The challenge with listicles for this niche is titles end up skewed towards a particular category. So I thought I’d put together one specifically for friends who are looking for fresh titles that include both action an introspection.
#1 — Iron Man 3
Though the first one still holds a place in my heart as being one of the standout films during that period (cheeky action films that don’t use strong language), having Shane Black pen (along with Drew Pearce) and direct this one was quite an enjoyable experience. The highlight would be Tony exhibiting symptoms of PTSD (So it might be good to also watch Avengers? Maybe even the first Captain America?). Until then, superheroes were quite…untouchable (I would have been interested to have Christopher Nolan explore mental Illness in his Batman Trilogy — — particularly for Bruce).
#2 — Akeela and The Bee
I still am surprised why this one hasn’t gotten more attention after been out for quite a while. Hey if The Matrix were about spelling…I think this would have been the product. I know…too much of a reach. But couldn’t you imagine Morpheus? Easy right?
#3 — The Boys Are Back
This film makes me yearn for another Clive Owen film that I’d be keen to recommend (Children of Men is another — — but that’s not something I’d enthusiastically recommend for a parent/kid movie night). If you’re a mother wanting to understand fathers…this one is good to spend time with your daughter. Lots of discussion questions.
#4 — Arrival
I actually thought that this could have made it into the yellow (PG) category rather than the blue (M). But it might be Ian’s (only?) expletive and some news footage (looting?) that pushed it towards the latter. I like the central question of the film: ‘Would you still choose to love someone even if you know it ended up it heartache?’ I know it isn’t exactly the clear-cut answer you can give your daughter when you eventually get the ‘Why do you love me?’ question…but it can get you close enough to give your kid closure.
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Need more titles? Here are some references:
- Common Sense Media: 50 Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They’re 12
- Ranker: Good Movies for 12 Year Olds
- Time Out: The 50 best family movies to watch together
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What other titles do you think should be in this category?
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PS: The featured image links to title #2 wherein Akeelah’s (the protagonist) method of word recall integrates a skipping rope.
