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A Little Princess (1995)
This classic children’s tale was reimagined by what might seem like the unlikeliest of minds: Alfonso Cuarón. Cuarón became well-known for his sensual Mexican flick, Y tu mamá también and his 2006 sci-fi thriller, Children of Men, but in 1995, he created one of the most beautifully filmed and excellently realized children’s films of the day with A Little Princess. The movie is the tale of a little girl in WWI England who enters a London boarding school when her father is sent off to war. She tells wild, imaginative tales to the other girls, winning their friendship and showcasing her creativity. Cuarón films these segments in vivid and saturated hues that contrast with the dark, gray world of the boarding school. Mesmerizing for kids and adults alike, it’s sure to rank among the classics for years to come.
Harvey (1950)
Jimmy Stewart stars as Elwood P. Dowd in Henry Koster’s Harvey. Elwood appears to be the pinnacle of politeness and sincerity, but something is just a little bit off; that something is Harvey. Harvey, Elwood’s closest friend, is a 6’3” white rabbit. Harvey is also invisible and not so much a rabbit, strictly speaking, as a spirit called a Pooka. While Harvey isn’t specifically a kids’ film, per se, it’s hard for any child not to identify with the notion of an invisible friend, especially one as likeable and mischievous as Harvey. It’s fitting, then, that he’s paired up with the great Jimmy Stewart, who is even more charming and truly endearing than Harvey. The typical screwball hijinks ensue, and before anyone knows it, the whole town seems to be mixed up with Harvey. Harvey is a heartwarming and hilarious comedy that also serves as a kids’ perfect introduction to black-and-white.
Elf (2003)
While Elf was released with children and the holiday season in mind, it is also one of Will Ferrell’s best performances to date. Ferrell stars as Buddy, a boy raised by elves in Santa’s workshop who goes on a quest to find his real father, Walter, played by the formidable James Caan (The Godfather, Dogville). Ferrell must be cited as one of the film’s greatest reasons for success. A role like Buddy is too easy to dumb down in a condescending and far less endearing way; Ferrell doesn’t do this. As Buddy, he manages to exude pure, loveable childishness as he fails to fit into the bland adult world around him. Like Home Alone and A Christmas Story before it, Elf is one of the lucky few holiday films that has made it into the Christmas canon and is sure to be replayed for many seasons to come.
Sound Off
Last post: Jul. 28, 2009 at 9:50 pm
Jeff Brandt (Jeff Brandt) said on Jul. 28, 2009 at 9:27 pm:
I have to admit that I was addicted to A Little Princess for awhile.