BY NICK BYGRAVE (’15)

The multi-billion dollar film industry would be nothing without a children’s films. And just as with any other genre, there are the great and terrible. It’s amazing how there can be violent and adult-themed movies such as the Godfather that can be rivaled by the not-so-violent Toy Story 3. What perhaps is most appealing about this genre is that it can appeal to legitimately anyone. Anyone who as seen the new Lego movie can attest to the fact that fathers where enjoying themselves as much as their sons. Now I’m going to try my best to ignore the obvious and try to include a few forgotten gems in the world of child-oriented cinema. In no particular order, mind you.

The Incredibles (2004)

This huge step forward in the way of fast paced, kid friendly action was as much a favorite among critics as it was your kid. Being set in the past, it was given an incredible jazzy score by Michael Giacchino, and the new for the time visual effects did their job flawlessly. It’s as much of a timeless classic as…

Mary Poppins (1964)

This classic your mom made you watch instead of Power Rangers was and is a technical marvel, blending actors and their green-screen restricted costars an extremely enjoyable adventure through the imagination of children. Starring Julie Andrews and the very funny Dick van Dyke, this insightful, musical and hilarious delight is one of Disney’s most treasured works.

The Iron Giant (1999)

Despite a failure during its original release at the box office, this critically acclaimed adventure of a kid who finds a friendly giant robot in the woods. The kid takes a sort of fatherly figure to this dumb and dangerous beast. Dealing with a lot of adult themes such as death, fate and the freedom of choice, this enchanting 90’s classic is as much for your funny bone as it is for your heart.

Who Framed Rodger Rabbit (1988)

Much like the affore mentioned Mary Poppins, Who Framed Rodger Rabbit was and is a technological marvel. Also like the Iron Giant, it deals with many adult themes such as drinking, sexual seduction and murder. It is one of the most admirable and likeable 80’s films I’ve seen to date, and can truly be enjoyed by audiences of all ages.

Monsters, Inc. (2001)

IT’s amazing how much of a following James P. Sullivan and Mike Wazowsky received when they hit the big screen in 2001. These two loveable characters and their worst nightmare Boo went on an exciting new-world adventure that was a personal favorite of every kid at at least one point in their life.

Winnie the Pooh (2011)

For fans of the adorable and incredibly English Winnie the Pooh series, it was a welcome breath of fresh air for Christopher Robin and his friends to return to the big screen. With the wonderful voice over by none other than comedy king John Cleese of Monty Python fame, and a familiar but old-fashioned animation style, this comedy classic warmed our heats.

The Emperor’s New Groove (2000)

A new millennia meant a new beginning for Disney’s overly successful previous decade, and what a great smash hit The Emperor’s New Groove was. Possibly the only likeable role of David Spade, Emperor Cuzco, Pacha (played by the talented John Goodman), Kronk and Ezma make a hilarious cast of characters.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)

One of the few cases where the sequel is better than the original, Home Alone 2 did everything right. If we’re honest there is only one factor that would make or break the movie: the booby-trap-ridden finally. When Kevin McCallister (played by the train-wreck Macaulay Culkin) goes head to head with Harry and Marv, pain induced hilarity ensues.