I had been waiting to see if she would bring it up, unsure about whether she was still excited about her old friends. She said that she was excited, as were all her classmates in second period physics class after their teacher showed them a trailer for the film. So, off we went to see Toy Story 4.
With themes of transition, change, and charting your own course, Toy Story 4 has some elements that are really good for teens. But overall, while it wasn’t bad, I’m afraid that Toy Story 4 didn’t quite live up to our very high expectations.
The movie didn’t completely suck us in and have us caring as deeply like we were with the first three Toy Story films. It’s okay for teens, but not in the “must see right away” category. It wasn’t quite as fast-paced and didn’t spur nearly as much conversation as some other recent movies have for my family.
It feels a bit traitorous to say that, because we really love Toy Story. But some of our favorite parts of past films have been are the interactions of the toys as a group. This film didn’t have as much of that, although they do pull together in the end for a scene – one that had us laughing the most.
There’s a big focus on Bo Peep, voiced by Annie Potts. Potts does a great job. I liked the character more than my teen did. She’s a bit hardened by life in a way that didn’t quite connect with my teen. I think adults may appreciate Bo a bit more, but my teen has felt more affinity for other Toy Story characters.
The story may hit closer to home for parents of kids who are getting ready to leave the nest. There are themes of identity that resonated with me. Woody contemplates what life might look like when a child’s focus shifts and when he’s not responsible for one. It stirs up a mixture of emotions, including fear, sadness, and possibility. That really resonated with me.
The new toy Bonnie has created at kindergarten orientation, named Forky, is pretty convinced he’s trash. Literally. Woody, however, insists that Forky see himself in a new way, with a new purpose. That also meant really protecting Bonnie even when it may not have been entirely necessary. It felt like a commentary on helicopter parenting and letting kids deal with their sadness. (I’m pretty sure Inside Out has influenced my thinking on this.)
The animation is really well done. The images of the carnival at night were especially lovely. There’s a realism that is amazing. You can almost feel the textures. While that realism is usually a plus, the ventriloquist dummies who emerged from dark corners of an antique shop and surround new character Gabby Gabby were almost a little too real. They were not my teen’s favorites, and they freaked me out a bit, too.
My teen wasn’t sorry that she saw the movie, but wasn’t wowed by it, either. It’s certainly not bad for teens. It’s not only possible but likely that other kids will connect with it in a way we did not, especially given that the movie has received many great reviews. We’d love to know what you and your family thought – please let us know in the comments!
Why Aladdin is great for teens, and 9 conversation starters to use after the movie
Special shout out to the stepdads this Father’s Day
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Why Aladdin is great for teens and tweens
While your teens may think of Aladdin as a cartoon for little kids and be wary, the live action movie is not at all “babyish.” It’s also slightly different from the animated version. While it’s not jarring, it is enough to keep the movie from feeling like an exact rehash of the animated version.
No spoilers, but safe to say that there are a few characters not in the 1992 movie, including Dalia, Jasmine’s handmaid played by the great Nasim Pedrad.
We also learn a little more of Jasmine’s backstory, she gets a powerful new song, and she’s a far more developed character than in the first movie. Naomi Scott is getting rave reviews for her performance, and they’re well-deserved.
The Genie also gets a new story line that makes him a bit more multidimensional as well. Will Smith does a great job as the Genie and while he’s not Robin Williams, he doesn’t try to be. Taking one of the themes of the movie to heart, he’s very much himself. He brings his own brand of charm, and it works.
There are some great messages that are especially important for teens and tweens, including why you should always be yourself, the value of telling the truth, and fighting for what you believe as well as what you want. It’s also a great example of how stories, and people/characters, can look a bit different when you view them from different perspectives.
The English major and journalist in me also sees this as a great lesson in editing – what gets left in or ut and how does that change the story? The structural storytelling framework of this film was something Disney had in mind for the animated film but it got changed. I thought it added a lot to this film and it was fun to talk about that with teen, in addition to the conversation starters below.
Confession time: I was looking forward to this movie, but I enjoyed it more than I anticipated. The trailers were fine, but they don’t do the movie justice. My teen loved it and was especially taken with Jasmine. I loved how bright and colorful the film was. It was fun, and that’s just what we needed.
Conversation starters to use with tweens and teens after seeing Aladdin
There’s always the fun question of what would your three wishes be? But the movie is packed full with lots of questions and topics for discussion that could lead to some great talks with your tweens and teens. They’re always happier to talk about
- How did you feel about the ways this movie was different from the animated version released in 1992? Do you think the changes are good? Do you think they reflect changes in society in the past 27 years?
