I wanted to share something that was refreshing to my soul. And, um, this might have something to do with writing, or it might not.
So, kids today don’t play outside as much. They have short attention spans. All they want to do is play video games. Due to video games, they just want to watch violent movies. And forget sitting through an older movie that has dialogue with no blow ’em up scenes. And taking that one step further, forget the classic books with small print and rambling prose. They’ll never read it.
Well, take hope. I got out an old Disney movie from the libary. That Darn Cat. To tell the truth, I wasn’t sure if my kids would sit through it. After all, it doesn’t have any computer animation, special effects, or jokes about farting.
They sat through the whole movie, spell bound. It was filled with mystery. Humor. Suspense. Great clues. A hint of romance. Serious characters. Goofy characters. Serious moments. Funny moments.
Overall, I was encouraged.
Okay, and now, how that applies to writing. All those elements I listed up above – try and include those in your story. (Instead of crap.) (I just had to fit that in somehow.)
And I think I’m supposed to end my post with a questions. So, what’s your favorite old and classic Disney movie? I loved Herbie.
I keep thinking I should rent That Darn Cat. Good to know your kids enjoyed it. I loved the old Herbie movies. They actually filmed one in my neighborhood when I was a kid. I’m partial to Audrey Hepburn movies but I don’t think my kids are old enough to sit through those 🙂
My daughter has grown up on Disney movies. She has only been interested in the cartoons up until now. Although we watched the original Herbie on tv at my mother’s house and she loved it. (We don’t have cable and only get 3 channels.)
Sherrie – That is so cool they filmed one in your neighborhood!
Anne – It is so refreshing to know that kids can actually sit through dialogue. Unfortunately, I think we highly underestimate kids and teens and what they can do. Which is a shame.
Laura, You’re hilarious! I’m cracking up right now after reading your post. Thanks for making me smile this morning. 🙂
I always liked the original Parent Trap. The newer remake isn’t bad either. Have a great day.
🙂
Jody – I’m in a total not serious this mood this week. I think I’ve been working so hard on my wip – knowing that the school year is ending soon – that I can’t keep it up. Or maybe it’s that I wrote all my blog posts over the weekend, late at night…
Karen – I have to say I like all the early Disney movies. They are so entrenched in my childhood memories.
My son LOVES the Herbie movie series. And, you know what? It’s not a Disney movie but he also loves the old Dick Van Dyke TV show. Went through that DVD box set like it was candy. Who knew he’d appreciate it but you have to give them variety.
Entertainment doesn’t have to be all about how well things are blown up.
Fun stuff, Laura. Crap is always fun to talk about in our house, too, though.
I love how to relate everything back to writing.
We’re not watching much t.v. in my house right now – Idol is about all. But, we have lots of Disney faves. I loved the original Escape to Witch Mountain when I was a kid – haven’t seen the new one.
My daughter prefers audio books to t.v. So, short attention span isn’t a problem in our house. I’m so glad she’s learning to listen to words and “see” them in her head. Not that we don’t watch t.v., it’s just not pervasive.
I don’t know if I’ve seen That Darn Cat!
My fifth grader gets so mad at me because I don’t allow him to play violent video games (except Star Wars games and even that once a week only…I can’t help it, I’m a SW geek) or watch violent movies. I hear “But Mom! Everyone has seen that but me!”
He will thank me later….I hope. 🙂
My fave Disney movie is Lady and the Tramp!
Nelsa – I agree. Blow em up movies are usually kind a boring. My husband falls asleep in them.
Kris – My kids always complain about the movies their friends are watching. We’re pretty strict when it comes to video game and tv – I told them to get used to it. It’s not going to change.
Kelly – You’ve got to watch That Darn Cat. It really is cute!
I agree with Karen about The Parent Trap: the remake is good, but the original is better!
My favorite Disney movies are The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Mulan. My favorite older Disney animation is Sleeping Beauty.
When I was growing up, we couldn’t even WATCH TV until after dinner. We had to go play outside. How much things have changed…
But yes, since the change, we also have to change our writing. Kids/teens today want to get right to the story now due to their short attention spans.
My favorite movie growing up was FANTASIA and BAMBI.
Laura – Can’t go wrong with those movies!
Karen – When I recently watched Bambi I couldn’t believe how strong the message against hunters were. I never picked up on it as a child. But it’s cute.
I liked it when my step kids were younger and I had an excuse to watch disney movies. Now they’re strictly into romance (teen girls)
I’d take That Darn Cat over another silly rom com any day!
I loved That Darn Cat,the Hayley Mills version. Just reading your post made me smile again. I think it was on TV recently and I missed it.
It’s funny because when I was a kid I often watched movies without realizing they were old. I think it’s for all the reasons you mentioned: they had great characters, mystery, humor, etc. Those are things that make stories timeless, regardless of the trends.
I loved those old Disney flicks from the 60’s. The Cat from Outer Space. Darby O’Gill and the Little People. Pollyanna.