Pixar’s latest effort, a sequel to the 2004 hit The Incredibles, is another Certified Fresh winner, and it’s already breaking ticket sales records. If you have kids of theater-going age, then you’re likely going to see Incredibles 2 this weekend. With that in mind, Christy Lemire tells you what you might need to keep an eye out for if you’ve got very young children, and she also offers three more movies about unusual families that you can watch at home.
If you’re looking for other movies involving unusual families that you can share with your own family, here are a few suggestions:
Rating: G
Well, they’re only unusual for a day – a particular Friday, that is – but Annabel Andrews and her mom do cram in a lot of wild adventures over just a few short hours. A young Jodie Foster — in one of the veteran actress’ great, early roles — stars as a stressed-out teenager who thinks her mom has it easy. Meanwhile, her harried mother (a game Barbara Harris) envies the simplicity she sees in Annabel’s young life. Neither of them truly understands the challenges the other faces on a daily basis – but they get a taste when they accidentally wish to switch lives for the day. This is a classic body-swap comedy as well as a vintage Disney live-action family film. Both mother and daughter find themselves caught in a lot of awkward moments and slapstick calamities. A car chase, an out-of-control washing machine, and a water skiing extravaganza are among the many wacky antics that erupt throughout the day. It’s all wholesome, harmless fun. A remake came out in 2003 starring Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, and while it was certainly enjoyable (and had more high-tech special effects), the original has an old-fashioned charm about it. Good for all ages.
Watch now on: Amazon, FandangoNOW, iTunes
Rating: PG-13
This is the feature film version of the 1960s sitcom of the same name, which follows the misadventures of the ghoulish Addams clan. But while director Barry Sonnenfeld maintains the television show’s playfully monstrous vibe, the humor here tends to be a tad more grown-up and darker. It’s about the eccentric, wealthy Addamses – including father Gomez (Raul Julia), mother Morticia (Anjelica Huston), and daughter Wednesday (Christina Ricci) – becoming the target of a scheme to steal their fortune. Madcap hilarity and macabre frights ensure. The mere look of these characters and their world is probably too much for very little kids, though. An animated remake is planned for 2019 from the directors of Sausage Party, featuring Charlize Theron, Chloe Grace Moretz, and Finn Wolfhard among the voice cast, but you can get your Addams fix before then. And now that catchy theme song is stuck in your head. You’re welcome (snap, snap). Fine for viewers around 10 and older.
Watch now on: Amazon, FandangoNOW, iTunes