- Why was Aladdin afraid to be his true self with Jasmine at first? Do you think the Genie was right when he said, “The more you gain by pretending, the less you are going to have”?
- Did you like Jasmine’s new song “Speechless”? Using your voice is important, but could you argue that the movie also shows that it’s important to listen? Would things have turned out differently had Hakim failed to listen?
- There are a few different moments in the film that make the point that material goods are not always as great as they seem. That’s not often the message in the media. Was it effective here? Did the lavish palace make that less convincing?
- “Be specific with your words,” Genie cautions Aladdin early on, and that’s good advice. Has there been a time when you (or someone you know) were not specific with your words and that had negative consequences?
- There isn’t any swearing in the movie. Did you notice? Did you miss it?
- Trust is an issue in Aladdin. How do you decide who to trust? What advice would you give the characters about trusting each other?
- “Our greatest challenge is not speaking up against our enemies but defying those whose approval we seek,” says the Genie. Do you think that’s true?
- Aladdin has a message about serving others. Jasmine talks about serving the people of her kingdom, and Aladdin has to choose whether to be selfish or selfless when it comes to his final wish. Has there ever been a time when you opted to serve someone else? Did making someone else’s life better make your life better, too?
21 things I often think to myself as the parent of a teen
Excited for Toy Story 4? The final trailer is here!
Pin for later:
So, what did you think?
Here’s the synopsis of Toy Story 4 from Disney Pixar:
Woody (voice of Tom Hanks) has always been confident about his place in the world, and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. So, when Bonnie’s beloved new craft-project-turned-toy, Forky (voice of Tony Hale), declares himself as “trash” and not a toy, Woody takes it upon himself to show Forky why he should embrace being a toy. But when Bonnie takes the whole gang on her family’s road trip excursion, Woody ends up on an unexpected detour that includes a reunion with his long-lost friend Bo Peep (voice of Annie Potts). After years of being on her own, Bo’s adventurous spirit and life on the road belie her delicate porcelain exterior. As Woody and Bo realize they’re worlds apart when it comes to life as a toy, they soon come to find that’s the least of their worries.
Sounds a bit dramatic but good news – it’s rated G. That seems to be rare these days. Hooray for a family film that works and will be a perfect summer blockbuster.
Think it’ll be the highest grossing Pixar film ever? Incredibles 2 has that title, followed by Toy Story 3. Seems like this one is quite likely to surpass them both!
To infinity and beyond!
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There is a lot of buzz surrounding the trailer for Avengers: Endgame, which picks up after the “grave course of events set in motion by Thanos that wiped out half the universe and fractured the Avengers ranks . . . the remaining Avengers to take one final stand . . .”
It’s crazy to think that 22 movies over 11 years have been building up to this. I have to say that the trailer didn’t really give me any idea of what happens in the movie but it did get me excited.
This week we also go a better idea of what the live-action Aladdin, which arrives in theaters nationwide May 24, 2019, will bring. At the conclusion of the trailer, my teen exlcaimed, “I’m so excited!” See if you agree with her:
Disney Studios says, “A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future.”
It’s directed by Guy Ritchie and as you can tell from the trailer, the music we loved in the animated version will play a big role here, too. The movie will include two new songs written by Alan Menken and Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, of Dear Evan Hansen fame.
Between these two movie and Dumbo which comes out in a few weeks, it seems like spring is the new summer when it comes to marvelous movies!
Prior Post: Letter to my teen in the wake of the college admissions scandal
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The stories about and lessons learned in the 100 Acre Wood aren’t just for kids – they are relevant to all ages. Here are some of my favorite quotes from Winnie-the-Pooh:
“You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think,” said Christopher Robin to Pooh.
“You can’t stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
Piglet: “How do you spell ‘love’?”
Pooh: “You don’t spell it…you feel it.”
“Just because an animal is large, it doesn’t mean he doesn’t want kindness; however big Tigger seems to be, remember that he wants as much kindness as Roo.”
“A day without a friend is like a pot without a single drop of honey left inside.”
“We’ll be Friends Forever, won’t we, Pooh?’ asked Piglet.
“Even longer,” Pooh answered.
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”
“The things that make me different are the things that make me.”
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”
“A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise.”
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.”
“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
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It also served as a catalyst for some interesting talks with my teen daughter. There were some surprisingly practical lessons about adulting in the film. Here are four talks to have after seeing Mary Poppins Returns with teens and tweens that cover some practical parts of adulting.
