |
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#8 Top |
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The Little Mermaid (1989)
Somewhere
under the sea and beyond your imagination is an adventure in
fantasy.
Directors: John Muskar, Ron Clements, rated G
Starring: Jodi Benson, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Pat
Carroll, Kenneth Mars, Samuel E. Wright, Jason Marin, Buddy
Hackett
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Hmm... Teenagers. They think
they know everything. You give them an inch,
they swim all over
you." – Sebastian
Why watch this?
This film revitalized Disney's animated film reputation.
Plot Summary:
A curious young mermaid named Ariel dreams of experiencing life
beyond the sea and falls in love with a human prince she rescues
from a shipwreck. Desperate to join his world, Ariel makes a
dangerous pact with the sea witch Ursula, trading her voice for
human legs. With her new form, Ariel embarks on a quest to win
the prince's love, but she faces challenges and a ticking clock
as Ursula has hidden motives.
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Dad's Preview:
During the 1980s
Disney's animated films had lost something. Then came The
Little Mermaid. This gem felt like they
had returned to basics, and found the magic again. It has humor and
loveable characters, but it is the music that stands out as
iconic. Those numbers just make you want to stand up, sing and
even dance (or well, swim). So my youngest son did just that - he was selected to
portray Sebastian in his high school musical! And, (parental-brag warning
ahead) he
killed it - we were so proud of him and all the play's cast!
Whatever the media, this seafaring adventure comedy
makes a big splash! |
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Walt Disney
Feature Animation;
Buena
Vista
Pictures Dist.
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#7 Top |
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Inside Out (2015)
Meet the little
voices inside your head.
Director: Peter Docter, rated PG
Starring:
(the voices of) Amy
Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Richard Kind, Bill Hader, Lewis Black,
Mindy Kaling, Kaitlyn Dias, Diane Lane, Kyle MacLachlan
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"We should lock the
door and scream that curse word we know. It's a good one!" -
Anger
Why watch this?
This may be the most creative film yet from Disney and Pixar.
Plot Summary:
An 11-year-old girl, Riley, moves with her family from Minnesota
to San Francisco. The story explores the inner workings of her
mind, where her emotions — Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and
Disgust — live in Headquarters, the control center inside
Riley's brain, and guide her actions. As Riley struggles to
adjust to her new life, turmoil ensues in Headquarters, leading
Joy and Sadness on an adventure through Riley's mind.
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Dad's Preview:
The creators of this wonderful Pixar offering take us into the mind of a teenage
girl, just as her simple, happy life is about go haywire thanks
to a move from Minnesota to California. Her first day of school
does not go well. Meanwhile, we are transported into her brain's control room. There, the five emotions, Joy, Anger, Fear,
Sadness, and Disgust, are in charge. Well, sort of. The emotions
are voiced by some great actors. You will love this creative film, and its
perspective, regarding how the teenage mind works. You'll
shed a few tears, as well. |
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures
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Genres:
Animation-CGI-Children,
Comedy-Adv,
Comedy-COA,
Comedy-Family,
Drama-COA,
Dramedy-Family,
Fantasy-Comedy,
Fantasy-Low,
Dad's
Genres:
Kiddie-Rides,
SNL-Alumni, |
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#6 Top |
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Toy Story 2 (1999)
The Toys Are Back
in Town.
Director: John Lasseter, rated G
Starring:
(the voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don
Rickles, Annie Potts, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles, Jim Varney,
Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Wayne Knight
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"You
never forget kids like Emily, or Andy, but they forget you." –
Jessie
Why watch this?
I really do like this film more than the original; it digs deeper.
Plot Summary: During
a yard sale while Andy is away at summer camp, Woody is stolen
by a toy collector hoping to sell him to a museum. This forces
Buzz Lightyear and Andy's other toys to embark on a rescue
mission to find Woody and bring him back home. Woody, meanwhile,
learns about his history as a collectible from a famous
television show and meets other toys from his past, making him
question where his loyalties lie.
