Browse our collection of family reviews and ratings.Showing 5 of 5 reviews.
This Netflix adaptation of Lemony Snicket’s beloved book series is a quirky, darkly comic take on the classic family mystery-adventure. The show follows the Baudelaire siblings as they’re shuffled between eccentric guardians and elaborate traps, always just a step ahead of the nefarious Count Olaf. The blend of witty narration, clever wordplay, and stylized visuals makes watching each episode feel a bit like wandering through a living storybook. What stood out to me was how the show fully embraces its offbeat tone. Neil Patrick Harris as Count Olaf is a particular highlight—he manages to be menacing, ridiculous, and weirdly charming all at once. The sets are fabulously inventive, almost like a blend of Tim Burton and Wes Anderson, with elaborate props and just the right blend of creepy and whimsical. The narration by Patrick Warburton grounds the series with a dry, melancholic wit that smartly mirrors the original book’s style. Some of the middle episodes do sag a little—it can feel formulaic with the repetition of “new guardian, new scheme.” Still, the show stays engaging thanks to its creative episode structures and committed performances from a talented child cast. The tone does hover in a unique space: it’s darker than most family fare, but not scarily so, and there's a lot of humor layered with genuine stakes. Cinematography here is a genuine highlight. The colors are often muted with sudden bursts of saturation, and every frame is composed carefully, almost like a stage play. The costumes and makeup are amusingly over-the-top, especially in the way Olaf disguises himself through each episode. The soundtrack is playful, underpinning the show’s sense of adventure and danger without being intrusive. You’d enjoy this if you like stories with a gothic, whimsical vibe and dry humor. It’s perfect for families, kids a bit older (say, 8 and up), and grownups who love a well-crafted adaptation that doesn’t talk down to its audience. If you’ve ever enjoyed Roald Dahl, or appreciate mysterious misadventures with clever visuals, give this a watch.
This is one of those true-story family films that quietly impresses rather than shouts for attention. It follows a young boy in Malawi, William Kamkwamba, who, despite facing impossible odds, helps his village by building a windmill from scrap to save their crops. The story is uplifting but never sugarcoated, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, who also directs, brings a ton of warmth and authenticity to the screen. What stood out to me is just how much love and struggle the family dynamic brings—it doesn't gloss over their hardships, but keeps hope at the center without feeling cheesy. The Malawian setting is beautifully shot, and you actually feel invested in the realities of rural life, which gives the movie a real grounding. Plus, it's both in English and Chichewa, making the experience feel that much more genuine. It is a tad slow in the middle, though—it lingers a bit on the adversity, and some younger family members might check out before it ramps up to the creative solution. But if you’re looking for an inspiring family movie that’s a little off the beaten path and has some real heart (and educational value!), this is a really solid pick.
This is a modern-day British adventure that takes the classic King Arthur legend and drops it into the life of an ordinary London schoolboy, Alex. What I loved most was how the film made the magic feel grounded and relatable, weaving ancient myth into regular schoolyard drama. There's a genuine sweetness to the friendships and a real sense of empowerment for kids who might not otherwise see themselves as heroes. The visuals really stand out—there are fun action sequences with glowing swords and shape-shifting villains, and Patrick Stewart drops in as a delightfully quirky version of Merlin. It's got that classic family adventure feel without talking down to its audience. Honestly, it captures the mixture of awkwardness and awe that comes from trying to do something big before you really know how big the responsibility is. Some bits felt a touch long, and the humor didn't always nail it, but if you like your family movies smart, earnest, and full of noble quests, this one's a gem. It's a great pick for older kids, younger teens, or anyone who found themselves imagining pulling a sword out of a stone on the school playground.
This is a dreamy, slightly magical family film set on the misty coast of Ireland, following a young girl named Fiona who discovers her family's old island home holds secrets tied to ancient selkie folklore. The landscapes are absolutely enchanting—think rugged coasts and emerald fields—and the story taps into this sense of wonder and loss as Fiona pieces together her family's history. It's gentle and a bit quieter than most modern family fare, with a lot of heart and an understated magic. What really stood out to me was the way it balances folklore with real emotional stakes. It doesn't just wave away sadness or mystery; instead, it lets Fiona's journey unfold slowly, inviting you to soak up every detail. The cast, mostly local Irish actors, give the film a lived-in feel, and the music is haunting without being overpowering. It’s not the kind of movie with non-stop action or goofy jokes—kids who like a slower pace and a bit of fantasy will find a lot to love. If there's a downside, it might feel a little too slow for kids used to today's fast-paced animated hits, and the accents and subtle storytelling might make it a better watch for older kids or adults who are willing to settle in. But if you're up for a gentle, atmospheric film that's a little off the beaten path, this is a real gem—great for a quiet family night.
This one slipped under a lot of people’s radar, but “A Monster Calls” is a family drama that weaves fantasy and reality into something really moving. It follows a young boy, Conor, who’s dealing with his mother’s illness when a yew tree monster begins visiting him at night. The story mixes gorgeous visuals, hand-drawn animation segments, and a strong core about grief and resilience—much heavier themes than you usually see in this genre, but handled in a way that older kids and teenagers can appreciate. What really stood out to me was how honestly the movie handles complicated emotions. It doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of loss, and the performances (especially Lewis MacDougall as Conor) feel genuine. Liam Neeson as the voice of the monster brings just the right amount of gravitas. The film balances magical realism with stark real-world issues, which might make it a bit intense for very young viewers, but that's also what gives it lasting impact. If I had a gripe, it’s that the pacing drags in parts, and the film can feel a bit relentlessly sad—even the fantastical elements are tinged with sorrow. Still, for families with tweens or teens looking for something deeper than the average adventure, this is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant choice. Maybe have tissues handy.