19. Kids Films Could Be Legitimately Terrifying
It seems like here is a good a place as any to acknowledge that Pixar is almost always the exception to the rule when it comes to modern family-friendly filmmaking, so rather than pointing this out each time, lets all agree that Pixar is great yada-yada-yada and if they were around in the 80s they would definitely be an entry on this list. Because yes, that moment in Toy Story 3 was what the BBFC meant by mild violence and scary scenes. But name another one. Another modern kids movie that is terrifying Now this isnt to say that kids growing up should be watching The Exorcist at age 8, but it is to suggest that its great to be scared when watching movies, even for kids. Its exciting and it creates memories. Its all part of that aforementioned movie magic that you used to feel as a child and its a unique thrill that only the movies can provide. So why so bland these days? Looking back, maybe some of these moments werent so scary after all, but I bet you remember what they were. Personally Id have to go with Judge Doom (Christopher Lloyd) from Who Framed Roger Rabbit. The dip scene? REMEMBER ME EDDIE? WHEN I KILLED YOUR BROTHER?! But there were so many more, and any 80s kid has got his or her own personal experiences. Maybe it was librarian ghost from Ghostbusters? The Wheelers from Return to Oz? The puppets from Dark Crystal? The heart-ripping from Temple of Doom? Or something from Gremlins, Beetlejuice, The Lost Boys, Labyrinth, Willow or The NeverEnding Story? Or one of the many, many more?
David Howland
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David is a film critic, writer and blogger for WhatCulture and a few other sites including his own, www.yakfilm.com
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