10.Mr Burton
Wild schoolboy and son of an alcoholic miner, Rich Jenkins is mentored by teacher Philip Burton to transform into Richard Burton – Wales’s greatest star. Might not offer you anything new or fresh. Despite that the casting is spot on, we see Rich as a schoolboy eventually growing up to be an adult, the chemistry between the two main star is superb. This is a slow burner type of film that will draw you in, overall, this is a pretty good film.
9.The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button
Born under unusual circumstances, Benjamin Button springs into being as an elderly man in a New Orleans nursing home and ages in reverse. Pacing problems and it does falters in the midsection. if you get past that it has got a clever twist in the growing up aspect, it has got an all star cast and they all convince in their roles, the story and the idea behind this film is superb, if you wanted something different this is ideal for you.
8.Storm Boy
Retired businessman Michael Kingley reminiscences his childhood days spent on an isolated coastline and tells his grandchild about the special bond he shared with a rescued pelican. Not quite gel or flow together as much. It can feels slightly safe but despite that this is cute and heartwarming, the story is simple as this is easy to watch, it does explore the growing up element and that is important. It will draw you in from start to finish, this is pretty good.
7.Wicked
Elphaba, a young woman ridiculed for her green skin, and Galinda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. Overall this film has got a pacing problem. It still an enjoyable film with catchy tunes, it explores Elphaba childhood and we see her at a young age, it is eye catching from start to finish and the scenery is outstanding. The CGI/SFX look amazing as it does holds your interest, if you into fantasy musicals film this is ideal for you.
6.The Fabelmans
Growing up in post – World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence. Quietly this film is nearly perfect but it does have a bit of a pacing problems. This will move you as this is silently powerful, this film shows you the growing up aspect, the casting is amazing and totally believable, it will surprise people.
5.Cinderella (2015)
Ella resides with her abusive stepmother and her daughters who continuously make her suffer at home. Her life changes when she meets a handsome man of nobility who gives her a chance to become free. Remarkable CGI/SFX that made this film eye catching. You get to see Ella childhood from the start, the story and the acting is totally believable, this is inoffensive and heartwarming film which you needed, it might not be for everyone but it still watchable.
4.Only Yesterday
A twenty-seven-year-old office worker travels to the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tokyo. Through the flashback we get to see the main lead childhood as a child. The animation itself is gorgeous to look at, this is perfectly heartfelt as you will care about with these characters, this is one of the best Studio Ghibli film, it is beautiful and a powerful film.
3.Belle (2013)
After his wife’s death, Captain John Lindsay hands over the custody of his illegitimate daughter to his uncle. However, the young girl faces discrimination every day for being black. Underneath the hard-hitting elements in this film, it will touch people heart as this is quietly powerful, you get to see the main lead as a young girl and grow up to be an adult. The acting and the story are spot on, if you into a slow burner type of film this is ideal for you.
2.Goodbye Christopher Robin
The relationship between writer AA Milne and his son, Christopher Robin, and how his became the inspiration for Winnie the Pooh. Silently this film will capture people heart. You will care about with these characters, the first half you see Christopher Robin aged 9 and in the final third you see him at 19-year-old, it does have flashback with the war aspect but it tries to be heartwarming at the same time, for me personally it certainly works in this brilliant film.
1.Inside Out (2015 – 2024)
A sequel that features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result. Visually amazing as the animation itself is gorgeous to look at. It can be funny in places as this film made you smile, it does deals with mental health and that is an important subject, the first film we see Riley as a young child and in the second film we see her as a teenager. These film are suitable for all ages; it will leave you a lasting impression on you.
MDC Reviews 