Movies That Remind Us Not to Grow Out of Wonder
This growing older thing is pretty much required. It’s going through the motions, letting life suck the spark out of each day that is optional. Sometimes we need a gentle reminder that our inner child, with all its unfiltered imagination and curiosity, is still part of our core being. That reminder recently came to me while watching a movie with my niece. I’ve never been one to shy away from animated movies and films targeted toward kids. It’s not until I start talking about them with other adults that I realize how many people are missing out on some great stories.
These are five movies that are perfect reminders to never out grow your wonder:
Hook
Somewhere along the way, adults start treating fun like it needs to be earned. Robin Williams plays Peter Banning, a workaholic corporate lawyer who has completely forgotten his past as Peter Pan. When the vengeful Captain Hook kidnaps his children, Peter must return to Neverland. To rescue them, he must regain his memories, relearn how to fly, and rediscover the joyful power of his imagination This really takes off when the Lost Boys challenge him to envision an imaginary feast. Like many of Robin Williams films, this one reminds us that no matter how busy life gets, joy and play deserve a permanent place in our adult lives.
If
Directed by John Krasinski, this heartwarming film centers on a young girl named B She discovers she has the unique superpower to see forgotten imaginary friends, or “ifs”. She teams up with Calvin, who runs an agency dedicated to matchmaking these lonely creatures. These Ifs are symbols of their original children’s creativity and comfort. Because the children grew up, the Ifs are at risk of fading away completely if they aren’t remembered. The part that tends to pull at the heartstrings is the realization that those things aren’t lost. They are just waiting patiently for us to make space for them again.
Jumanji
This 90s favorite centers on a supernatural board game that brings unpredictable jungle chaos directly into the real world. After being trapped inside the game’s jungle for decades as a boy, Alan Parrish, another great character played by Robin Williams, is finally freed as an adult by two new players. To stop the stampeding animals, monsoons, and giant spiders, they must rally together, roll the dice, and finish the dangerous game. It’s always amazing how embracing curiosity, teamwork, and courage have a way of helping helps us face life’s wild unpredictability without fear.
Inside Out
This Pixar film takes us directly inside the mind of an eleven-year-old girl named Riley. We get to meet her core emotions; Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust, and Anger. They operate a control center to help her navigate a difficult cross-country move. When Joy and Sadness get lost deep within Riley’s long-term memory, they must journey back to headquarters, encountering bittersweet childhood remnants like her fading imaginary friend, Bing Bong, along the way. It’s funny how an animated film can so perfectly show that maturing doesn’t mean ignoring our emotions. It means learning how to control them, when to use them, and how to carry them with us.
Matilda
Based on the beloved children’s novel, Matilda Wormwood is a brilliant, book-loving young girl. Sadly, she is horribly mocked and neglected by her cruel parents. She starts going to a school run by the headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, who is also not one that is interested in pleasantries. Or even children as it seems. Matilda finds herself yet again in an environment that punishes curiosity, finding refuge in books and stories. Along the way she discovers she possesses telekinetic powers, eventually using her intelligence and bravery to outsmart the adults and protect her friends. As they say in one of my favorite songs from the Broadway adaptation, sometimes you have to be a bit naughty.
The older we get, the more important these reminders of our inner child become. Wonder fuels creativity, creativity fuels connection, and connection helps us rediscover the sparks that make life truly meaningful.
What are your favorite movies or books that spark your sense of wonder?
Need a spark of encouragement or have a friend trying to reclaim their curiosity?
