So you’ve been watching cartoon movies with the little dudes and dudettes for the past 5 years and finally you’re beyond ready to move into movies with real people and without the pet sidekick. Welcome to the journey into the family movie genre.
The “Family” movie genre is the great dad compromise. You lower your expectations and just hope for something that is not horrible. Your kids are happy, but sometimes bored with the first 10-15 minutes as the film establishes character development and the plot. Just know you’re not going to LOVE all of these movies, but you won’t be looking at your watch to count down the minutes for the credit roll. I’ve watched a lot of these movies on Netflix and picked 5 of my favorites. Check em out, unless you wanna watch the Paw Patrol movie for the 9th time.
- YES DAY
Here’s the premise. The parents agree to a day when the three kids get to propose anything within reason and the parents have to do it. This was fun throughout. Good acting, some great jokes mixed into a story that wasn’t riddled with inconsistencies. Only bad part is that your kids will immediately ask for a Yes Day.
2. THE SLEEPOVER
The plot has been done before. Kids find out that a parent is a spy and have to save their parents. I can tell the director tried really hard to make lemonade out of this turd (boy I love mixing metaphors). The first 15 minutes are lively, funny and hip. Everything is pretty great until the actual story and action take place. Even then, it’s not horrible, but nothing like the beginning of the movie. This is mostly appropriate for younger ones if your ok with fight scenes. There was one part which younger kids may ask you about when one of the younger characters mentions he scored by getting boobs rubbed on his back. Other than that I think you’re in the clear.
3. THE MAIN EVENT
Who doesn’t like to see a bullied kid stumble upon a magical item of clothing that turns him into a badass? In this wrestling themed flick, complete with WWE cameos, young Leo tries on an old smelly wrestling mask that gives him the power to take on bullies and the battle in the ring. There’s really some funny parts in it and it can provide you with a chance to talk about bullying.
4. BENJI
This is good for the younger ones but 5-10 yr olds will like it too. Cute dog comes into a brother and sister’s lives and takes on some bad guys to save said siblings. Mom doesn’t want the dog but realizes that they need it more than it needs them. This is probably the least entertaining film on this list for dads, but the kids will love it and you won’t feel like you’ve wasted 90 minutes of your life for watching it with them.
5. THE ADAM PROJECT
Ryan Reynolds is a Hollywood treasure. No, really! So to have him act in a sci-fi action movie that your kids will love is a treat for us all. The Adam Project brings us time travel, good fighting action and a message about the importance of being present with your kids that will resonate with dads. There’s plenty of good jokes and heartwarming scenes that even Mom will like. The time travel aspect may confuse your kids but mine seemed to understand what was going on after a few pauses to explain. Warning, there is one scene with some heavy petting in the cabin by the lake. Be prepared to distract your kids or get ready with a line like “boy those two really like to smootchy-kiss.” Probably not the best for younger kids but I’d say 7-10 range will enjoy it and actually you can watch it without the kids and like it just as much.
If you’re reading this article then you probably already spend good quality time with the kids in front of the boob-tube (I’m bringing that phrase back ya’ll). I hope these suggestions will make that time even more valuable for you and create great memories with them. Peace.