101 Dalmatians

The Neverending Story (1984, Warner Bros., Rated PG, Fantasy-Adventure) Bastian, a young shy boy, borrows a book called The Neverending Story and finds himself very much part of the adventure. Join him as he tries to help this Fantasy land survive the evil ‘Nothing’ while he encounters a warrior boy named, Attreyu, and becomes friends with an amazing assortment of creatures including racing snails and flying creatures. Bastian must learn how to save his new companions while being attacked by the vicious ‘Nothing’. Can he do it? Will the Neverending Story come to an end?

88. 
    The Polar Express (2004, Warner Bros., Rated G, Animated, Holiday Fantasy Adventure) Based on the award-winning holiday children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg, when a young boy (Tom Hanks) begins to doubt whether or not Santa is real, he embarks on an amazing journey to the North Pole on the mighty Polar Express train. Tom Hanks is perfect in his multitude of roles. As the conductor he helps lead the children into self-discovery; as the doubting boy, he is the one who receives the first gift of Christmas; as the hobo, his ability to traverse the train is mind-boddling A wonderful family film for the holidays. As a long-time fan of Van Allsburg's book, I was thrilled by this adaptation. From the animatronic animation which makes the characters so lifelike wild train ride that sometimes feels like a rollercoaster, it doesn't stop. The dancing waiters serving hot chocolate, the acrobatic elves, and the North Pole factory all move at breathtaking speed. Santa is all business, yet, he stops to deliver a message to the boy - to always believe. If you have a chance, see this film in IMAX in 3D! It's even more awesome! Other than the treacherous train ride, this is as wholesome as it gets. Recommended for ages 5 to 12.
    

89. 
    The Prince of Egypt (1998, Dreamworks Animation, Rated PG, Animated Musical Adventure) A historical epic from Dreamworks Animation set in ancient Egypt and loosely based on the Biblical story of the Book of Exodus. Two brothers named Moses (Val Kilmer) and Ramses (Ralph Fiennes), one born of royal blood, and one an adopted orphan with a secret past, who grow up the best of friends amdist royal splendor. They share a strong bond of free-spirited youth mixed with good-natured but deep rooted rivalry. But the truth will ultimately set them at fierce odds, as one becomes the ruler of the most powerful empire on earth, and the other the chosen leader of his enslaved people! Their final confrontation will alter the course of human history. Features a supurb voice cast including Patrick Stewart, Michelle Pfeiffer, Helen Mirren, Sandra Bullock and Danny Glover. The film also won an Academy Award for Best Original Song for "When You Believe,” performed by Witney Houston and Mariah Carey. Wonderful retelling of the Moses story with excellent animation and visual effects. It blends fact with fiction in telling the story of Moses, including his discovery in the bull-rushes, adoption by the Pharaoh and leading the Hebrews out of Egypt. Excellent voice talent, exciting action and good character development. Some violence, but relevant to the story. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

90. 
    The Princess Bride (1987 Fox, Rated PG, Fantasy Adventure) A young boy (Fred Savage) stays home sick from school and is told a truly amazing tale by his grandfather. Meet Buttercup, a maiden who longs for Carey Elwes a poor farm boy that is her one true love. He is captured by the Dread Pirate Roberts and pronounced dead, which leaves her mourning. Her beauty is noticed by the king and he is determined to wed her. Now as Princess Buttercup is of value, she is kidnapped, and re-kidnapped. Experience the zany action that features sandpits, R.O.U.S.’s, and a crazy medicine man (Billy Crystal). A jewel to watch, Rob Reiner's humorous parody on fairy tales offers an intelligent princess whose witty retorts are a welcome relief. It combines so many levels of character and storylines. With a satirical edge that appeals to adults, it works as a beautiful fantasy film that can be watched over and over with some new nugget unfolding with every viewing. Charming sets, period costumes, loveable characters, great performances and seamless editing. Employs a variety of literary devices and an expansive vocabulary. Makes it okay to love your grandparent and also be a boy who loves a good fairytale. Love Billy Crystal's performance. Recommended for ages 7-18.
    