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Dad's Preview:
Everyone, including me, loved the first
Toy
Story (1995). This has
all that, plus it's more poignant. Perhaps I feel this
way because my kids grew up and left home. Of course, we're
happy for them, but I'd be lying if I did not cast occasional
thoughts back to when they were young and we were a contained family,
taking on the world together. Here, Andy is growing up, too. Perhaps he has
outgrown Buzz and Woody. Nothing could be more painful for a
toy. Then comes along the energetic Jessie, a toy in Woody's
collector set. She's been there and
knows that kids will eventually break your heart. Get out
a box of
hankies, because you're gonna need them.
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Buena Vista Pictures Dist.
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#5 Top |
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Beauty and the Beast (1991)
The
most beautiful love story ever told.
Directors: Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise, rated G
Starring (voices):
Paige O'Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David
Ogden Stiers, Angela Lansbury, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"Oh, it's no use.
She's so beautiful, and I'm... Well, look at me!" -
Beast
Why watch this?
This magical Disney effort just made the world seem right again.
Plot Summary: In
this fairy tale, the beautiful Belle offers her freedom to a
cursed prince who has been transformed into a Beast. The Beast,
along with his castle and its enchanted staff, are under a spell
that can only be broken if he learns to love and be loved in
return. Belle gradually gets to know the Beast and sees beyond
his outward appearance, while the Beast strives tame his
impatient temper.
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Dad's Preview:
Disney animation had a quality problem in the 1980's. This film
changed all that immediately. It's exciting, funny and a beauty
to behold. There are many memorable characters and incredible
musical numbers. We fall in love with the French candlestick Lumiere, the British
tea kettle Mrs.
Potts and the unforgettably conceited huntsman Gaston. This
musical is big
and bold, yet tender and intimate. It restored Disney's
reputation as a quality producer of children's animation films. |
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Walt Disney Feature
Animation; Buena
Vista Pictures
Distribution, Inc.
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#4 Top |
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The Lion King (1994)
The greatest
adventure of all is finding our place in the circle of life.
Directors: Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, rated G
Starring: Jonathan
Taylor Thomas, Matthew Broderick, James Earl Jones, Jeremy
Irons, Moira Kelly, Ernie Sabella, Nathan Lane, Robert
Guillaume, Whoopi Goldberg, Cheech Marin
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
"When
we die, our bodies become the grass, and the antelope eat the
grass.
And so we are all connected in the great Circle of Life."
- Mufasa
Why watch this? ...
It is one of the best of the 90's Disney classics.
Plot Summary:
A young lion cub, Simba, is destined to rule the Pride Lands,
but his bitter uncle, Scar, plots against him and his father,
King Mufasa. Simba is led to believe he is responsible for his
father's death and flees into exile, where he befriends Timon
and Pumbaa. Years later, his past returns to haunt him, and he
must decide whether to reclaim his rightful place and face his
demons.
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Dad's Preview:
We wore out this Disney VHS tape. Our kids were mesmerized by
the cute animals and catchy tunes. It really is a magical
story about families and growing up to face responsibility. To that, you only have
to add a wise mandrill, a witty lemur and a smelly warthog. And
viola! - A great animated classic is born! For the laughs
injected here and there, this film plays more like a
drama, especially regarding the Mufasa's demise. Today, I still cry numerous times
during this musical drama through deepest Africa. |
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Walt Disney
Feature Animation;
Buena Vista Pictures Dist.
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#3 Top |
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Up
(2009)
The greatest
adventure is just getting back home.
Director: Pete Docter, rated PG
Starring:
Ed Asner,
Christopher Plummer, Jordan Nagai, Bob Peterson, Delroy Lindo
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#35 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Up
"My name is Dug. I
have just met you, and I love you." - Dug
Why watch this? I feel-good story that requires your
imagination and suspension of belief.
Plot Summary: Carl
Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, embarks on a journey to
the wilds of South America in his house, lifted by thousands of
balloons, fulfilling a lifelong dream. He unintentionally takes
along a stowaway and young Wilderness Explorer named Russell.
