"Childhood was very nice. The only thing wrong was that I was so introverted, everything became a big deal...'Oh, no, here comes the bus. Where am I gonna sit on the bus?"
-Steven Wright
The Lego Movie was a nostalgic blast back to the past. It reminds me of the great '90s kid movies I grew up on and watch on Netflix after a depressing day doing adult stuff...I can't be the only one. The '90s were a great time to be a kid; great cartoons like Doug, Rugrats, and Batman were on the air. Boy Meets World taught valuable life lessons every week. Jerry Springer was at the height of his power. Man, its hard to believe I'm a quarter of a century old (though I shouldn't feel too bad, 25 is now considered "late adolescence"). Since in a few months I'll be ripped from my youth forever, its a good time to look back and pay homage. Here's a tribute to the kids who grew up in the '90s, the movies we loved and the parents who didn't lose their minds taking us to them.
5. Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie
The Power Ranger Movie saw our favorite teenage, helmeted vigilantes take on Ivan Ooze. Though it may not seem like it, this movie spoke a lot of truth. Ooze forces parents to work for him day and night while the children are left to their own devices (Power Rangers babysat many children). The Power Rangers lose their powers and have to get them back (we've all been there). Heck, Zordon almost died! I believe we're all better people because of the lessons taught by The Power Rangers.
4. Space Jam
I can guarantee no movie has a better soundtrack than Space Jam. Next time you have that 2:30 feeling, listen to the theme song (Its not like you're not looking at your phone at 2:30, you wouldn't be reading this if you weren't). If that's not inspiring; try I Believe I Can Fly or Fly Like An Eagle. Fortunately, there's no truth to the rumor about LeBron James starring in Space Jam 2. I don't think LeBron could get away with endorsing PED use like Mike (he can truly sale anything). It's best to leave this classic.
3. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (yes, this is the official title)
Go ninja, go ninja, go! Vanilla Ice has never spoke truer words. This movie has better choreography than most music videos today (and better editing than most action films today). I must admit there's something admirable about grown men performing fight scenes in a full body turtle suits. This movie gets extra credit for having the best arcade game of all time.
2. Toy Story
Toy Story was a watershed moment for animation. It was the first feature length, computer animated film. Toy Story is also the only movie on this list parents can appreciate more than their children. Kids marveled at the idea of toys coming to life while they're not around. Parents saw the parallel between Woody's jealousy of Buzz and sibling rivalries. It's every child's nightmare to lose a beloved toy; it's every parents nightmare to know (or have) a child like Sid.
1. The Lion King
The perfect fusion of music, animation, casting and story. The Lion King, like Toy Story (both were Disney films) is a work of art. Simba's youthful proclamation of wanting to be king was like many children's desire and impatience to become a grown up. Simba's journey from spoiled beginnings, to the tragedy that almost destroyed him and finally, his ascension to kingship becomes more poignant with age. It's something everyone can see in their own lives (kingship included). Plus, everyone feels awesome after hearing Hakuna Matata.
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