Movies about children

As a parent.. movies involving children can be at times extremely hard to watch, some involve traumatic events, or real tearjerkers and some films make you simply think how you might react if presented with the same set of circumstances..

1. Wonder 2017 - Wonder is a dramatic comedy that revolves around a boy (Auggie) who was born with Treacher Collins syndrome (a rare and devastating facial deformity).  The story revolves around Auggie (previously home schooled and sheltered by his loving family) who is enrolled into fifth grade at a private school and now has to learn how to deal with social interaction.  This movie is heartbreaking but uplifting at the same time..  The cast did a superb job and as a parent the movie provides plenty of very teachable moments..

2.  The Florida Project 2017 - is a dramatic film based on the struggles of one little 6-year-old girl and her friends, who are faced with poverty and some very hard to handle parental circumstances .. The movie not only shines a light on neglect, addiction and homelessness but the film leaves you wondering at just how many children live this life daily... I think this is a film everyone should watch.. truly gut wrenching..

3.  The Book of Henry 2017 - is a drama and based on an 11 yr old boy genius who manages and emotionally supports his single mom and brother.  When Henry sees the girl next door is being abused he puts together detailed plan to save her.. In the meantime Henry becomes gravely ill.. This movie is well put together and inspiring..  The film is full of dramatic twists and turns taking the viewer on a roller coaster ride.. However it is a must see for the entire family.. and one you will not soon forget..

4. Please Stand By 2018 - is a comedy drama film based on a young high functioning autistic woman who is living in a group home.. In the film you see her as a brilliant very organized woman who has a fixation on Star Trek .. However upon learning there is a Star Trek screenwriting contest she immerses herself into writing a 450 page script to enter but when the deadline quickly approaches.. well lets just say .. that sends her into a tailspin.. I will not tell you anymore because I think Dakota Fanning who played the girl Wendy did a fantastic job.. I thought the movie was charming and ultimately a feel good movie.. Please watch it and let me know if the film brought a smile to your face as it did mine..

5. Instant Family 2018 - is a comedy film with an outstanding cast.  The movie is based on a married couple (Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne) who feel a void and decide to possibly adopt a child since there are so many children who need homes.. While visiting a fostering fair they take an interest in a young teenage girl and are informed by social workers that she has two siblings that also need a home.. This movie is full of belly laugh and feel good moments.. and will if anything in the end warm your heart..  I loved every minute of it.. from start to finish.. and so will you.. it is a definite must see film..

6.  Boy Erased 2018 - is a biographical drama with an outstanding dynamic cast.  To begin I will say this movie was extremely eye-opening.  The story follows Jared Eamons the son of Baptist parents who is forced take part in gay conversion therapy. While I will admit I had previously heard of the barbaric practice of conversion therapy used on homosexuals to supposedly change their sexual orientation.. I had only heard stories..

Boy Erased is the film adaptation of the autobiographical memoir of Garrard Conley who went through the very controversial and ineffective practice of conversion therapy..

The film Boy Erased touches on a contentious subject but one that I believe has to be discussed.  The practice of conversion therapy does more harm than good and for anyone struggling with their sexual orientation I completely understand where this could drive them to possibly do something extreme if they feel they are not being accepted by their religious upbringing or society including family.. I feel this film is a must see by everyone and possibly could be introduced into some churches as a way to open discussions on the topic.. For myself I believe in a loving God and a God that would never turn away anyone... Please watch this film and let me know if you agree

7. Beautiful Boy 2010, Beautiful Boy 2018 - Both of these films are exceptionally well written and feature two outstanding casts.. and both films tear at your soul..however they do not portray the same storylines..

Beautiful Boy 2010 - is a movie based on parents who sadly wake up one day, going about their daily activities only to learn that there has been an active shooter at their child's college.. The movie is gripping from start to finish and like any other parent I can only imagine how literally helpless one might feel.. The film is tragic and shows graphically how traumatic it was for them ..after all not only did they questions themselves.. but they have to deal with news, police, burial, family and friends.. The film does a great job at telling the story of those left behind and how they have literally no words when they know their son did an unspeakable despicable act but they also have to deal with losing their son.. A must see film..

Beautiful Boy 2018  - is a biographical drama based on the memoirs of Beautiful Boy, A Father's Journey Through His Son's Addiction..which is a book written by David Sheff (played in the movie by Steve Carell).. The movie deals with his son's methamphetamine addiction and chronicles the pain and agony that both David Sheff and his son Nic Sheff went through while battling his drug abuse. This film does an exceptional job at showing how the whole family is affected by drug addiction and how this father tried so hard to not only find help for his son but to understand what his son was going through as well..  I loved this film and challenge everyone to watch it ..after all drug addiction is rampant and has to be addressed..  Please see this movie.. 

8. A Kid Like Jake 2018 - is a drama based on a 2013 play by the same name. The film has an outstanding cast including Claire Danes, Jim Parsons, and Octavia Spencer. The story involves a young couple and their 4 year old son.  On applying for kindergarten they soon realize their son might be transgender.  This movie will inspire you (give you food for thought) but ultimately will win you over as it did me..

9. Gifted 2017 - is a drama movie based on a intellectually gifted 7 year old girl who becomes the object of a custody battle between her uncle and her grandmother..  The movie has an outstanding cast including Octavia Spencer, Chris Evans, and McKenna Grace.  After home schooling his deceased sister's daughter Frank enrolls Mary into public school.. where her teacher soon discovers that she is gifted beyond her years.. and trouble ensues when the grandmother learns of her passed on prodigy talent and strives to remove her from her uncle's custody .. this movie while hard to describe is really a heart breaking tear-jerker film.. and a definite must see movie for the whole family..