Three 2016 films that are family-appropriate (except “Sully” may bore some kids and may scare younger children during the plane crash sequences)…
Sully…Listed as one of my “Best Films of 2016,” it’s so old-fashioned it’s practically new-school. Tom Hanks continues his winning streak, and even though some of the scenes suffer from Eastwood’s trademark stodginess, the airplane crash sequences are startlingly alive. Grade: A-
Pete’s Dragon…Another enjoyably old-fashioned movie, but this time one that kids can appreciate. I’ll admit it’s been a loooong time since I’ve seen the original “Pete’s Dragon” and the few snippets I’ve seen recently haven’t aged well. So imagine my surprise when “Elliot” the lush-green dragon was one of the best CGI/animated characters of 2016–a landscape come to life that blends in perfectly with this film’s more environmentally-conscious plot. Grade: B+ [And it came very close to getting an “A-“]
The Secret Life of Pets…Compared to the other two movies, this frenetic film may give you a headache, and I grew more exhausted than entertained, but younger kids will probably like it…if it doesn’t give them ADD by the closing credits. The film’s enjoyable while you’re watching it, but it’s only after the closing credits you realize you essentially just watched a tired Looney Tunes episode stretched out to feature-length, but none of that detracts from an ace voice cast, especially Dana Carvey as a crotchety Basset Hound and Albert Brooks as a menancing falcon trying to find his gentler side. Grade: B-