91. 
    The Princess Diaries (2001, Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Family Romantic Comedy) Based upon a best-selling series of novels by Meg Cabot, The Princess Diaries stars Anne Hathaway as 15-year-old Mia Thermopolis, a bubbly teenager who discovers that she is the heir to the throne of the kingdom of Genovia, ruled by her grandmother, Queen Clarisse Renaldi, (Julie Andrews). Mia must make a choice between continuing the comfortable and trendy life of a San Francisco teen or stepping up to the responsibilities of the throne. While Mia makes up her mind, she's pressed into taking princess lessons from her grandmother transforming her from a social misfit into a lady fit for the throne. What these two discover about each other is that blood and family are more important than mere bloodlines and titles. Sweet and fun with a predictable storyline. But girls in particular will love the fantasy story. Great performances by Hathaway and Andrews and great direction. No sex, violence or profanity - instead, it’s charming and original with good humor. Recommended for ages 4-15.
    

92. 
    The Sandlot (1993, 20^th Century Fox, Rated PG, Adventure) Young Scotty Smalls (Tom Guiry) just moved to the neighborhood over the summer and to help him fit in, the local neighborhood baseball star, Benjamin Rodriguez, takes him under his wing and shows him how to play ball. Smalls and the rest of the team become good friends and have some great times that summer – on the field, at the pool and tree-house sleepovers to name a few. One day Smalls swipes his stepfather’s autographed Babe Ruth baseball. He’s still learning about baseball and does not realize the value of that particular ball. The ball is hit over the fence where a “Beast” of a dog lies. Now the gang must come together and face the truth about the consequences of swiping the ball. A great nostalgic movie showing the bonds of friendship and the value of honesty. Gawky young boys 40 some years ago deal with the realities of their time. We experience their feelings, their hopes and their dreams. We watch them work out their problems and develop maturity. There are some close-ups of a young girl's body parts that some may find objectionable but are rather mild. Recommended for ages 8-12.
    

93. 
    The Secret Garden (1993, Warner Bros, Rated G, Family Fantasy Live-Action)Based on the novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett about a young girl named Mary Lennox who is sent to live with her distant uncle in England after an earthquake kills her parents in her prior home in India. Her uncle is very secluded, and still mourning the death of his wife 10 years prior, so Mary is left to herself for the most part. But magic is just around the corner and she finds the key to her aunt’s garden that was locked when she died. She also finds that she has a cousin named Colin who believes he has an incurable disease, bedridden and destined to die. Mary tries to lift his spirits and their friendship slowly grows. Once Mary and another new friend, a local lad named Dickon, bring the garden back to life they decide Colin must see it, and it’s a decision that will change all their lives. Take a classic book and make a classic film. This is a film the entire family will enjoy. It’s beautifully shot, well-directed, and has great music and wonderful actors. It‘s like theatrical poetry in motion. The story of the orphaned, spoiled girl who befriends the house-bound boy and both become the better for it is charmingly told. The garden is first a refuge and then a healer, ultimately for all three, the girl, the boy and the uncle. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

94. 
    The Sound of Music (1965, Fox, Rated G, Family Musical) This film is one of the greatest screen musicals ever produced. A huge hit when it was first released, winner of five Academy Awards, it still resonates with kids today though it might not be the thing for rambunctious young boys. Based on the true story of the von Trapp family in pre-Hitler Austria, it stars Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer with a wonderful score by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Includes many outstanding tunes starting with the title song, "The Sound of Music," and continues throughout the entire film. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
    

95. 
    The Wizard of Oz (1939, Warner, Rated G, Family Musical Fantasy) is a delight to watch this timeless classic with great music and great messages about courage, love, brains, family, adventure and going home. As appealing today as when the film was first released in 1939. The Wicked Witch is still scary, Judy is still charming, and The Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion still capture our hearts. Of course, Judy Garland's singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" remains firmly imbedded in the memory of every adult viewer and will become so for children new to the film. The flying monkeys can be a bit too scary for younger kids. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
    

96. 
    Toy Story (1995, Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Animated Fantasy Adventure) Toy Story is a unique and innovative computer animated feature from Pixar Animation Studios and directed by John Lasseter. It tells the story of a little boy named Andy and more specifically what his toys do when he isn’t with them. Andy’s favorite toy is a cowboy named Woody (voiced by Tom Hanks) and the doll believes he has it made, until Andy receives a flashy new friend for his birthday – Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen). With a fancy uniform and lots of gadgets, Buzz is now Andy’s favorite, leaving Woody dejected and jealous. He sets out to get rid of Buzz but the two rivals find they’ll have to cooperate when unknowingly they are left behind at a pizza restaurant. Now they must work together to not only get home but also avoid the terror of Andy’s neighbor, the toy smashing Sid Phillips. The first feature-length animated film from Pixar firmly established as a beloved classic due to the brilliant computer animation and the clever storyline. The intrigue of the toy characters captures you from the first frame. The clever dialogue between the toys is witty and charming. Kids can readily relate to the bully, Sid who lives next door. The voice talent is outstanding. Nostalgic in many ways, from the toys themselves to the Norman Rockwell - type family. There are some frightening scenes with Sid who blows up toys and you wonder where his parents are his antics. Recommended for ages 6-12.
    

