Entertainment

Quality time can be as simple as gathering around the TV to enjoy an epic family flick. Below are some of our favorite films, as well as our pick for "Movie of the Month."

We rate movies based on 3 criteria: 1. Family friendly values 2. Quality of message that the movie brings across 3. Ability to watch more than once because it was that good!

Available for viewing at home on Disney+ - Rated PG

Summary: One of Walt Disney's most proud productions, starring the world famous Julie Andrews and heart warming music written by the Oscar winning duo, the Sherman Brothers, Mary Poppins is a fantasy of delight for children and adults. The film reminds us all to never lose our inner child.

Meet Me In St. Louis - 1944- This musical follows 4 sisters, one of them being Judy Garland, and their journey into womanhood leading up to the St. Louis World's Fair of 1904. Laugh, cry, swoon, and SING!

Gone with the Wind- 1939- A tale of romance, war, passion, strength, and grit, Gone with the Wind is a novel made to film that follows Scarlett O'Hara as she overcomes all odds.  From a Southern territory fallen to Sherman.to saving her family plantation, Scarlett is determined to marry into money so she can protect her family. By far one of the greatest films ever made.

The Little Princess- 1939 Starring America's sweetheart, Shirley Temple as Sarah Crewe. Sarah's father, a decorated commander, leaves her at an accredited all girls academy while he deploys for war. As one of the wealthiest girls at the school, Sarah settles in with an out of the box and kind personality beloved by everyone. Her father disappears in war and she is instantly orphaned and turned from riches to rags, made a servant at the school. Her heart maybe broken but not her spirit and imagination. 

My Fair Lady- 1964 Arguably one of the greatest musicals of all time, the clever and humorous film is about a language professor who makes a bet with his colleague that he can transform a girl from the streets into a true lady of high society. The target, Eliza Doolittle, aka Audrey Hepburn. Funny, charming, and full of joy!

Mary Poppins- 1964 One of Walt Disney's most proud productions, starring the world famous Julie Andrews, with amazing music written by Oscar winning Sherman Brothers, Mary Poppins is a fantasy of delight for children and adults. The film reminds us all to never lose our inner child.

Hello Dolly- 1969 Barbara Streisand stars as Dolly, a matchmaker who brings joy everywhere she goes. 

Indiana Jones Series- 1981 Harrison Fords stars as Indiana (Indy) in the adventure series seeking out treasures of our ancient history! Each film is jam packed with excitement, fun stunts, exotic settings, and a classic romance. 

National Lampoon Vacation- 1983 Pure comedy. Be ready to laugh, as you follow Clark Griswold taking his family on a cross country trip to visit Walley World. An absolute knee slapper every mile of the journey. 

Ghostbusters- 1984- A group of average joe's from different walks of life get together to fight the paranormal to protect New York City. Full of comedy with the era's most famous comedians, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Herald Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Rick Moranis, and the list goes on!

Never Ending Story- 1984 A fun fantasy of a young boy who connects with a character inside his fantasy novel in hopes to save a princess and her entire kingdom from total destruction from the nothing. 

The Goonies- 1985 A group of misfits find a treasure map and team up to find the legendary treasure of a pirate with the hopes to help their families. 

Back to the Future Series- 1985-1990 Great Scott! Marty McFly meets Doc, an inventor of a time machine. Marty travels back in time where he must be careful not to mess up the flow of time by interacting with his parents. The series continues into different eras of time.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation- 1989 Join Clark Griswold and his family as they host Christmas for the extended family. Hilarious bits ranging from cutting down the family tree, to cooking the Christmas dinner. Bring joy to your holiday with this Chevy Chase comedy classic.

Harry Potter Series - 2001-2011

(Some scenes may be scary for little ones)

Adapted from the J.K. Rowling's novels, follow Harry Potter in a wizarding world as he comes of age and aims to take down the evil Lord Valdemort with his friends. Each movie presents a new challenge and adventure that is overcome with friendship and a lot of fun magic!

