3 Musical movies for any age list
with reviews by the Ent, the Hobbit, and the Unicorn on 4/27/2020
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3 Musical Movies for Any Age
The hills are alive with the sound of musicals! There are so many movies that span the definition of Musicals. There are dramas comedies, and even horror (although probably not on this list). Everyone can think of a soundtrack they listened to as kids; or one that children currently listen to on repeat. Let’s take a look at 3 musical movies for any age, meaning no matter the age of the kid, we’ve got a movie for them!
Mary Poppins (Ages 5 and Up)
Know Before you Watch
Rating: G
Length: 2 hr. 19 min
Release Year: 1964
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
Themes: Wisdom, Growing up, Family
Warnings: Some suspenseful moments
Stream it here: Disney Plus Rent it here: Prime Video
Quick summary:
Mary Poppins is a magical nanny who comes to the Banks Household to care for Jane and Michael Banks, teaching them very important life skills in the process. She ultimately helps a distant family come back together to live in harmony by teaching their father Mr. Banks the importance of family and not allowing your career to become all important.
Discussion Questions
- Mary Poppins is very fun and creative, would you ever want a nanny like her?
- How do Michael and Jane change throughout the course of the movie—how does Mary Poppins help them develop as characters?
- What would you do if you had a singing nanny?
Mary Poppins Review
Mary Poppins tells a fun story about an unconventional singing nanny, chimney sweep, and two children dragged along for the ride! They go through a variety of enjoyable songs that are used to teach life lessons, and sometimes just pure silliness. Even with the heavier moments, they did a fantastic job keeping it light, but still leaving you feeling like you learned something.
This movie is 56 years old and although at times you can feel the age, it still feels timeless. Julie Andrews is enchanting as Mary Poppins and Dick Van Dyke is pure entertainment as the dancing chimney sweep Bert. All of the songs and dances in the film are in the fun classic musical style, with large ensembles, and even a tap number! It is one of the best stage to screen adaptations out there.
Other suggestions for Musical movies for 6+
–Mary Poppins Returns: If your kid can’t get enough of Mary Poppins, there us always the 2018 sequel. Check out our full review for that here!
–Enchanted: This half animated, half live action Disney movie will have you and your friends and family singing every time you clean your house with woodland creatures!
Into the Woods (Ages 10 and Up)
Know Before you Watch
Movie: Into the Woods
Rating: PG
Age Suggestion: 10+
Running Time: 2 hour and 52 minutes
Release Date: 2014
Stars: 4 out of 5
Themes: Morality, perseverance, Happily ever afters, parenthood
Warnings: This movie has a few dark scenes including a scary witch, a creepy wolf (who is actually a man dressed up as wolf). Also, there are some scenes of violence, but most are shown off screen.
Stream it here: Disney Plus Rent it here: Prime Video
Quick Summary:
Fairy tales collide in this epic musical based on the work of Stephen Sondheim. What happens when Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel get thrown into one overarching story. Join the Baker and his wife as they traverse this adventure of peril, adventure, and of course singing.
Discussion Questions:
1) What is your favorite fairy tale? (i.e. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, etc).
2) “Happily Ever After” is a large idea in this film. How do you think “Happily Ever Afters” work? (Put forth the idea that relationships and love need to be worked on, not attained)
3) What was your favorite song from the film? What did you like about it?
4) Blame is thrown all around during this movie. Have you ever tried to blame somebody else for something you knew was your fault?
Into the Woods Review:
Into the Woods is a fun, modern take on the classic fairy tale stories of our childhood. They are all interwoven beautifully and tragically. The A-list cast brings absolute seamless storytelling to the full film. As always, Meryl Streep is the master of the art and brings all of the other cast together. One really unique aspect of this movie is the idea that the “Happily Ever After” isn’t the end of the story. Love, parenthood, and relationships aren’t objects that once achieved, remains forever. These goals are fought for, sometimes very hard. Although this movie is a bit on the darker side, it is actually a fun watch with lots to discuss with your family.
Other suggestions for Musical movies for 10+
–Wizard of Oz: This 1939 classic is a must for any person who hasn’t seen it. It even has flying monkeys! What’s not to love?
–Seven Brides for Seven Brothers: A musical for the family! Set in the old west, It tells the story of seven clueless brothers longing for wives, and how they all finally get married. Some classic dance numbers.
–Bye Bye Birdie: Based off of the real-life event of Elvis Presley being drafted into the Army, this fun musical about a finding who you are is sure to be a great family movie night!
Les Miserables (Ages 13 and Up)
Know Before you Watch
Movie: Les Miserables
Rating: PG-13
Age Suggestion: 13+
Running Time: 2 hours and 40 minutes
Release Date: 2012
Stars: 4.5 out of 5
Themes: Grace, Compassion, Law vs. Grace, Forgiveness, Sacrificial Love
Warnings: There are several brutal scenes in this film involving slavery, prostitution (though not explicit), drunkenness, and war
Stream it here: HBO Rent it here: Prime Video
Quick Summary:
In 1800s France, a convict, Jean Valjean, looks to redeem his life after several mistakes. While this is occurring, a woman entrusts Jean with the care of her daughter and he traverses the perils of wartime Paris while keeping his daughter safe.
Discussion Questions:
1) What is your favorite song from this musical and why?
2) What matters more. What we do or what we say? How do you see this in Valjean?
3) Grace plays such a big role in this film. Tell of a time that you have seen grace exemplified.
4) Faith plays an important role. The bishop is a pivotal character but for a lot of the story the church is absent. What does this tell us about individual faith? Does the turmoil in society have a lesson for the church today?
5) Javert is obsessed with the law and is incapable of showing grace. Have you ever met someone who was too obsessed with the rules?
Les Miserables Review:
Les Miserable is one of our favorite movies of all time. It shows a multitude of tragedies, romances, and beautiful singing. Also, everyone cast in this film fits perfectly with the characters and add depth to each performance (especially Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway). The story between Valjean and Javert is done spectacularly. You have one man who has been shown grace and the other who can see nothing but the rule of the law. The conclusion of this storyline is also handled in a very interesting way. On top of that, this movie delves into the social turmoil that surrounded this time in France and in Europe. Overall, even though there may be some topics that you may need to walk your teen through, the plethora of good lessons from this film makes it worth it.
Other suggestions for Musical movies for 14+
–Fiddler on the Roof: Classic musical about a Jewish family living in Imperial Russia. The family faces many joys and many hardships, which can be great starting points for a family discussion. One top of that, there are several familiar songs!
–Phantom of the Opera: A masked man invades an opera house with a special infatuation with one of the singers. This movie is based off of one of the most popular broadway musicals of all time
–The Greatest Showman: Another great musical starring the amazing Hugh Jackman. This amazing movie tells the (somewhat fabricated) tale of P.T. Barnum. Check out our full review here!
What to check out next:
If you enjoyed this list of suggestions, check out our suggestions on Pirate and Mystery movies for the whole family!
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