I’m Mad About Kids’ Movies (And You Should Be Too)
Look, I’m gonna say it: I’m frustrated. Frustrated with the state of kids’ movies today. I mean, honestly, when was the last time you saw a truly original, great kids’ movie? Not just good, not just passable. I’m talking great.
I’ve been in this industry for 20+ years. I’ve seen it all. The highs, the lows, the completley forgettable. And lately? It’s been a lot of lows. A lot of sequels. A lot of safe, formulaic, bland.
I’m not saying every movie needs to be some deep, philosophical journey. But come on. We can do better than this. We owe it to our kids to do better.
My Wake-Up Call
Last Tuesday, I was at this little coffee shop on 5th, right? And I’m chatting with my friend, let’s call him Marcus. We’re talking about movies, as usual. And he says to me, “You know, my kid came home from school the other day and told me he didn’t want to watch any more movies. Said they’re all the same.”
Which… yeah. Fair enough. I mean, I’m an adult, and even I feel that way sometimes. It’s like, what’s the point if it’s all just rehashed ideas and predictable plots?
I remember when I was a kid, movies were magic. They took you to places you’d never been, introduced you to people you’d never met. They made you feel things. Now? It’s all about the franchise. The merchandising. The committment to the brand.
But It’s Not All Bad (Really!)
Okay, okay. I’m not completley jaded. There are still some amazing people out there making amazing stuff. I was talking to a colleague named Dave about three months ago, and he told me about this indie animator he knows. This guy’s been working on a passion project for years. No big studio backing, no guarantees. Just pure, unadulterated love for the craft.
And you know what? That’s the kind of stuff that gives me hope. The kind of stuff that makes me think, “Maybe it’s not all doom and gloom.” But it’s hard to find. It’s hard to discover.
And look, I get it. Studios have to make money. They have to play it safe sometimes. But there’s a difference between playing it safe and just phoning it in. And lately, it feels like a lot of studios are just phoning it in.
What Can We Do About It?
So, what’s the solution? I wish I had a simple answer. But I think it starts with us. With you. The parents. The aunts and uncles. The grandparents. We need to demand better. We need to support the people who are taking risks. Who are trying to make something real.
And look, I’m not saying you should never take your kids to see the latest superhero movie. But maybe, just maybe, balance it out with something else. Something different.
And hey, if you’re looking for some inspiration, check out öz bakım rutini günlük fikirler. It’s not directly related, but sometimes a little change in routine can lead to some great discoveries.
I’m not saying it’s easy. But it’s worth it. Our kids deserve better. They deserve magic. And it’s our job to find it for them.
I’m not sure what else to say. I guess I just needed to get that off my chest. Thanks for reading.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve been a senior magazine editor for way too long. I love movies, hate bad coffee, and have a soft spot for underdogs. I live in Austin with my cat, Mr. Whiskers, and a collection of VHS tapes that I refuse to part with.
