7: Fantastic Mr Fox (2009)
Starring: George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Jason Schwartzman
In Seven Words: Foxy riles farmers by stealing their chickens...
Review: A contemporary classic, with Dahl's quirky style modernized by quirk King, Wes Anderson. Stop motion animation is a risky, arduous assignment to deliver. Fortunately, Wes Anderson's filmography bounces in stylised risk, and is all the better for it. Fantastic Mr Fox; a tale made by one great storyteller, and renovated by another great storyteller.
6: The Lion King (1994)
Starring: Matthew Broderick, Jeremy Irons and James Earl Jones
In Seven Words: Hamlet made easy with lions and stuff...
Review: Reigns as the best of all of Disney's animated films. Essential viewing for all children over the age of four, and the beginners guide to Shakespeare. A masterful opening illuminates a sunlit African aesthetic, with an assembly of creatures great and small lining up to see the future King atop of Pride Rock. With wonderful characterisation of hyenas, a mandrill and of course lions, as well as a glorious soundtrack written by Elton John, Tim Rice and Hans Zimmer, The Lion King roars into classic territory.
5: E.T: The Extra Terrestrial (1982)
Starring: Henry Thomas, Drew Barrymore and Peter Coyote
In Seven Words: The odd couple where alien meets boy...
Review: My childhood nostalgia certainly didn't qualify as a 'home' for E.T., though having viewed Spielberg's sixth cinematic feature again recently, its perennial qualities shone through to my adult self. Henry Thomas gives one of the great child performances, as a curious boy who befriends a lost alien and attempts to help it return to its home. Spielberg can paint sentimentality onto any film canvass, it is his trademark stroke. Frequently, it is a master stroke, though occasional mawkish moments he applies in some of his features are the most vulnerable source for a critical drubbing. Fortunately, E.T. lifts off with plenty of heart.
4: Spirited Away (2001)
Starring: Miyo Irino, Daveigh Chase and Suzanne Pleshette
In Seven Words: The dangers of gluttony against hard work...
Review: A subconscious trip, brimming with morals, into the vivid spirit world. Gluttony is scrutinized through this lurid, 'Alice in Wonderland' type adventure. It was the first feature of Hayao Miyazaki I had seen, and I was instantly transfixed by the Japanese artistry of story telling that captivates throughout. Miyazaki is clearly inspired by Western culture; the ancient Greek world of Hades is an undoubted influence to the spirit world presented here. Though, the grandeur of the movie prevails with the mesmeric Asian style of animation. Spirited Away is a perfect film for children because they will identify with and be galvanised by the petite ten-year-old heroine, Chihiro, through her own personal journey. A must see.
3: Where is the Friends Home? (1987)
Starring: Babek Ahmed Poor and Ahmed Ahmed Poor
In Seven Words: A schoolboy friendship tested in textbook style...
Review: A straightforward synopsis is augmented through a carefully constructed narrative and the focal theme of virtue. A school boy has to return his friends notebook, else the friend faces expulsion. Iran's most outstanding cultural export, as a lesson can be learnt for all children, in the most palpable relevance of friendship I have ever witnessed. One for all the ages.
2: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Starring: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and Frank Morgan
In Seven Words: Dorothy travels to Oz via tornado trip...
Review: I know nobody who has never seen the tale of Dorothy Gale abscond to Oz. Often cited as one of the greatest films ever made (Victor Fleming contributed to two of those recognised with that particular proclamation in 1939, this and Gone with the Wind), The Wizard of Oz sings and scares its way into the mind of every child that views it. There is an even more important film that should be viewed by all children in my opinion, but The Wizard of Oz is certainly habitual in my nostalgia.
1: Mrs Doubtfire (1993)
Starring: Robin Williams, Sally Field and Mara Wilson
In Seven Words: Dad dresses in drag to see children...
Review: Mrs Doubtfire is a prevalent picture to any viewer that sees it, particularly those whose parents are divorcing/or have divorced. Although the odd curse word is dotted around the picture ('shit' being the most outstanding of swears spoken), the mute button can be pressed for a second, because I feel it imperative that Mrs Doubtfire should be a movie to be seen, adored and understood. The bitter-sweet denouement, with the parents not getting back together, though deciding to co-parent there son and daughters amicably, is one of the best endings in 90's cinema. Robin Williams will be remembered for this, even in front of Aladdin, Good Will Hunting and Mork and Mindy. The film Mrs Doubtfire entered the world when I did, and I know it will endure well after my sell by date. A very funny and touching movie.
My Next Article Will Be.... The Seven Best Billy Wilder Films
