Live Action

“Spiderman” 

My generation has seen several versions of “Spiderman” throughout our lives, but no matter who plays the hero, the movies will always be amazing. From Toby Maguire, to Andrew Garfield, all the way to Tom Holland, “Spiderman” will always be a classic hero with funny quips and an unmatched parkour ability. 

“The Sandlot”

“The Sandlot” has made itself a name within my generation with the sheer amount of times it has been played in class. Whenever a teacher is searching for a family friendly flick to show in class, somehow they always land on “The Sandlot”. This movie is funny and holds a wonderful story about friendship and acceptance. “The Sandlot” makes the perfect end of year movie to watch with friends or family.  

“Mirror Mirror”

“Mirror Mirror” is a spin on the classic tale of Snow White. I loved this movie as a kid, particularly because of the intricate costuming throughout the film. The ball gowns and princess dresses in the movie are immaculate, featuring large bows, glitter, and delicate patterns. In addition, the movie takes a more action centric route to the classic princess tale, which adds to the overall girl power of the film.

“Labyrinth”

I was absolutely terrified of “Labyrinth” when I was little. The opening scene where the goblins kidnap Toby shocked me to my core, and put me off of the movie for years. That being said, “Labyrinth” is a masterpiece. Featuring beautiful puppets created by Jim Henson, as well as intricate costumes. This movie is filled with wonderful music and an even better story, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a whimsical story to sweep them away from their daily troubles. 

“Holes”

Many elementary school kids across the country read the book “Holes”. In addition to being an award winning book, “Holes” is a classic childhood movie starring Shia LaBeouf. The movie is intense, with deadly lizards and an evil warden, as well as magic featuring the hunt for a hidden treasure. “Holes” is an incredible and nostalgic movie that will 

“The Goonies”

“The Goonies” is a classic 80s film about adventure, hidden treasure, and family. The movie follows a group of kids as they search for a lost treasure in order to save their home. “The Goonies” is heartwarming and iconic, and overall will bring a smile to viewers’ faces. It makes the perfect movie to watch with friends and family. 

“Spy Kids”

Though the visuals in “Spy Kids” may not hold up as well now as they did in 2001, “Spy Kids” still has a fun and adventurous story to tell. This movie is filled with nostalgia for the early 2000s, as well as acting as a sort of time capsule for the class of 2023’s childhood. It’s sweet, family centric, and will wow audiences with its horrible CGI. 

“Annie”

I was obsessed with “Annie” as a little kid. The story of an orphan girl who finds her own family is heartwarming and will bring tears to viewers eyes. In addition, the music of “Annie” is iconic and upbeat, often getting stuck in my head at the most random times. Overall, “Annie” is the perfect springtime movie to watch as a family. 

“Zathura”

“Zathura” is like the outerspace cousin to the classic board game move, “Jumanji”. As a little kid, one of my favorite movies was “Jumanji”, so when my cousins introduced me to “Zathura” I was wonder struck. The two movies have essentially the same premise, but “Zathura” manages to grasp younger audiences and wow them with its mentions of outer space and aliens. “Zathura” is a fanciful and fun movie that will grab viewers attention and hold it, and makes the perfect movie to add to any sleepover marathon. 

“Transformers”

There are two different things that come to mind when “Transformers” is mentioned. The first is the 2007 live action film starring Shia LaBeouf and Meghan Fox. The second is the long list of classic “Transformers” animated movies. I had a lot of experience with “Transformers” as a little kid, mostly because all of my brothers have been obsessed with it at some point in their lives. “Transformers” has always been a classic. It’s entertaining, magical in a robotic and futuristic way, and will absolutely wow anyone who’s looking for an action filled childhood movie to watch this summer. Now is the perfect time to revisit “Transformers”, especially with the release of the new live action movie in June. 

“Star Wars”

The “Star Wars” franchise is one of the biggest movie franchises in the world. With several movies and tv shows, this franchise has enough to occupy viewers for weeks. With the initial release of “A New Hope” in 1977, “Star Wars” has been a childhood classic for decades, and makes the perfect film series to revisit with parents or grandparents this summer. 

“Ferris Bueller’s day off”

“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is an all time favorite for many Illinois residents, partially due to the fact that it was filmed and takes place in Chicago. Directed by John Huges, one of the most iconic directors of the 80s, this movie is a classic comedy. It’s funny, features some incredible characters, and will occupy the whole family, including your grumpy grandpa.