subject: Holiday Viewing on Satellite TV: Five Great Films With Animals as Stars [print this page] Holiday Viewing on Satellite TV: Five Great Films With Animals as Stars
Picking wholesome programming during the holidays isn't a stretch by any means, but sometimes finding the right age-appropriate feature that older members of the family won't be entirely bored by is a bit tougher. And with the jump towards CGI and fancy animation technology, sometimes grandmas and grandpas get a little bit bored with watching contemporary children's programming, since it's designed to be loud and flashy, more like a commercial than a beloved holiday film should be. While the theme might not need to be the winter season, the fact is that picking a film with an animal as the star is a surefire way to enjoy an evening at home, watching films on satellite tv instead of braving the lines at the local megaplex. Here are five great films with animals as stars that will warm the hearts of the entire family.
#1 - Prancer. This heartwarming tale of a young girl whose mother has passed away and whose father is raising her on a snowy farm far from town is one of the holiday classics. Walking home through the woods, she discovers a reindeer, who she immediately decides is Prancer from Santa's sleigh. Magical without being overly trite, it's the kind of movie that manages to bring a tear even to adult eyes, in a good way.
#2 - Homeward Bound. With rowdy animals voiced by Michael J. Fox and Roseanne, this classic Disney film about two dogs and a cat who have to make their way home after getting lost during a family camping trip is a definite way to keep youngsters giggling and older members of the family from losing complete interest.
#3 - Old Yeller. Okay, so this might be another one of those classics that's always on satellite tv, but ends up making people tear up at exactly the same film. A coming-of-age film that address what life was like when younger people had to work harder at helping take care of the house, "Old Yeller" is one of those little time capsules to an earlier America, and a great way to unite the generations after a delicious holiday meal.
#4 - Beethoven. A newer comedy focused on one very large, very mischievous dog is one of the best animal films of the 1990s, and one that is always easy to find on satellite tv, no matter the time of year. While the sequel might be a bit less entertaining, it's a respectable substitute for families who need to keep everyone entertained and behaved during a holiday celebration.
#5 - The Adventures of Milo and Otis. A look at what it really means to be best friends, this is a tried-and-true pick that will win everyone's heart once it's time for the holidays. Adorable kitten and puppy duo hits the road, encounters great obstacles together, and manages to make it through some surprisingly harrowing situations together. Colorfully voiced, it's a live-action film that's better than cartoons, and a classic that's managed to make people smile for years.