Organization matters
“A place for everything and everything in its place” is a common saying. It seems like a message Mary Poppins would approve of. Unfortunately, the Banks family didn’t take it to heart when she first was on the scene. Instead, the lack of an understandable filing system causes major problems for the family. A search for a very important document lasts through much of the movie.
Whether it’s actual papers or online, have a filing system for important documents and share it with your kids. Be a good role model. It is easier to learn good habits young rather than learn the hard way as adults. Also, they’ll need to keep track of documents and such when applying to college. An added bonus: your kids may be able to step in and be helpful if needed down the road.
Invest early
The power of compound interest may be an abstract concept, but the end of Mary Poppins Returns makes it a bit more concrete. I don’t want to give anything away, but an investment made early in one character’s life has an impact. It makes a difference in large part because the investment was left alone and grew exponentially in size.
Saying to a teen, “Let’s talk about finances and investments” isn’t likely to generate much excitement with them. Using that part of the story, however, can be a good way to introduce the topic. It’s a way to illustrate the importance of investing early. Even Dick Van Dyke approves.
Things can be repaired
We live in a fairly disposable society. Kids (and some adults) are more inclined to throw something out and buy new rather than replace it. When an objects in the movie breaks, Mary is quick to say that her cousin Topsy (played by Meryl Streep) can fix it. While not a main theme in the movie, it’s worth noting to kids.
Share a time you had something fixed or involve them in your next repair mission. Better yet, if there’s something around your home that’s broken (and not crazy important or dangerous), have them see if they can find a YouTube video and fix it themselves.
Give without expectation of repayment
Mary Poppins cares for everyone remarkably well, and she expects nothing in return. Well, manners, of course – and thank goodness, but no payment.
She simply gives of herself when needed and puts her needs aside. In a world where many people are all about themselves, but Mary Poppins serves as a reminder that giving selflessly is a true gift. She’s an example for all of us to follow.
Have you seen Mary Poppins Returns? What did you think?
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I hope you watched until the end, because my teen and I both cracked up at the scene with the cat.
And the “With her/ With a hero” part sent chills down my spine.
Wondering what the movie is all about? From Marvel Studios:
Set in the 1990s, Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN MARVEL is an all-new adventure from a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe that follows the journey of Carol Danvers as she becomes one of the universe’s most powerful heroes. While a galactic war between two alien races reaches Earth, Danvers finds herself and a small cadre of allies at the center of the maelstrom. The film stars Brie Larson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ben Mendelsohn, Djimon Hounsou, Lee Pace, Lashana Lynch, Gemma Chan, Rune Temte, Algenis Perez Soto, Mckenna Grace, with Annette Bening, with Clark Gregg, and Jude Law. Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN MARVEL is produced by Kevin Feige and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck. Louis D’Esposito, Victoria Alonso, Jonathan Schwartz, Patricia Whitcher and Stan Lee are the executive producers. The story is by Nicole Perlman and Joe Shrapnel & Anna Waterhouse, and the screenplay is by Anna Boden & Ryan Fleck and Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Jac Schaeffer.
Here’s the poster:
It’ll be in theaters on March 8, 2019. If you need me between now and then, I’ll be fangirling over Brie Larson.
Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson)
Photo: Chuck Zlotnick
©Marvel Studios 2019
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Trip the light to lead the way! Check out a new sneak peek of the movie here:
It really goes our toes tapping and we started a countdown to the release. My teen adores Lin-Manuel Miranda and is excited to see him as Mary Poppins’ friend Jack, an optimistic street lamplighter who helps bring light—and life—to the streets of London.
There are so very many stars in this film. Ben Whishaw as Michael Banks; Emily Mortimer as Jane Banks; Julie Walters as the Banks’ housekeeper Ellen; Pixie Davies, Nathanael Saleh and introducing Joel Dawson as the Banks’ children, with Colin Firth as Fidelity Fiduciary Bank’s William Weatherall Wilkins; and Meryl Streep as Mary’s eccentric cousin, Topsy.
Angela Lansbury appears as the Balloon Lady, a treasured character from the PL Travers books on which the movie is based, and Dick Van Dyke is Mr. Dawes, Jr., the retired chairman of the bank now run by Firth’s character.
We are so excited to see this movie this holiday season.
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Not only will they make you smile, they’ll have you marking dates on your calendar for when you can see these movies on the big screen. As an added bonus, these are all heavy on girl power, each in their own way, and I was particularly gratified to see that. It’s a trifecta of awesomeness.
