Cuddle Up Close With These Great Heartfelt Films
The Princess Bride (1987)
“Hello, my name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die.” Endlessly quotable, clever and hilarious, this movie is based on the 1973 book by William Goldman. This fantasy-comedy and fairy tale parody follows a sword-wielding farmhand named Westley who must rescue his true love, Princess Buttercup, from the evil Prince Humperdinck. Very much a parable, with The Grandpa reading and explaining the story to The Grandson, most characters are faced with questions of what it means to be a good friend, parent or partner. Westley navigates challenge after challenge of swords, fists and wits to prove his love and loyalty. Starring an iconic cast, including Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, André the Giant and many more. Rated PG for scary scenes and violence.
Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
“You ever take it off any sweet jumps?” Napoleon Dynamite’s iconic deadpan, offbeat humor and ’80s style surprised us all in 2004. The movie takes place in rural Idaho, following awkward and eccentric 16 year-old Napoleon and his close friends, family and his quiet little life. Living with his older brother Kip and grandmother Carlinda, with his less-than-kind Uncle Rico visiting, we get to see Napoleon’s home and school life and hobbies, such as riding bikes, drawing cartoons and working on his dance routine for the school talent show. While seemingly simple and ordinary, it’s very much an understated slice-of-life story, with themes of friendship and love. Starring Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino and many more. Rated PG for thematic elements and language.
A League of Their Own (1992)
“There’s no crying in baseball!” Young men have been called to war during WWII and left baseball fields empty everywhere. In an attempt to save baseball from total financial ruin, an all-female professional baseball league is started in the Midwest by businessman Walter Harvey. Scouts are sent out across the country and find two women in, of all places, the Willamette Valley. Eventually a ragtag team is formed, coached by Team Manager Jerry Dugan, a drunk and former MLB player who’s embarrassed to even be there. Unsurprisingly, the team unites in the spirit of friendship, womanhood and feminism in an era steeped in patriarchy, even winning over Dugan. Starring a huge cast, including Geena Davis, Tom Hanks, Madonna, Rosie O’Donnell and many more. Rated PG for language and wartime stress.
