A new year is a time of resolutions and goal setting. Setting goals and achieving dreams are themes found in countless movies, many of which are based on true stories. Here are five family-friendly films for families to consider:
Amazon Instant: 'Soul Surfer'
This is the inspiring, true story of Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm in a shark attack when she was only 13 years old. "Soul Surfer" explores Hamiltons struggle as she searches for purpose in her life and learns how to surf again. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its Dove Family-Approved seal for all ages and also the 2011 Crystal Dove Seal Award Winner for Best Drama, calling it one of few truly uplifting family films released by a major Hollywood studio in recent memory. Common Sense Media notes that the main character is an extremely positive role model, responding to tragedy with grace and kindness instead of bitterness. The film is rated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'Rudy'
A young man fights to overcome his circumstances in order to achieve his dream of playing football for Notre Dame. Common Sense Media calls the film an inspiring sports film about a real-life underdog, adding that the film extols the virtues of perseverance and hard work but warns parents of language and scenes of bitter disappointment and brutality. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
iTunes: 'Tangled'
Rapunzel leaves her tower for the first time with the help of a bandit on the run and embarks on a journey to discover the world around her. Parent Previews states that the familiar story shows staying power thanks in part to a plucky princess as the protagonist who faces up to her fears of the unknown and follows her dreams. It is rated PG for mild violence. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 4 and older.
Netflix: 'Mulan'
A young woman secretly enlists in the Chinese army and works to become an effective soldier. MovieGuide.org refers to "Mulan" as a visually striking, funny, exciting and very moving film, stating that it clearly has a strong moral worldview that upholds the importance of family, courage, self-sacrifice, responsibility, honor, freedom and country. The film is rated G. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 4 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'Hoosiers'
Based on a true story, a small-town Indiana high school basketball team rises from underdog status to play for the state championship. Common Sense Media says its a stirring tale of heroic sportsmanship will inspire families but also notes the emotional intensity as the film deals with alcoholism and redemption. The film is rated PG for language, some violence and thematic elements. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 10 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'Soul Surfer'
This is the inspiring, true story of Bethany Hamilton who lost her arm in a shark attack when she was only 13 years old. "Soul Surfer" explores Hamiltons struggle as she searches for purpose in her life and learns how to surf again. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its Dove Family-Approved seal for all ages and also the 2011 Crystal Dove Seal Award Winner for Best Drama, calling it one of few truly uplifting family films released by a major Hollywood studio in recent memory. Common Sense Media notes that the main character is an extremely positive role model, responding to tragedy with grace and kindness instead of bitterness. The film is rated PG for an intense accident sequence and some thematic material. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'Rudy'
A young man fights to overcome his circumstances in order to achieve his dream of playing football for Notre Dame. Common Sense Media calls the film an inspiring sports film about a real-life underdog, adding that the film extols the virtues of perseverance and hard work but warns parents of language and scenes of bitter disappointment and brutality. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
iTunes: 'Tangled'
Rapunzel leaves her tower for the first time with the help of a bandit on the run and embarks on a journey to discover the world around her. Parent Previews states that the familiar story shows staying power thanks in part to a plucky princess as the protagonist who faces up to her fears of the unknown and follows her dreams. It is rated PG for mild violence. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 4 and older.
Netflix: 'Mulan'
A young woman secretly enlists in the Chinese army and works to become an effective soldier. MovieGuide.org refers to "Mulan" as a visually striking, funny, exciting and very moving film, stating that it clearly has a strong moral worldview that upholds the importance of family, courage, self-sacrifice, responsibility, honor, freedom and country. The film is rated G. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 4 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'Hoosiers'
Based on a true story, a small-town Indiana high school basketball team rises from underdog status to play for the state championship. Common Sense Media says its a stirring tale of heroic sportsmanship will inspire families but also notes the emotional intensity as the film deals with alcoholism and redemption. The film is rated PG for language, some violence and thematic elements. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 10 and older.