Ralph Breaks the Internet
In theaters: November 21, 2018
Vanellope von Schweetz has a special place in our hearts, but I never imagined her interacting with Gal Gadot (or a character voiced by her). Good thing the folks at Disney have a bigger and better imagination than I do.
Mary Poppins Returns
In theaters: December 19, 2018
Please tell me you watched until the end to see all the amazing actors appearing in this movie. Side note: You know you haven’t completely blown this whole parenting gig when your teen excitedly exclaims, “Dick Van Dyke?!?!?”
Captain Marvel
In theaters: March 8, 2019
The trailer is an adrenaline rush so I can only imagine what the movie will be like. Brie Larson appears to have been born to play Carol Danvers, and I’m excited that it’s set in the 1990s, a previously unseen period in the history of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Trailer for live-action Dumbo takes on even greater meaning now
My favorite online resources for parents of teens and tweens
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Where to find turtles
Turtles hang out at the aptly named Turtle Beach on the North Shore, but you don’t have to venture that far from Aulani to have a good chance of seeing a sea turtle. Often they swim in the water near Paradise Cove, which is a short walk from the resort. (Head out of the resort, go left and walk past the Four Seasons. You’ll come to a parking lot and there’s a trail to the beach from there.) I was there at sunrise one day and saw no turtles. I went back with my family around 8:30 a.m. the next day and made the new friend in the photo above. We enjoyed snorkeling there and saw lots of different fish. There were also two different wedding parties taking photos.
Please, please respect the signs and do not touch the sea turtles. There was one group of people that kept trying to touch them until someone (okay, fine, me, I’m that beach goer) pointed out the sign, and that they could be fined.
Bring a waterproof pouch for your phone before you arrive
We bought couple different ones to use on the trip (one for each family member), and this one was our favorite. Buying in advance is cheaper than purchasing one at Aulani and gives you a chance to test it out to ensure there aren’t any leaks.
While the photos are fine, I appreciated the pouch mostly because it kept the phone protected at the pool, the beach and on the canoe ride.
Tips for reservations at Ama Ama
Dinner at Ama Ama overlooking the ocean at sunset was one of my very favorite meals at Aulani. When making reservations, first check to see what time sunset is the evening you wish to go – you can do so here. Make reservations early but if the time you want isn’t available, don’t give up. People change their plans and it’s worth checking back as a few different times, especially the day before you wish to go.
I confess that I was a wee bit disappointed when we didn’t get a table in the row closest to the ocean, but I needn’t have worried. Our view was still spectacular.
Also, be sure to tell them if you’re celebrating a special event. They were happy to make sure that my husband had a cake, with cute Mickey-shaped sprinkles.
We enjoyed dinner as a couple while my teen was off participating in a teen activity. She joined us for dessert, and the restaurant was fine with that, so we had the best of both worlds.
There is a fun scavenger hunt, and it is best do it at twilight
You pick up an iPad in the Pau Hana room. Once it’s activated, Aunty takes you on a scavenger hunt around the property and there’s some magic in store at some of the stops. You learn about the menehune and some Hawaiian traditions. There are a few different options, but I think outside and in the evening is the best. I really liked it, my family enjoyed it, too.
Some of the stops along the way involve lights. They are easier to see and thus a little more magical when not in the blazing sun.
The Luana Lounge can be a lifesaver
Traveling so far means you need to make the most of every minute at Aulani. the Luana Lounge lets your family do that. Learn more about how to use it before your room is ready and after you’ve checked out of your room here.
If going to Pearl Harbor, get your tickets 60 days in advance
A visit to Pearl Harbor can be a powerful experience. My family felt that it was well-worth the time. That said, it’s tough to just walk up and get your tickets. They are available online 60 days in advance at Recreation.gov and go quickly. You can find more info on tickets here.
The character hotline is helpful
If you want to plan your day around meeting a certain someone, you can, but you don’t have to. There’s a number to call each morning that gives you the time and location for each character meet and greet. Sometimes, though, that means jumping out of the pool to mingle with your favorites, as we were here with Stitch. It’s awesome, but you might want to get cute coverups ahead of time. Get more tips on meeting characters here.
Water shoes are good
While not a necessity, we were glad that we brought water shoes. (I had Lands End sandals designed to go in the water. Not a sponsored shoutout, I just really liked them.) We wore water shoes when checking out the turtles as mentioned above, while swimming at Waimea Falls, and even just for cruising around the pool deck.
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