The days are long, hot and sweaty. That can make August a great month for swimsuits, tank tops and … air-conditioned movie watching! So, what’s family friendly and new to streaming sites this month?
Netflix
Space Jam (PG, 1996)
An evil alien theme-park owner kidnaps Bugs Bunny and the Looney Tunes. With some help from superstar Michael Jordan, Bugs and the gang play for their freedom. OK, nobody’s saying that this silly live-action-with-animation flick is award-worthy, but it almost feels like a classic bit of ball-dribbling fun when compared to other kids’ pics on offer. So grab a courtside seat.
Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie (TV-Y7, 2022)
Based on the new Nickelodeon series, the mutant turtle brothers are saving the world from a very serious alien threat. The biggest brakes-tap here is the swirling mystical powers in the mix. But as I noted in my review, if parents feel OK with those magical bits and some cartoon violence, “There are nice lessons about working together; encouragement to help others; and moments that laud the support and love of family and friends.”
HBO Max
Belle (PG, 2014)
The illegitimate, mixed-race daughter of a British admiral plays an important role in the campaign to abolish slavery in England. Our Adam Holz said, “Belle delivers a deeply moving story about risk, change, and deeply felt familial and romantic love, along with courage, conviction, and compassion in the pursuit of dignity and justice.”
My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 (PG-13, 2016)
This sequel to the 2002 surprise hit follows up on Toula, her husband Ian and their kids and crazy relatives. And it’s a fun little visit. I said in my review, “There’s a reminder that making it through the ups and downs of marriage, supporting one another, raising good kids and building a life together, those things are still all well worth the effort. And that’s a big fat moral to the story that you don’t always get from Hollywood these days.”
Ivanhoe (1952)
For those longing for a little old-school Hollywood fare with knights, jousting and romance (not to mention stars Elizabeth Taylor and Robert Taylor), this pic could fit the bill with style. It tells the story of a gallant knight who sets out to save the kidnapped king of England while also earning some romantic affections along the way. It’s a broad but enjoyable film interpretation of Sir Walter Scott’s classic tale.
Hulu
Akeelah and the Bee (PG, 2006)
An 11-year-old girl living in south Los Angeles discovers she has a talent for spelling, which she hopes will take her to the National Spelling Bee. This is a warm, moving, inspirational winner of a film. The Plugged In review noted: “It’s too bad the filmmakers felt the need to include a bit of foul language, because the film’s central messages are so utterly positive. Akeelah succeeds, in part, because she’s urged by loving adults to try, to believe that she’s capable of doing great things. And when she does try, her friends, family and neighbors rally to help her achieve her goals. That kind of compassionate discipline and communal support could help spell success for kids in every neighborhood, and it’s encouraging to see it in action in such a likable movie.”
Despicable Me (PG, 2010)
The world’s most notorious supervillain plots a super-incredible theft, but then he meets three orphan sisters and has his heart stolen instead. This may be a film about a baddy, but it’s definitely a goody. And as I said in my review: “The reformed ‘bad guy’ finds his greatest accomplishment in uniquely voicing love for his newly adopted clan. And I found myself nodding my head and wiping away a secretive tear right along with all the other kids and parents in my row at the theater.”
Spider-Man (PG-13, 2002)
Tobey Maguire stars as our favorite neighborhood teenage superhero who gains some spidery abilities after being bitten by a radioactive arachnid. Our Bob Smithouser was bitten by this pic (in a good way) saying: “In the midst of a culture that seems to take pleasure in finding its heroes in all the wrong places, this finely-spun film debut is a refreshing alternative, putting down a solid franchise tent pole with a moral core.”
Disney+
Father of the Bride (PG, 1991)
Steve Martin and Diane Keaton play a mom and dad whose lives are turned upside down when their daughter returns from studying abroad and announces that she’s engaged. This funny and lovely film about letting go is a remade classic that’s actually better than the original.
Beauty and the Beast: Sing Along Version (G, 1991)
This animated original tells the classic tale of a young woman who helps transform a cold-hearted beast into a loving man. And this version is designed so that you and the kids can sing along with the gorgeous Howard Ashman/Alan Menken tunes.
Prime Video
Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (PG, 1982)
The United Federation of Planets is about to try out the planet-creating Genesis Device in a seemingly deserted portion of space when Khan, a former adversary of Capt. James T. Kirk, shows up and hijacks the event. Arguably the best of the Star Trek pics, The Wrath of Khan comes with some violence and disturbing imagery, along with a bit of foul language, but lots of out-of-this-world action, too.
One Response
-I grew up watching “Father of the Bride” thanks for letting me know it’s available to stream now!