The Classics of My Childhood
We all have them. Most of the films I grew up on have a certain quality about them that can't be replicated. Sure, most of them aren't all that great, and some of them are just plain bad. No matter, here are the classics of my childhood—and I'm proud to remember them (in alphabetical order):
Aladdin (1992)
Why: I want to open by saying that almost every Disney "Classic"/"Masterpiece" could find a place on this list. Aladdin, in particular, was the first film I ever saw in theaters (although I don't remember it).
Home Alone 2: Lost In New York (1992)
Why: Take everything enjoyable about Home Alone, replicate it, add Tim Curry and Rob Schneider, add an awesome hotel, and you have a children's Christmas classic.
Heavyweights (1995)
Why: "They don't make 'em like they used to" applies here. Disney would never make a film this socially incorrect nowadays. Nor would they make a film this funny.
The Iron Giant (1999)
Why: This is a rather unknown gem. If you've seen and enjoyed Ratatouille or The Incredibles you'll enjoy this one—it's the same talented director, Brad Bird.
Man of the House (1995)
Why: Everyone loves to watch Chevy Chase get owned. Funny Farm, the Vacation series, and Man of the House all prove this. This movie has some of the best one-liners ever conceived. I used to watch this at my grandma's house all of the time.
Marry Poppins (1964)
Why: Dick Van Dyke's accent is so horrendously funny. The scene with the penguins was one of my favorites as a kid, as was the rooftop scene (pictured here).
James and the Giant Peach (1996)
Why: I used to watch this movie every day after school. I'd pour orange soda into glass mugs to replicate the scene where they make food and drink out of the peach. Tim Burton produced it, so you know it's good.
Once Upon A Forest (1993)
Why: This movie is by far the darkest, creepiest cartoon I can remember. I'd watch it in terror, not understanding its moral message. But I'd watch it just the same.
The Rescuers (1977)
Why: Medusa (pictured on the right). The most overlooked Disney villain of all time. Her conversations with "Snoops" (her assistant, right hand man) are some of the funniest exchanges in Disney history. The film is underrated too.
Richie Rich (1994)
Why: 1. Macaulay Culkin in a semi-post puberty stage.
2. "This is the best day of my life!" (as shouted by one young man after he gets off of a waverunner).
3. Herbert Arthur Runcible Cadbury.
The Sword in the Stone (1963)
Why: This is a mediocre film, but man did I watch this thing over and over. Some of the supporting characters are hilarious, and I always thoroughly enjoyed the wizard's duel at the end.
Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
Why: A mixture of cartoons and live-action—what's not to love? Also, the story is actually pretty good. The ending is surreal.
Willy the Sparrow (1989)
Why: I have no idea how I came across this film (maybe my Grandma?), but I was surprised to find it on IMDB with a 7.7 rating. It's actually a foreign film with English dubbing. Check it out if you're in the mood for a hard-to-find foreign cartoon with English dubbing on VHS.