Turning your TV Time into Quality Time
August 19, 2008 Issue #8b
Christine L. Pollock, Editor Ranny Levy, Publisher
By subscription only!
Christine L. Pollock, Editor |
Ranny Levy, Publisher Granny Ranny's Addenda |
Plugged In Parents/Educators
The KIDS FIRST! Top 100 List is Here!
Were you one of the voters? As you might remember, last spring we had film fans from all around the world vote on their favorite kid flicks. The results are in and are now released in The Top 100 list, which features a wide array of acclaimed titles including animation, musicals, comedy, drama, action/adventure and fantasy films. A summary for each title is included, as well as an MPAA rating and additional insightful commentary on why the film is notable from Ranny Levy, President and Founder of KIDS FIRST!. This final list recognizes feature films with universal appeal. The films selected for the list span more than 70 years of filmmaking and include such classics as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” and “The Sound of Music,” together with current and new releases “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” “Ratatouille” and “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.”
“The Top 100 Kid Films list is designed to give parents and educators a convenient and reliable way to offer their young viewers suggestions that are winners every time,” says Levy. “The summaries also highlight positive messages and lessons many of these films offer that go beyond simple MPAA ratings. KIDS FIRST! is committed to raising awareness of quality content for kids, and we hope to make both parents and children more critical viewers with resources like the Top 100 list. Films such as these are a wonderful way to entertain but also an effective way to teach children about other cultures and reinforce positive messages about tolerance, cooperation, friendship and overcoming adversity.”
The complete KIDS FIRST! Top 100 List is now available at www.kidsfirst.org/Top100.htm.
Entertainment Insider News
Another Generation Embraces The Berenstain Bears
Grandparents and parents, it's time to cuddle up with your child and enjoy a new DVD with our beloved bears. Based on the books by the talented and insightful authors Stan & Jan Berenstain, the "Berenstain Bears: Family and Friendship" DVD is a compilation of several short stories all teaching important life lessons in an enjoyable fashion. In “The Green-Eyed Monster” Sister learns about the green-eyed monster; in “The Prize Pumpkin” Mama Bear's reminds her family about the true meaning of Thanksgiving; in“New Neighbors” Papa Bear learns a lesson in the importance of acceptance when a new family of pandas moves in across the road. This DVD also includes: “Think of Those in Need,” “The Bad Dream” and “Big Bear, Small Bear.”
"The Berenstain Bears brand continues to be one of the most enduring and beloved franchises. We are delighted to reach a new generation of children with our latest release Berenestain Bears: Family & Friendship," says Lisa Jean, Executive Director of Marketing, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The Berenstain Bears teach important life lessons that are important for parents as well as children. The catchy theme song sung by Dolly Parton reminds us all that we are similar and can work together to make life good.
Whether dealing with prejudice or nightmares or greed, the Berenstain Bear family taps right into the heart of human nature. No-one is immune to negative character traits, but everyone can work together to make things right in these entertaining tales that have you laughing even as you recognize ways you can deal with your own life issues. These stories are great discussion starters for children who might not fully understand concepts like jealousy and sharing with others who might have less than you. KIDS FIRST! Kids Jurors were laughing and glued to the screen. “It was funny like when the mom said to listen and the dad said he didn’t hear anything and she said, ‘Exactly’ then a loud noise came.” They particularly related to the bad dream episode and talked about nightmares they had and how they dealt with them.
Blogs: Up-to-Date News from our President and VP
Granny Ranny's Addenda
Ballet Shoes, Starring Emma Watson - Limited Theatrical Engagements Beginning Aug 26
Screenvision has partnered with KOCH Vision to present the national premiere of the heartwarming family drama, "Ballet Shoes." The film, based on the classic novel by Noel Streatfeild, stars Harry Potter’s Emma Watson and features an inspiring story that will make audiences believe “dreams really do come true.”... - Read More
Orangutan Island DVD Makes Its Debut
Watch charismatic and precocious Bornean orangutans get a second chance to live in the wild on "Orangutan Island" ...- Read More
Fly Me To the Moon - Great Family Film - Watch for It!
Fly Me To the Moon, from Summit Entertainment is the first 3D animated feature film. One wonders what took so long; ...- Read More
Ann's Marketing Memes
Creature Discomforts campaigns to change the way people think about disabilities
Leonard Cheshire Disability campaigns to change the way people think about, and respond to, disability. Since the campaign launched- Read More
KIDS FIRST! Jury Blog
I Love That DVD! Kids Have Their Own Ideas About What is Great
Kids' All-Star values are different from adults. A DVD might not have many All-Star assets that we, adults think are important, and ... - Read More!
ABOUT CQCM AND KIDS FIRST!
The Coalition for Quality Children's Media is a national, nonprofit organization founded in 1991 whose mission is to teach children critical viewing skills and to increase the visibility and availability of quality children's media. ... More.
