4. The Incredibles
“The Incredibles” tells the story of a family with super-hero abilities. Their lives become transformed when Mr. Incredible saves a man from his suicide attempt and finds himself on the losing side of a lawsuit. As a result, Superheroes are forced to stop using their powers and go into hiding in a kind of witness protection program.
Sadly, the seeming absurdity of the situation is not all that far-fetched. This film is a gem not only for its message about the value of the traditional family, but its warning about the dangers of political correctness. The movie reveals the hidden consequences that come with the demand that all things be fair.
“The Incredibles” is a parable that explores the downside to the PC movement and the dangers of communism. It shows what happens to people’s greatness when they are beat down by bureaucracy in the name of fairness. This film debunks the myth that it is possible to create a society where things are fair. It goes even deeper to reveal the harm that is done to society when people are not allowed to pursue what makes them incredible. Like our own, the Incredibles’ world is threatened by evil when good men, women and children do nothing.
The scene with Mr. Incredible and his bureaucrat boss at the insurance company is justification enough for watching this movie.
Next: A sci-fi Disney film shows the value of innovation…
I was hoping The Incredibles would be in here! Great post. I loved all your choices and want to see threeI haven't seen yet (I am David, BBC version of LWW, and Master and Commander). Thanks for writing this. It was very helpful!
BBC actually adapted the first four books as mini-series movies. not just lion Witch and the Wardrobe, but there was Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawn Treader and the Silver Chair as well. I like the new movies, but I liked the charm of the older ones as well. (Though I agree they are a bit slower, so might not be as engaging for younger viewers).
I kind of wish they had kept going for Horse and His Boy (my favorite) and Last Battle.
To be honest, I kinda disagree about the Narnia film versions, but I absolutely adore both.
Love number 4.
Number 2 though is one of my big time all time fave's!
I really appreciate the thought put in to the analysis of these movies!! Sometime as a parent you mindlessly watch the "kids " movies and this is a reminder that there are quite a few movies worth really thinking about and may in turn get your kids thinking as well. I know i will go and watch some of these movies with a renewed sense of interest now! Oh, and wasn't the BBC version of the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe the one with the beaver toothed girl?? Good version if you can get past the teeth!! Thank you for sharing!!
A quibble: the main character in Master and Commander is Jack Aubrey, not Jack O'Brian. The author of the series is Patrick O'Brian.
My brother served with a helicopter scout platoon in Vietnam. When he and his buddies saw "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang", they were very taken with it. Somehow they held onto the film and ran it over and over. He says that one fellow named his helicopter "Truly Scrumptious." When it comes around on cable, he still enjoys it.
Great picks-did not see two but will put them on my 7 year olds 'to see' list.