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Over the past 10 plus years I’ve built up my success library. Like everyone else, I started with one book, and today, my collection consists of 814 books and over 1000 digital ones. When we built our house, my one request was that we built our TV stand into my bookshelf. Every time we sit down to watch something on TV, I always admire them.
While I do love a good book, there’s nothing like a good movie. So today, I thought I’d take a break from my productivity tips and share with you ten movies I think every father should watch with their son.
I suppose I should mention I’m not big into those movie ratings things. Each child is different. I remember being terrified of horror movies in elementary school though many of my friends in fourth grade were watching The Thing. The point is you need to decide for yourself what you think is good for your child. I had cool parents. I remember watching Die Hard with my parents at the age of 14 and we loved every minute of it.
So here goes:
1. THE SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION
I never expected my 10-year-old son to say that this is his favorite movie. I didn’t intend to show it to him until he was in junior high, but when he asked me what was the best movie I ever saw was, I said “The Shawshank Redemption.” Finally, he bugged me enough to let him watch it (with my wife’s permission). He loved it. He proceeded to watch it four times that week. It’s excellent.
2. REMEMBER THE TITANS
This one really surprised me. I never expected a Disney non-animated movie to be so dang good. It’s based on a true story about a high school football team in the 60s. There’s so much to like in this movie. It’s powerful. It’s moving. It’s sad. It’s joyous. Easily my favorite Denzel Washington movie.
3. GLADIATOR
Such a great movie. The action scenes are so real. At times it is brutal, but the story is excellent and the cinematography is amazing. Despite being two hours and 51 minutes long, my son was as enthralled as I was.
4. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
The only animated movie to make my list. I just love this movie. One about friendship and action. I only wish I had gotten to see this in the movie theater with my son. It’s that good.
5. BREWSTER’S MILLIONS
The oldest movie to make the list, but it’s a unique story. I remember watching it when I was ten and I absolutely loved it. Turns out my son loved it as much as me. It’s aged well. It’s funny and it’s different. It’s a good one. Surprised Hollywood hasn’t made a remake of this classic.
6. AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR
I liked Avengers: End Game, but for me, its predecessor Avengers: Infinity War is the creme de a creme.
7. AVATAR
I can sum this movie up in one word – 3D. James Cameron redefined the movie experience with this movie. My son never got to watch this in the theaters, so I can’t wait till next year to take him to see Avatar 2.
8. TERMINATOR 2
Another James Cameron movie and easily the best of the five movies in the series despite coming out back in 1992. The story centers around John Connor as a 10-year-old boy, so my son being eight at the time could relate. I remember thinking the effects were amazing when I was 18, but my son was equally amazed. It’s an action movie through and though, but at times it can be quite touching and there are a few funny parts which really lighten the movie.
9. COOL RUNNINGS
Another Disney movie to make the list, and also based on a true story. It’s funny. It’s touching. Just a great family film. ‘Nuff said.
10. THE MATRIX
Choosing one last movie proved tough. I could have easily gone with the excellent animated movies The Incredibles, Toy Story 3 or Despicable Me, the hilarious Groundhog Day, the action-packed Die Hard or thrilling Aliens, but the combination of CG, good story and cool action scenes made The Matrix an unforgettable experience for my son.
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