How do you choose what new kids movies or DVDs to see? Gone are the days when seeing a family movie meant a choice between Snow White and Bambi. Today, there are more new kids movies choices than ever before. And many new kids movies in theaters and out on DVD are more sophisticated visually and are often complex, witty, and lyrical enough to be entertaining for grown-ups (Wall-E, Finding Nemo, the Toy Story series, and countless others come to mind).
And because kids movies can rake in big bucks, they’re a big business. Whether you and your kids love action, adventure, or comedy, you’re sure to find lots of new kids movies in theaters and family movies out on DVD on any given month.
Finding New Kids Movies: Read the Reviews
One way to sort through all the available kids movies choices is by reading reviews before hitting the movie theater or renting a DVD. A great source for helpful reviews for parents is About.com’s Kids’ Movies & TV site, by Carey Bryson. Reviews of kids movies can help you identify which movies are, say, rated PG for some violence, language and mild sensuality and which are PG-13, which may not be appropriate for many grade-school age chldren.
Another great source for reviews of new kids movies is Nell Minow, also known as Movie Mom. Minow offers the specific details parents need to make an informed decision about a new kids movie -- such as mentioning that a movie depicts characters smoking, for instance -- alongside intelligent and informative insights into a movie, served up in a conversational, lively tone. It's like getting the scoop on the latest and greatest kid flicks from a smart and cool mom friend.
Finding New Kids Movies: Check out the Previews
Another site I find myself turning to all the time for the lowdown on new kids movies in theaters and new kids movies out on DVD is Common Sense Media. When your grade-schooler pleads to be allowed to see a movie based upon the umpteenth trailer and movie poster he's seen for a new kids movie, you can check out the detailed descriptions of coming attractions. The site offers details on what parents need to know about a new kids movie (and books and music too) in order to know whether or not it's right for their kids. For example, they may say of an upcoming new kids movie, "Expect some insults and potty humor."Finding New Kids Movies: Ask Other Parents
You can also talk to other parents about which family movies are on their allowed lists and which ones they have nixed and why, or get their reviews about particular new kids movies they’ve seen.
It's a given that not everyone will agree. What one parent finds inappropriate for her grade-schooler may be perfectly acceptable to another. But talking to other parents can give you a sense of what people think about a new kids movie so that you can decide what's right for your own kids.Finding New Kids Movies: Go with Your Gut
But in the end, what parents decide is best for their children is often what their gut tells them is or isn’t right for their family. If your child is the kind of kid who tends to get very upset when he sees menacing or emotionally-wrenching scenes, then “some violence” may be something you want to preview yourself before you take your child to the theater or rent the DVD. If you don't want your child to see a movie in which any adult is shown smoking, then find out whether or not that may be featured in a new kids movie you're considering.
After gathering all the information, you can then make a decision about new kids movies on a movie-by-movie basis. The more you know about what to expect from a family movie going in, the more you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show with your kids.
