As a mother of three children, I have the privilege of watching several children’s movies. In honor of the upcoming 2010 year, I have chosen my family’s top ten kids’ movies of the decade.
1. Up (2009) – This heartwarming movie tells the story of Carl Fredricksen, a retired balloon salesman, who seeks to fulfill his promise to his deceased wife to relocate their house to the top of a waterfall in South America. This film teaches a multitude of lessons and offers many humorous scenes as well.
2. Alvin and the Chipmunks (2008) – This hip, adorable movie introduces us to the three precious talking chipmunks, Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, and their adoptive dad, Dave. In this film, the chipmunks become “major rock stars” and learn that their calm life with Dave is really not so bad after all.
3. Mulan II (2005) – In this wonderful sequel, Mulan and Shang become engaged and must escort the Emperor’s three daughters to meet and marry their arranged husbands. In order to keep his pedestal, Mushu tries to foil the relationship between Mulan and Shang. This film provides comical scenes as well as endearing lessons of how true love always finds a way.
4. Star Wars: Clone Wars (2008) – This animated rendition of the Star Wars series tells of how Anakin Skywalker and his female apprentice Asoka must find and return Jabba the Hutt’s son in order to maintain peace. This film combines humor with all of the sci-fi action that you would expect from any piece in the Star Wars genre.
5. Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) – Based on the book by C.S. Lewis, Prince Caspian tells the story of how the Pevensies must return to Narnia in order to help Caspian claim his rightful throne. Colorful characters, lovely scenery, and action make this film an adventure to watch.
6. Thumbelina (2009) – In this precious movie, a twillerbee (similar to a fairy) named Thumbelina befriends the daughter of a couple who seek to place a factory on the land that Thumbelina calls home. This film stresses being eco-friendly and considering the living things whose homes are often destroyed in the name of progress.
7. Bionicle: The Legend Reborn (2009) – This film is ideal for those who have children that love Lego Bionicles. The animation, action, and storyline make it a perfect choice for any Bionicle fan.
8. Madagascar (2005) – This humorous movie tells the story of four animals (Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, Alex the Lion, and Melman the Giraffe) who end up on the shores of Madagascar and the adventures that they encounter. The Antarctica- seeking Penguins are absolutely hilarious as well.
9. Arthur and The Invisibles (2007) – This intriguing movie describes the tale of a young boy named Arthur who seeks to find his grandfather and rubies hidden by his grandfather in order to save his grandmother’s home from being taken away. In his search, Arthur is shrunk down and encounters a world of tiny people who are invisible to the human eye and are engaged in a battle to save the place that they call home.
10. Barbie and the Three Musketeers (2009) – This colorful, animated film has Barbie and three of her friends living in 17th century France and seeking to become musketeers. This movie is fun in that it sends the message that even young ladies can be guards of the king.
The next time that you and your family are trying to figure out a kid-friendly movie to watch, keep these ten flicks in mind. This list has a little something for everyone.
