10 More Great Films Kids Should Watch (But Probably Won't)

A sequel list for the more discerning parent

05scott600.1 In March 2011, following some unusual circumstances at a screening of Contagion, I wrote a list of 10 Great Films Kids Should Watch, But Probably Won€™t. For a medium that has literally thousands of films to choose from, now seems like a prudent time to go beyond the previous 10, and give some more suggestions. It is clearly indicated by your responses to the last list, that many of you WhatCulturenareans really buy into and appreciate this idea of giving children a taste of cinema€™s past. There is indeed a whole world beyond the family films of today, and I hope you enjoy some of my new suggestions. Please feel free to make some of your own submissions as well. I look forward to reading your comments.

10. The Mummy (1932)

mummy600 At once a truly magical yet terrifying entry in Unversal€™s cannon of early monster movies, The Mummy is a great way to introduce your children to €˜soft€™ horror, and an excellent opportunity to explore some of the more Stand-By-Me-elements of youth: namely death. Boris Karloff is, and will likely remain, one of the greatest character actors of film history, and is someone that should be as common in children€™s dialogue, as Justin Bieber and Robert Pattinson. After a very unsettling opening sequence, The Mummy simmers down into a more restrained yet undeniably entertaining tale of love and betrayal. You may have to deal with the kiddies having a nightmare or two for a few nights after, but im sure any parent would rather this, than little Jimmy getting his first view into horror by the plastic inferiority and graphic repugnancy of today€™s €˜gorno€™ traditions. Parental Benefits: Any child, who does not grow up with tales of Pharaohs€™ curses and Howard Carter, is missing some serious flavor to their imagination. The Mummy is a great gateway into peeking their interests in one of histories most mystical periods.
 
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Part critic-part film maker, I have been living and breathing film ever since seeing 'Superman' at the tender age of five. Never one to mince my words, I believe in the honest and emotional reaction to film, rather than being arty or self important just for cred. Despite this, you will always hear me say the same thing - "its all opinion, so watch it and make your own." Follow me @iamBradWilliams