Pirates of the Caribbean Series- 2003-2017 Adapted from Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride, this epic series follows the adventures of Jack Sparrow, a swashbuckling thieving, pirate! Jack gets into all kinds of trouble, but comedically always finds a way out! A brilliant and fun series for all ages. Each film carries a message of bravery and the courage to take the journey into the unknown.

Star Wars Series- 1977-2019 We would like to quote the description from wikipedia because we think it is the funniest description you could imagine for this super fun galactic adventure.

"Star Wars is an American epic space opera multimedia franchise created by George Lucas, which began with the eponymous 1977 film and quickly became a worldwide pop-culture phenomenon." - Wikipedia

Toy Story Series- 1995-2019 The first ever digital animation created by Pixar Studios, will make you laugh and cry. The series follows a set of Andy's toys and their adventures as they come to life when no one is looking. Each film will take adults back to their childhoods, while also bringing joy to your own children's faces. The messages behind each movie are pure of heart and true to our Freedom Flare Co. values. 

Moana- 2016 Disney animators tell the story of the brave princess Moana who sales across the ocean to find the demi-god Maui, and have him return the heart of Nefiti, in hopes of restoring the wilting islands. A great message that celebrates the culture of Polynesian voyagers.

Coco- 2017 A Freedom Flare Co. family favorite, Coco is about a boy named Miguel who loves to play music even though it is forbidden by his family. Miguel steals a guitar from the deceased Ernesto De La Cruz, on dia de los muertos, and is transported to the land of the dead! He is determined to find Ernesto who he believes to be his great great grandfather to reaffirm why music should be allowed in the family. The movie is funny, exciting, and the colors are absolutely spectacular. Celebrating a beautiful message about never forgetting about your family from the past.

Jungle Cruise- 2021 Disney does it again, creating an action packed adventure film starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The dynamic duo along with some other great side characters, take to the Amazon River to seek out a rare flower that holds the power to cure all ailments. We like to describe this movie as a combo of Indiana Jones and Pirates of the Caribbean. It has moments of humor, fantasy, excitement, and even romance. A perfect film for the whole family to enjoy! 

Our top 10 list is a compilation of what can enrich hearts and minds to better serve humanity. We hope you enjoy our top picks, and send us any recommendations!

The ultimate read for anyone looking to seek comfort, eternal love, and a firm moral compass. 

We recommend the New American Bible Edition, though all iterations are amazing.

A Great American classic. This epic novel takes place in the South during the civil war era, and tells the tale of Scarlett O'Hara, a spoiled daughter of a plantation owner who uses everything at her disposal to save her family home after General Sherman wipes out her Georgian county in battle. Full of romance, grit, spirit, and hope, this is one of the greatest books turned into film of all time. An absolute FREEDOM FLARE CO. FAVORITE.

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A beautiful story that speaks to the love of the content of one's character over the color of one's skin brought to life through the innocence of a child, her lawyer father, Atticus, and his defense of a black man, Tom Robinson who is wrongly accused of rape. 

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An old English epic poem telling the story of a great hero and his defeat over the evil Grendel. 

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An  American classic written by treasured author, Mark Twain. The story is about a boy growing up along the Mississippi River during the 1840's. He has several adventures, often times with his friend Huckleberry Finn. 

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An epic novel considered to be John Steinbeck's magnum opus. Dive deep into the interwoven story of two families. 

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Dive into the imagination of J.R.R. Tolkien in his world of Middle Earth in a battle of good versus evil complete with elves, hobbits, wizards, orcs, and everything in between!

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Taking place in Long Island, New York during the roaring twenties, character Nick Carraway shares his story of a mysterious millionaire who is obsessed with his long lost love. 

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Written during the late 19th century, this story, meant for adults, opens the eyes to the treatment of horses with the intent to encourage treating others with kindness, sympathy, and respect. 

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Arguably the foundation for all romance novels, this witty story follows Elizabeth Bennet and her search for a husband in the setting of early 19th century English country side. He loves her, she can't stand him... let this tale take you away to another time.

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