Bringing Back the Child Inside

Today I realized in class why I love animated children’s films so much. My attachment to films like the Lego Movie or Spirited Away is not because I’m underdeveloped. This crazy draw towards such films is for two reasons. First, I had have had and always will have an incredibly active imagination. Second, animated children’s films give you an excuse to easily suspend belief.

Let’s be honest. We sometimes yearn for that film experience that lets just relax and be taken along for a ride. I think every person needs to have a healthy diet of children’s animated films. Look at movies like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Despicable Me. The enjoyment I find in films like this refreshes me and empowers me.

I think an interesting point can be taken from this realization and brought to screen writing. If we implement some of the imaginative releases found in children’s films into more mature films, I believe we will find more success in story telling. Just because a film may require higher thinking doesn’t mean imaginative elements have to be obsolete. Sometimes I think films geared for teenagers and adults are trying to fit a mold. It is a mold that tries to satisfy every need of these people. I think a better strategy would be to satisfy what these people want.