Popular Children's Movies to Rent
Kids Movies Like Jumanji and Secondhand Lions Make Fun DVD Rentals
Jun 22, 2009
In the mood to rent children's films that’ll entertain the entire family and invite repeat viewings? Then try renting DVDs from this list of popular children’s movies, which range from former summer blockbusters to cult classic movies.
Secondhand Lions (2003)
When his mother sends Walter (Haley Joel Osmet) to live with his great-uncles Hub (Robert Duvall) and Garth (Michael Caine) in a house with no television or phone, Walter figures he’s got the worst family. But that’s before he learns his uncles like spending their time beating up bullies, taking potshots at salesmen, and even buying a retired circus lion Walter gets to keep as a pet.
As Walter comes to appreciate his eccentric uncles, he learns about their secret history – like the time they toured Europe one step ahead of the invading Nazis, fought with the French Foreign Legion, and even rescued a princess from a powerful sheik. But when Walter learns the secret behind his uncles’ enormous fortune, he must stop his greedy mother and her no-good boyfriend from stealing that fortune for themselves.
In a time when too many children’s films rely on flashy special effects to prop up half-baked plots, Secondhand Lions offers a smart, fun movie to rent that draws its strength from excellent performances and hilarious plot twists. Older audiences will enjoy English actor Michael Caine’s portrayal of a Texas storyteller, while Robert Duvall delivers a hilarious and poignant performance of an aging warrior trying to hang on to his old life.
The Incredibles (2004)
After superheroes are banned from society, former “super” Mr. Incredible tries reliving his glory days by battling rampaging robots on a secret island behind his family’s back. But when an arch villain captures the hero, it’s up to Mr. Incredible’s stretchable wife Elasti Girl, invisible daughter Violet, and hyper fast son Dash, to form a new super team, resolve their family issues, and save the day.
In the tradition of classic comic books like Marvel Comics’ The Fantastic Four, Pixar Studio Animation’s The Incredibles combines family dynamics and superhero action to produce great comedic results. It’s easy to relate to the characters in the first half of the movie – as they cope with dead-end jobs, boy troubles, school issues, and family problems – and then cheer for them in the second half when they get to blow off steam by bashing super villains. A great DVD to rent for fans of superheroes and comedies.
Jumanji (1995)
In 1969, twelve-year-old Alan Parrish finds a board game called Jumanji and starts a game with his friend Sarah – only to learn that every roll of the dice can bring jungle-themed dangers into their world, or transport players into the jungle. After only two rolls, Alan is sucked into the board game while Sarah is chased away by a flock of bats.
Twenty-six years later, Judy (Kirsten Dunst) and her brother Peter (Bradley Pierce) find the game and free an adult Alan (Robin Williams) – along with a lion and group of evil monkeys. To send the animals back, Alan, Judy, Peter, and an adult Sarah (Bonnie Hunt) must finish the game, while trying to survive the monsoon, animal stampede, and trigger-happy hunter each roll sends their way.
Based on the popular Jumanji book by Chris Van Allsburg, the Jumanji movie expands on Allsburg’s original picture book to create an unpredictable action-packed children's film. While the movie starts off slowly, once the kids begin playing the Jumanji game, audiences will be glued to the set to see what new jungle adventures the Jumanji game produces next. A great DVD rental for fans of offbeat fantasy movies.
Find more suggestions for great DVD rentals at Summer Movies to Rent on DVD, Parody Films to Rent for Action Adventure Fans, and Children's Movies to Rent for Sci Fi Fans.
