Movies like The Great Debaters can be a window into the lives of others, giving us a sense of how other people move through life. To that end, the Flicks for Kids Editor has chosen the following DVD titles for you to share with your family during Black History Month, and year-round.
These movies are educational as well as entertaining and dramatic and might stimulate important family discussions with your kids about race, prejudice, acceptance, and the triumph of the human spirit.
AKEELAH AND THE BEE Most appropriate for ages 10 and up
What It's About: Against most people's expectations, an 11-year-old girl from south Los Angeles makes her way to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.
Why It's Important: With a stellar cast including Laurence Fishburne and Angela Bassett, this inspiring family film has many important messages to impart. As spunky Akeelah warily learns that she should be proud of her talent rather than hiding it for fear of appearing "nerdy," young viewers will also realize that they have the ability to control their destiny but must make the choice to do so. Kids may finally understand why they're always being told to "use their words," and will be surprised to discover that words have the power to literally change the world.
What It's About: After being replaced by her prettier, less talented back-up (Beyoncé), lead singer Effie (Jennifer Hudson) leaves the Dreamettes to pursue a solo career.
Why It's Important: Loosely based on the '60's music scene, this big-screen adaptation of the hit Broadway play brings kids back to a time when African-American performers were encouraged to tone down their style to appeal to a mass--a.k.a. white--audience. As the civil rights movement enters the picture, the movie offers a valuable history lesson and a glimpse into the roots of today's chart-toppers. The fact that Jennifer Hudson, who was kicked off American Idol, won an Academy Award for this performance, makes the whole story even more empowering for aspiring young stars.
What It's About: Former college swimmer Jim Ellis (Terrence Howard) saves a dilapidated rec center--and a group of kids in the 'hood--by creating and coaching the community's first competitive swim team.
Why It's Important: This true story has much to teach young viewers about pride, determination, and resilience. Tweens, who are faced with life-changing decisions every day, will learn a lot from these kids, who start out floundering like fish out of water but make a conscious decision to extend themselves so far that they're finally able to reach their elusive goals.
REMEMBER THE TITANS Most appropriate for ages 10 and up
What It's About: As the civil rights movement heats up in Virginia during the summer of 1971, popular football coach Bill Yoast (Will Patton) is demoted and replaced by Herman Boone (Denzel Washington), who incites an already tense situation by integrating this champion high school team.
Why It's Important: Based on a true story, this uplifting film is not simply a sports movie but an inspiration. More than 35 years after Boone taught his players life lessons that reached far beyond the football field, audiences can still benefit from those same timeless messages. Watching the athletes overcome their prejudices to get to know each other as people and actually become friends is compelling, thought-provoking and--hopefully--behavior that will be imitated.
What It's About: The Looney Tunes characters are abducted by aliens and taken to another planet, where they play a high-stakes game of basketball for their freedom against the Monstars--who have cheated by stealing the talents of NBA stars Patrick Ewing and Charles Barkley, among others.
Why It's Important: Basketball legend Michael Jordan makes his acting debut as himself in this visual treat that mixes live action and animation. When he comes to the rescue of Bugs, Daffy, and the gang, he proves that sports are a legitimate and acceptable way of making a difference. As the stamp of approval for young athletes who may have no other way to go to college or get out of a difficult situation, the movie is a slam dunk.
