It’s award time! Between my immediate and extended family, we’ve seen more than three hundred movies and videos this year (thanks, Blockbuster, for keeping track!). We still have a few that we haven’t seen, but we voted on the ones we did watch. Some have definitely been better than others! In a spirit of fun, I would like to award the First Annual Family Friendly Film trophies (Fammys) to the following movies:
Honorable Mention: X-Men: The Last Stand (PG-13). Excellent movie! It is a little too intense and violent for the pre-teen crowd, so it gets an honorable mention instead of a Fammy. Nevertheless, for teens and their parents, this is a must-see.
Starting the Top Ten list is The Nativity Story (PG) – Though the character of Mary isn’t as deep (or well acted) as it could be, this tale of Christ’s birth makes the list at number ten due to its beautiful cinematography and characterization of Joseph. It’s rated PG for content – that says quite a bit more about the MPAA than it does the movie.
Charlotte’s Web (G) – Squeaking onto the list in the number nine spot is the adaptation of E.B. White’s much-loved classic. It’s true to the book, and Julia Roberts’ voice acting of Charlotte the spider shows why she commands such high fees.
Yo-ho-ho-ing into the number eight spot is Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest (PG-13 for violence). It doesn’t come close to the previous installment of Pirates, but it has its own charm. Depp clearly loves this role and it shows.
Invincible (PG) – How can anyone not root for the underdog in this movie? Follow your dream and don’t give up are the messages it brings. Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg) has just lost his job and his wife. Deciding to go for broke, he shows up at a Philadelphia Eagles open tryout – and makes the team. An inspiring story that earns it the number seven spot.
Deep Sea 3-D (G) – Johnny Depp and Kate Winslett narrate this IMAX film. It’s some of the best underwater photography you’ll ever see. Their narration keeps it interesting. For sheer beauty, it ranks #6 for the year.
And now for the top five movies …