Here are five movies from various platforms families may want to consider. Note: Since not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations are included.
Amazon Instant: 'Star Wars: A New Hope'
The digital version of Star Wars: A New Hope recently became available on Amazon Instant Video, along with the other five Star Wars movies. Common Sense Media says this film offers the best and mildest balance of drama and action of all the films in the series, stating, For kids of the right age, this movie is an unforgettable ride through a vast galaxy of imaginative concepts and characters. The website cautions that the film contains brief and non-graphic depictions of death and some mild language. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.
Netflix: 'Lilo & Stitch'
The Dove Foundation states that this film is one that appeals to both young girls and boys as it teaches the importance of family. Lilo and Stitch is a clever fantasy with some strong messages about the importance of love for everyone, the website states. The film is rated PG for mild sci-fi action. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 6 and older.
Amazon Prime: 'Ella Enchanted'
Parent Previews praised the films set design and script for being full of humorous intentional anachronisms, but said the real magic of the film is its strong message about taking control of your life and not blaming outside influences for your wrong decisions. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 9 and older.
Netflix: 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2'
MovieGuide.org refers to the film as a visual feast, stating, The story has many positive lessons about honesty, sticking by good friends, helping friends avoid bad people and do the right thing, and using inventions to help people rather than selfishly take advantage of them. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers age 6 and older.
In theaters: 'Paddington'
The Dove Foundation awarded Paddington its Family-Approved Seal for all ages, stating, This film is filled with laughs and the heartwarming feeling that home is not just a roof over ones head, but rather being part of a family who cares. The film is rated PG for mild action and rude humor. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'Star Wars: A New Hope'
The digital version of Star Wars: A New Hope recently became available on Amazon Instant Video, along with the other five Star Wars movies. Common Sense Media says this film offers the best and mildest balance of drama and action of all the films in the series, stating, For kids of the right age, this movie is an unforgettable ride through a vast galaxy of imaginative concepts and characters. The website cautions that the film contains brief and non-graphic depictions of death and some mild language. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.
Netflix: 'Lilo & Stitch'
The Dove Foundation states that this film is one that appeals to both young girls and boys as it teaches the importance of family. Lilo and Stitch is a clever fantasy with some strong messages about the importance of love for everyone, the website states. The film is rated PG for mild sci-fi action. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 6 and older.
Amazon Prime: 'Ella Enchanted'
Parent Previews praised the films set design and script for being full of humorous intentional anachronisms, but said the real magic of the film is its strong message about taking control of your life and not blaming outside influences for your wrong decisions. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 9 and older.
Netflix: 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2'
MovieGuide.org refers to the film as a visual feast, stating, The story has many positive lessons about honesty, sticking by good friends, helping friends avoid bad people and do the right thing, and using inventions to help people rather than selfishly take advantage of them. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers age 6 and older.
In theaters: 'Paddington'
The Dove Foundation awarded Paddington its Family-Approved Seal for all ages, stating, This film is filled with laughs and the heartwarming feeling that home is not just a roof over ones head, but rather being part of a family who cares. The film is rated PG for mild action and rude humor. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.
