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?
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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!
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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.
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The new sneak peak of Ralph Breaks the Internet gives us our first look at Shank, whom the folks at Disney Studios describe as “the tough and talented driver in an intense online racing game called Slaughter Race.”
Where does she fit in? It seems that Ralph and Vanellope first meet her after venturing into the internet in search of a replacement part for Sugar Rush, Vanellope’s game. “Shank’s approach to racing—and life in general—opens Vanellope’s eyes to the limitless possibilities of the internet and the excitement of a new world that feels like home to her,” according to Disney.
See the new sneak peek here:
Ralph Breaks the Internet opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 21, 2018.
And here’s another look at the princesses, though I’m really anxious to get an image of them in their lounge wear that I can share soon!
©2018 Disney. All Rights Reserved.
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]]>I’ve already explained that I’ve loved Winnie the Pooh since before I could talk. While I haven’t loved Ewan McGregor for as long nor in nearly the same way, love him I do. I’ve also been loving the song “One Foot in Front of the Other” by Walk the Moon since March, and I was surprised when it started playing 45 seconds into the sneak peek.
See for yourself here:
And the new images are also delightful, especially this one:
If you think that’s as cute as I do and you’ll be in Chicago, head to Kids Eat Chicago this Saturday and Sunday where you can take advantage of a cute photo op that looks awfully familiar (and adorable)! Kids Eat Chicago is held by Chicago Parent (which I’m proud to say is another of my writing homes) in partnership with Taste of Chicago. Amazing food, fun with Chicago Parent and a Winnie the Pooh photo? So many good things coming together!
And if you’re wondering more about the movie, here’s the scoop from Disney Studios:
Christopher Robin is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. The producers are Brigham Taylor and Kristin Burr, with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Keith Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga.
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and
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