Oscar season is here again, so you need to get caught up on the best movies from the past year! Grab the kids and enjoy these 10 family-friendly Oscar nominees before the big day (February 28, 2016) so you’ll know who to cheer for. We’ve included each film’s rating, what it’s nominated for, a brief outline, and the trailer to get you started.
Pop some popcorn, grab your favourite blanket, and put on your comfy pants; it’s time to get lost in the fun, romance, action, and adventure of each nominated movie. If you want to go all out, here are some tips on How to Throw an Oscar Party for Kids.
TO ENJOY WITH THE WHOLE FAMILY:
Inside Out
Rated: PG
Nominations: Animated Feature Film, Writing (Original Screenplay)
*UPDATE: Won Best Animated Feature Film!
The personified emotions of a young girl fight for control and balance when she is forced to move to a new home and adjust to her new life. This film is an emotional rollercoaster with beautiful scenes that will have you laughing one moment and in tears the next. This film is also a great way to open up a discussion about emotions with your kids.
The voices of the emotions are played by some well-known actors, including Amy Poehler as Joy, Mindy Kaling as Disgust, Lewis Black as Anger, Bill Hader as Fear, and Phyllis Smith as Sadness.
There isn’t much to be worried about in this film; however, there are a couple mildly scary dream sequences, some name-calling, and minor cartoon violence.
Shaun the Sheep Movie
Rated: PG
Nominations: Animated Feature Film
Originally a spin-off of the Wallace and Gromit franchise, and based on the British television series with the same name, Shaun the Sheep Movie is a full-length feature film about all the mischief Shaun finds himself in.
Shaun takes a day off and ends up in a heap of trouble in the Big City. Can he find his way home again and get the flock back safe and sound? This movie has Shaun making more mischief than ever before, and, of course, taking responsibility for his actions.
This film should be safe for the whole family, with some mild slapstick cartoon violence, physical humour, and a few slightly intense scenes that might be upsetting for really little kids.
Boy and the World
Rated: PG
Nominations: Animated Feature Film
Ages 6+
A beautifully animated film by Brazilian filmmaker Alê Abreu that weaves an intricate tale about the differences between village and city life.
A young boy named Cuca leaves his quiet rural life and heads off on an adventure in search of his father, who has gone to the big city. As Cuca journeys further from home, the animation starts to develop and increase its intensity, visualizing the differences between his home and life in a big city.
There are also some larger issues at play, including globalization, capitalism, poverty, and morals, all of which could lead to some great post-movie discussions with the kids. A few of the scenes may be frightening for young children and there are a couple slightly-violent scenes.
Cinderella
Rated: PG
Nominations: Costume Design
For the kids who love playing dress-up, the 2015 Disney live-action Cinderella was nominated for best costume design.
The story is the classic tale of the sweet young girl, Ella, who loses her father and is forced into servitude by her evil stepmother and step-sisters. Her luck begins to change when her fairy godmother sends her to the palace for a ball where she meets the handsome prince. It’s visually stunning and a charming take on the animated favourite.
There is a brief sword fight, a party with guests enjoying some drinks, and the scenes where Ella is treated poorly by her stepmother and sisters can be disturbing for some children.
When Marnie Was There
Rated: PG
Nominations: Animated Feature Film
This is another beautifully moving animated feature from Studio Ghibli. A young girl, Anna, is sent from her foster home to a quiet town on the seaside because of health issues. Due to her sad childhood, Anna is somewhat emotionally distant and has shut herself off from the rest of the world. She soon finds an abandoned mansion and becomes friends with a girl who lives there.
As Anna learns more about the girl, Marnie, and their friendship intensifies, Anna starts to suspect that they have closer ties than was expected. Throughout the film, the audience is unsure whether or not Marnie is real, or just a figment of Anna’s daydreams. This film is enchanting and beautiful, and will cast a spell on you as you enjoy the bittersweet fantasy world created by Anna.
There are brief shots of people smoking and drinking in the background at a party, and some of the scenes might be too intense for really young children. There is no sexuality or profanity and the brief violence is mild.
Sanjay’s Super Team
Rated: PG
Nominations: Short Film (Animated)
Considering that this is nominated in the Short Film category, you probably guessed that it is not feature-length. In fact, it’s only seven minutes long. It’s a great appetizer to your main movie meal, or could be used as a refresher between features.
A young boy wants to watch television loudly, but his father is meditating, so the TV is shut off. The boy becomes bored and has fantastical daydreams of Hindu gods as superheroes. It’s light and fun and easy to follow.
There is some action and fighting, but everything is mild. The villain might seem scary to really young kids.
TO WATCH WITH YOUR TEENS:
The Martian
Rated: PG-13
Nominations: Best Picture, Actor in a Leading Role, Sound Editing, Production Design, Writing (Adapted Screenplay), Visual Effects, Sound Mixing
During a mission to Mars, Astronaut Mark Watney is left behind after a windstorm forces the rest of his crew to end their mission early. Assumed dead, Mark tries to find a way to survive on the remaining supplies and let Earth know he is alive. He needs to come up with a rescue plan before he runs out of food. He is a botanist and an engineer, so he uses his wits (and witticisms) to survive.
This is action-packed and filled with one problem after the other, but Mark is funny and charming and keeps the audience rooting for him.
There is very minimal violence and gore, and no sexuality (aside from a few innuendos). The main warning for The Martian is profanity – the f- and s-words are used frequently, but never in an aggressive or offensive manner. He is alone in space, so you can probably imagine why he would curse.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Rated: PG-13
Nominations: Best Music (Original Score), Best Sound Mixing, Best Visual Effects, Best Sound Editing, Best Film Editing
You’ve probably already seen this, maybe even more than once, but it should definitely be on your list of Must-Watch-2016 films. Bonus: Star Wars is no longer a boys club, thanks to the powerful leading female character.
The Force Awakens takes place 30 years after Episode VI, and the downfall of Darth Vader. A young woman named Rey finds a BB-8 droid that holds important information on the whereabouts of the long-lost Luke Skywalker. Along with a rogue stormtrooper and our favourite scoundrel smuggler, Rey finds the force growing inside her as she is drawn deeper into the battle between the Resistance and the First Order.
Keep in mind there are some violent scenes, frightening characters and mild profanity.
Brooklyn
Rated: PG-13
Nominations: Best Picture, Actress in a Leading Role, Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
Grab the tissues and get ready to be moved. This film might not appeal to everyone, but those who watch it will love it.
The story follows Eilis Lacey, an Irish immigrant starting a life for herself in 1950s Brooklyn. After overcoming homesickness and culture shock, Eilis falls in love with a charming American man. Unfortunately, she has to go home again after a death in the family, where she meets another love interest. She is torn between the two countries, and two different groups of loved ones, forced to choose between them.
This is a romantic drama, so there are no scenes of violence or disturbing imagery. There is some kissing and sensuality, but no nudity and nothing explicit. The f-bomb is dropped a couple times by an angry character.
No matter how old your kids are, you can find an age-appropriate, Oscar nominated movie to watch together as a family. And don’t worry, every single one of these films is enjoyable for adults too, so enjoy!
READ MORE LIKE THIS:
- How To Throw an Oscars Party for Kids
- Toronto Fun With Kids February 2016
- Family Activities for Indoor Winter Days
Keep up-to-date on everything going on in Toronto and the GTA with our Event Listings, and find great family activities to keep busy by searching our After School Programs and Weekend Activities in Toronto directory.
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