Tips & Hints: Family Movies
The current situation we’re living through forces us all to spend a lot more time at home, by exercising the social distancing that (we hope) will lead to a faster return to normalcy. So, why not take advantage of our additional days indoors for some good family times?
The VidaMar Blog has compiled a list of movie suggestions for the whole family, so you can enjoy fun movie sessions with your little ones.
Stay tuned to the blog in the coming days, as we will have more lists with recommendations just for you, featuring our top choices for movies, books, podcasts, online classes and even virtual visits to museums!
Coco
Winner of the Oscar for Best Animated Film in 2018, this colorful and touching film is based on the traditions of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. It mixes great humor, a catchy soundtrack (it also won the Oscar for Best Original Song) and a strong message about the importance of family!
The Iron Giant
Directed by Brad Bird — who went on to also helm “The Incredibles” and “Ratatouille”, among others — this 1999 film follows the beautiful and unexpected friendship between little Hogarth and a mysterious giant robot. As trivia notes, the voice of the robot is that of a young Vin Diesel, while Hogarth's mother is voiced by none other than Jennifer Aniston!
Lego Batman
An entirely alternate version of the mythical hero of DC Comics. This Batman — delightfully cocky and arrogant — must somehow learn to live with those around him, whether they're friends (like loyal Alfred and young Robin) or foes (with the main one being the unavoidable Joker). The original voice cast is star-studded, with names like Ralph Fiennes, Channing Tatum and Mariah Carey, among many others!
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
Adventure, fantasy and lots of laughter await you in this film, starring musclebound superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson! This surprisingly enjoyable sequel to the original 1995 film (which featured the late, great Robin Williams) reinvented the concept and was a smashing box office hit in 2017!
The Princess Bride
On the subject of fantasy movies: you can’t beat revisiting (or discovering) one of the greatest classics of the genre. Relatively unknown in Portugal, this is a true cult movie in the United States. Filled with unforgettable characters and quotable lines, it is an excellent fable for kids and adults alike!
Rocketeer
A bonafide love letter to the heroes of Hollywood’s Golden Age, Rocketeer is an adventure that everyone will enjoy. The protagonist (Billy Campbell) is not really a household name, but the film also features Jennifer Connelly (who stars in the fantastic “Labyrinth”, a movie that could easily slide into this list) and Timothy Dalton at the peak of his stardom, fresh off of playing super spy James Bond.
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
The most contemporary movie on this list, is also an Academy-Award-winner for Best Animated Film (2019). This Spider-Man adventure follows young Miles Morales, who discovers he has the same powers as the (apparently deceased) original Spidey and meets alternate versions of the famous hero! The film balances an excellent soundtrack, a fresh story and a sensational animation style!
Oscar
And now, for something completely different. Oscar is a rip-roaring comedy from 1991, with Sylvester Stallone, Kirk Douglas, Marisa Tomei and directed by John Landis (known for "American Werewolf in London" and for directing Michael Jackson's "Thriller"). With a non-stop rhythm more akin to a theatre play, it follows the story of a mob boss trying to clean up his act, while dealing with the absolute chaos of his family life.
Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
We've all watched and rewatched Disney's iconic version of the Little Mermaid. But how would you feel about giving a shot to a totally different take on this story? Hayao Miyazaki (from Studio Ghibli) helmed this tale of goldfish Ponyo and her quest to become human, in order to fully embrace her friendship with 5-year-old Sōsuke. If you have never seen the uniquely beautiful animation of Miyazaki's films, then this is a great introduction to his work!
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
For fans of Shaun the Sheep (and really, who isn’t?), then you owe it to yourself to seek out the series that gave birth to this beloved character! The animated creation follows eccentric inventor Wallace and his faithful dog Gromit, who turns out to be the most down-to-earth character of the two. This feature film — winner of the Academy Award for Best Animated Film of 2006 — sees the duo’s attempts to capture a mysterious creature, who has been devouring the crops of their defenseless small town!
VidaMar
Just as the name implies, these resorts were meticulously thought out to be much more than just a beach holiday destination! The idea is based on a combination of “Life” (Vida) and “Sea” (Mar), which is paired with a complete offer of services, which range from modern Spas to high-quality restaurant options!