The unlikely duo encounters adventure, strange creatures, and a
surprising revelation about Carl's childhood hero on their
journey towards Paradise Falls.
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Dad's Preview:
In a crowded stable of excellent Pixar-Disney films, this one
stands out for me. Perhaps it's Carl, the grumpy old man looking
to get away from a world that doesn't want him anymore. Maybe it's
Russell, the cheeky, plump young Boy Scout trying to earn his merit badges
(Hmm, who does he remind me of?).
It could be Dug, the delightful dog who is enabled to "talk"
thanks to a voice
modulator. Combine these quirky characters with a high-flying,
creative premise, and you have a winner in my book. It packs a
punch, too - You'll be bawling before the opening credits have
finished rolling. |
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Pixar Animation
Studios; Walt Disney
Studios Motion Pictures
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#2 Top |
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Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory
(1971)
It's
Scrumdidilyumptious!
Director: Mel Stuart, rated G
Starring: Gene
Wilder, Jack Albertson, Peter Ostrum, Roy Kinnear, Julie Dawn
Cole, Leonard Stone
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#48 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of Willy Wonka
& the Chocolate Factory
"Invention, my dear
friends, is 93% perspiration, 6% electricity, 4% evaporation,
and 2% butterscotch ripple." - Willie Wonka
Why watch this? A
tour through a mysterious chocolate factory. What could happen?
Plot Summary: Young
Charlie Bucket, from an impoverished family, dreams of finding
one of the five coveted Golden Tickets hidden in Willy Wonka's
chocolate bars. Winning a ticket grants a tour of Wonka's
mysterious and magical chocolate factory, along with a lifetime
supply of candy. Charlie, joining four other children, embarks
on a fantastical adventure within the whimsical factory.
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Dad's Preview: As addicting as its namesake dessert
flavor, this
children's film has a lot to say. Not only is this trip as magical as
the journey to Oz, it also takes special care to pass along valuable lessons to kids and
parents alike: Don't overeat. Too much candy is bad for you. Don't spoil
your children. Don't watch too much TV. These "bad" little kids
get their cod liver oil. I always thought of myself as the sweet, innocent,
and honorable
Charlie... but am I? The verdict is still out. |
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Wolper Pictures,
The Quaker Oats Co.;
Paramount Pictures
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#1 Top |
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The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Mighty
Miracle Show Of 1000 Delights!
Director: Victor Fleming, rated G
Starring:
Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Margaret
Hamilton, Billie Burke, Clara Blandick, Terry (as Toto)
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★
- perfect
DML Top 50
#29 -
Dad's Full (Spoiler) Review
and Deep Dive of The Wizard of
Oz
"Pay no attention to
that man behind the curtain! The Great Oz has spoken!" - The
Wizard
Why watch this?
Because it has been a warm, wise, family classic - like forever.
Plot Summary: After
a tornado sweeps her away from her Kansas farm to the magical
Land of Oz, Dorothy Gale embarks on a quest to find the powerful
Wizard of Oz who can help her return home. Along the Yellow
Brick Road, she encounters a Scarecrow seeking a brain, a Tin
Man desiring a heart, and a Cowardly Lion longing for courage,
who all join her on this journey. Together, they face the Wicked
Witch of the West, who seeks revenge on Dorothy for an accident
upon her arrival.
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Dad's Preview:
This is one of the greatest fantasy films of all time. On the
surface, it's wonderful and magical - a treat for every
wide-eyed child, ablaze with a new film enhancement they called
Technicolor. It was also lovely escapism that was layered with
symbolism and hope, just what America needed after the
devastating Great Depression of the early 1930's. Early in the
film, a tornado carries Dorothy Gale and her farmhouse into the
sky. When the house lands with a thud, Dorothy opens the front
door and Oz is
revealed in its vivid, fantastical splendor! It is a scene that
will always emotionally impact this ol' Texas farm boy. |
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Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer; Loew's Inc.
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