With all four of my kiddos bouncing with enthusiasm over Disney’s new ‘Tangled’ I found myself looking back at the films I loved when I was their age. And I’ve rented some of them to watch with my kids.
It’s interesting to see what they thought – and how my perceptions have changed since then.
The Goonies- (4 Stars) Loved it when it came out in 1985 (I was 11). I though Sean Astin was cute, it a nerdy yet awe-shucks lets do this thing kind fo way. Out of all those kid actors, he and Josh Brolin are the only ones who still have a career – though Martha Plimpton is still around.
As creepy as the bad-guys were, and admitting that Sloth made me both scared and sad, this movie was a kids Indiana Jones. And you know what? It’s still awesome! Yes, there are a few cuss words and a questionable scene where Corey Feldman does some HILARIOSLY bad English to Spanish translating – but it’s not wince worthy. Still great, great fun!!!!
Space Camp(3 Stars!) – It was 1986 – check out Kelly Preston’s hair! Who doesn’t want to go to space when they’re a kid? This is a fun adventure that takes some kids attending Space Camp and sends them into space with their teacher, Kate Capshaw. While it was fun and had some pretty decent special effects, it’s not quite as adventurous as Goonies. And there are a few more curse words thrown about. One scene was ‘like a nightmare’ for my eight year old – when the youngest crew member accidentally starts drifting out into space. Don’t worry, he’s saved. That youngest crew member – why it’s Joaquin Phoenix cutting his acting chops. I’d recommend this one for the family – especially to those kids that like Star Wars or space. And the overall message of learning to work together is a great message.
The Last Starfighter (4 Stars) – This has pretty high tech special effects for 1984. I was 10 and this movie was AWESOME. I loved that High School kid Alex was recruited because of his fierce video game skills to head into space and fight real aliens. The bounce between Alex in space and his ‘clone’ on earth pretending to be him (some hilarious results with the girlfriend) keeps it fast moving and interesting. While there is some more adult themes in this one, and one or two images that are intense – I don’t think it’s too much for today’s kids.
There’s more out there – but it’s kind of scary how many ‘family movies’ weren’t really good for the family. But, hey, I turned out okay…. 