Think kids' movies are just meaningless fluff?
Many of them address important themes in smart, accessible ways, Simon argues.
At the time of writing, Disneys latest animated opus,Frozen, is in a very good place.
Personally, Im thrilled with the success ofFrozen.
For what I love aboutFrozenis that it touches on the issue of loneliness.
That its two lead characters are both battling that.
One understands why theyre lonely, and is miserable about it.
The other doesnt, and tries to battle through life with a smile on her face.
I likeWreck-It Ralph, and enjoyed it very much, even though I thinkFrozenis the better film.
But I think Ralph has the most important character, in the shape of Vanellope von Schweetz.
The glitch in this instance sees her flicker and become ones and zeroes temporarily.
And its not as if he doesnt have a few similar issues of his own.
It took me a second viewing ofWreck-It Ralphto see just what a heartbreaking character Vanellope is.
With or without the Mentos.
Its not just Disney family movies that address loneliness well.
I want him to not feel so isolated anymore.
Then theresThe Iron Giant.
Brad Birds film positions loneliness from two different perspectives.
In truth, who wouldnt?
For Hogarth, and this is the heartbreaking bit for me, is almost assumednotto feel lonely.
Hogarth isnt, though.
Even more than Superman.
Some are content just to entertain, and entertain well, and Ive no quarrel with that.
Just look at how Tim Burton managed to discuss loss and death in the midst of the wonderfulFrankenweenie.
Ive never understood the snobbery towards family movies, and never really will.
And thats on top of often giving a really good few hours out at the movies.
Give me that over another raft of overt Oscar-baiters.
The snobs never bothered me anyway…