97. 
    Toy Story 2 (1999, Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Animated Family Adventure) Buzz (Tim Allen) and Woody (Tom Hanks) are back in action in this adventurous sequel. While Andy is at summer camp, Woody gets stolen by a greedy toy collector and it’s up to Buzz and friends to get him back. Woody doesn’t know how valuable he really is; but he gets a chance to meet his old gang; Jessie the Cowgirl (Joan Cusack), Stinky Pete the Prospector (Kelsy Grammer) and Bullseye the Horse. He and the gang are about to be sold to a collector in Japan, but will Buzz and his friends make it in time to save them? A story about what your toys do when you're not there - enchanting, full of adventure, great special effects, imaginative. Addresses what real friendship is. Pokes fun at stereotypes. Jessie is a strong female role model. It's good for kids to imagine what their toys might think about them. The animation is even better than its predecessor, "Toy Story" which really put Pixar on the map! Wonderful voice talent. Great song, "You've Got a Friend in Me" and great philosophy from Woody. Recommended for ages 2 -18.
    

98. 
    Wallace & Gromit in The Curse Of The Were-Rabbit (2005, Dreamworks Animation, Rated G, Animated Family Adventure) Wallace (voice of Peter Sallis) and Gromit are an enterprising human/canine duo with their humane pest-control outfit, "Anti-Pesto." With only days to go before the annual Giant Vegetable Competition, business is booming due to an infestation of rabbits. But Wallace and Gromit discover that running a "humane" pest control company has its drawbacks as their West Wallaby Street home fills to the brim with captive rabbits. Suddenly, a huge, mysterious, vegetable-ravaging "beast" begins attacking the town's sacred vegetable plots during the night, and the competition hostess, Lady Tottington, commissions Anti-Pesto to catch it. Wallace is smitten with her and eagerly takes on the task. But lying in wait is Lady Tottington's snobby suitor, Victor Quartermaine, who'd rather simply shoot the beast and secure the position of local hero-not to mention Lady Tottingon's hand in marriage. Wallace and Gromit clearly have their work laid out for them! Funny and colorful. New and old Wallace & Gromit fans alike will love this full-length film. Nick Park and Aardman Animation really deliver - great claymation that is simply mind-boggling, wonderful inventions, great cast, charming characters and countless puns and jokes that both kids and adults can enjoy. It's also loaded with action, adventure and suspense. There are some slight sexual innuendos but they certainly go over most kids' heads. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

99. 
    Whale Rider (2002, Rated PG-13, Sony/Columbia, Family Drama) Set in New Zealand, when the heir to the leadership of a small Maori town dies during birth, his twin sister who survived is shunned by the town and her family. But Pai, the twin sister, does not let this discourage her as she constantly challenges her family to trust in her heart and her wisdom. Many traditions are broken by her as she continues to rise above the whispers of her fellow people. Pai eventually finds the grace to show them how to embrace her and discover what her and their destiny is. This fabulous family film shows how sometimes that it’s not only okay to break tradition, sometimes it’s also best. Based on the novel by Witi Ihimaera, it offers a contemporary story about love, rejection and believing in yourself. We get a brief glimpse into the indigenous Maori culture in an authentic, not romanticized way. Scenes of the mother and baby dying in childbirth, references to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy and smoking and drinking make this unsuitable for youngest viewers. Recommended for ages 8-12.
    

100. 
     Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971, Paramount Pictures, Rated G, Fantasy Musical Comedy) The original remains a winner, hands down. Visually stunning, somewhat weird and completely wonderful, this film can be appreciated on so many levels. The greed theme is coupled with the idea that if you work hard and are honest you will be respected. Full of magic that appeals to the entire family, it's filled with delightful music, lots of singing and fabulous scenes of the candy factory with wild color schemes, inventions and secret rooms. Best of all is Mr. Wonka, played by Gene Wilder, whose genius makes this one of the favorite kid films of all time. Recommended for ages 5 and up.