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“What’s a bigger mystery box than a movie theatre? You go to the theatre, you’re just so excited to see anything — the moment the lights go down is often the best part.” These are the words of J. J. Abrams, the famous American filmmaker.

I can remember my dad taking me to the movies for the first time when I was 7 years old. Like J.J. Abrams said, it was very exciting. It was just Dad and me, which made it even more exciting. I was totally over-awed by everything. We waited in a long line to get in to see Captain Sindbad. We had to stand for the National Anthem, which for me added to the gravity of the event.

In this 1963 fantasy adventure, Captain Sindbad, played by Guy Williams, is a heroic seafarer who returns to the kingdom of Baristan to rescue Princess Jana, his beloved, from the clutches of the evil sorcerer El Kerim.

El Kerim, who has seized power, is kept alive by black magic — his heart is hidden in a distant tower, rendering him nearly invincible. With courage and wit, Sindbad leads his loyal crew through treacherous lands filled with deadly traps, monstrous creatures, and magical obstacles.

As they battle El Kerim’s dark forces, Sindbad must find the hidden heart and destroy it to save the princess and free the kingdom. Filled with classic swashbuckling action, fantastical creatures, and heroic feats, the film is a colourful and daring tale of good versus evil in a richly imagined Arabian Nights-style world.

It sounds like the storyline of over a dozen mainstream very successful films of recent times including the very successful Star Wars franchise. The simple formula is action adventure, with a male hero fighting to save the princess, with the underlying theme being the fight against good and evil.

As John Eldredge, the famous author of the bestselling man’s book Wild at Heart, says,

“Men want a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That is what is written in their hearts. That is what little boys play at. That is what men’s movies are about. You just see it. It is undeniable.”

Stories are even more important to children, especially when seen with Dad. Let me give you my top three choices, with the following provisos for the ones I am not putting forward. Sadly, there is so much rubbish at the cinemas, but there are some good family-friendly movies there at the moment.

Here are my three picks for this week, from young to old, with an Easter flavour.

Guess How Much I Love You – An Enchanting Easter (G Rating) is a gentle, heartwarming animated film perfect for children aged 3 to 7. (Some critics have said up to 11 years.) Based on the beloved book series, it follows Little Nutbrown Hare as he explores friendship, nature, and the meaning of Easter. With soft visuals, sweet storytelling, and calming music, it captures the innocence of childhood beautifully. Ideal for family viewing, the movie encourages kindness, curiosity, and love, making it a delightful choice for young audiences during the Easter season.

The King of Kings animated movie (PG Rating), now showing in 148 cinemas across Australia, is a beautifully crafted retelling of the life of Jesus, ideal for children aged 7 to 12. Based on a version written by Charles Dickens for his own children, it presents the Gospel story with clarity, warmth, and reverence. It is doing really well at the box office. The animation brings key moments — Jesus’ birth, teachings, miracles, and resurrection — to life in an engaging, age-appropriate way. With its timeless message of love and redemption, the film is a meaningful resource for families, helping young viewers understand the heart of the Easter story.

The Chosen movie (PG Rating): now showing in 110 cinemas across Australia, is a powerful continuation of the globally acclaimed series about the life of Jesus, ideal for ages 12—100 years. Known for its authentic storytelling and emotional depth, the film brings Gospel events to life with fresh perspective and strong performances. In the United States, The Chosen has become a cultural phenomenon, breaking records as the most successful crowdfunded series ever and drawing millions of devoted viewers. It was number 4 here in Australia last week and number 2 in the USA on first release, which is great for an independent movie. Its cinematic release offers a compelling and faith-filled experience for families and mums and dads alike. Another great Easter movie. Classic good and evil story.

Several other movies on at the moment include:

Snow White — a woke-fest, but some people love it. I would not recommend it for the way they mangled the original storyline and the male hero’s malice, but it is always your call.

Minecraft is PG and looks like it could be good for 9+. The Rotten Tomatoes critics are not impressed, but the punters love it. It seems to be a hit with families. I am wary of gaming, so again, it is your call.

Last but not least, Star Wars: Episode 111 (M rating) drops next Thursday (better for teenagers). From the point of view of family-friendly swashbuckling adventures, Star Wars is hard to beat.

Lovework

Yes, it is school holidays this week in most states. So, it must be time to take your children to the movies. Why not make it more memorable? Go one-on-one. It might take more effort, but your child will never forget it. Make it a daddy date special.

Yours for Making Memories at the Movies

Warwick Marsh

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Republished with thanks to Dad4Kids. Image courtesy of Adobe.