G is for great

Today, the movie theaters seem to be dominated by thrilling, live-action fantasies and sci-fi flicks filled with unbelievable special effects. These films usually pit unlikely heroes against vicious villains, and end with dramatic battle scenes with all the works. However, while these films are extraordinarily exciting, I still have a special place in my heart for classic, animated films.

As a teenager, I still get a kick out of watching animated movies with my family. Occasionally, we’ll gather around the television and play old video cassettes (yes, they still do exist) of classic cartoons. It brings back so many memories from my childhood. My parents and I chat throughout the movie, remembering my crazy antics.

Nothing has changed. I still die from hysterics when I watch Jaq and Gus scurry around Cinderella’s stepmother’s estate. I’m still sadly terrified of the sinister, shape-shifting Maleficent from “Sleeping Beauty,” and still thrilled to sing along with every song in “Beauty and the Beast.” It’s become a guilty pleasure.

So I literally leapt with joy when I learned that there was a new Winnie the Pooh movie. I couldn’t wait to see it. I was only 4 or 5 years old when I saw “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh,” but I still remember pretending I was part of the gang, hanging out with Pooh Bear, Piglet, Eeyore, Tigger, and the others.

My biggest fear about watching a G-rated cartoon was that I would be ridiculed for the rest of my life as the girl who watched “kid movies.” Surprisingly enough, I was able to find a couple of friends to accompany me to see “Winnie the Pooh.” Then again, it was a 90 degree day and seeing ANY (and I repeat “any”) movie in an air-conditioned theater wasn’t a bad idea. We were slightly embarrassed when we went to buy tickets for a matinee showing. Thankfully, the woman in the booth didn’t seem to care.

From the minute we walked into the theater, we noticed that the audience was pretty much children ages 7 and younger. Wondering if this was a big mistake after all, we slumped down in our seats, praying for the theater to darken, so we wouldn’t be noticed. Yet, as the movie started, we were overjoyed. I was reminded of why I love animated films.

I lost myself in the story, moved to tears by the purity of Pooh Bear. I found myself longing to be a kid again and frolic with my own stuffed animals. My friends and I laughed harder, cried louder, and smiled broader than any little kid in that room.

Just because animated films are generally a lot tamer than live-action ones, doesn’t mean that they are reserved just for kids. Animated features are suitable for everyone. Children, teens, and parents can easily enjoy an animated classic just like my family has for so many years. Cartoons tend to have simple, short and sweet messages behind them. While most teens and adults alike may scoff at the redundancy of these themes, many times these are the lessons that we always neglect. For example, “Shrek” teaches us not to judge a book by its cover, and, let’s face it: we’re all a little judgmental about everyone’s exterior. “Ratatouille” teaches us to never give up on a dream, although many of us do. Animated films help revive long-forgotten, important lessons that help shape a better community.

Additionally, these movies are colorful, cheerful, and playful — pretty much everything our real world isn’t. They help us forget the hardship and stress of our lives. These films are for the dreamers in all of us. We all want that glass slipper to fit. They teach us to never stop believing in ourselves and what we can do.

I encourage all parents to rewind those old, classic, animated films and share them with their families. For parents of young children, this will be a good opportunity to introduce these legendary movies to them. For parents of older kids and teens, it’s the perfect way to bond and relive memories. Try it out, and you’ll be surprised. After all, everyone longs for a wonderful, happily ever after!

Aglaia Ho is a 15-year-old student from Queens who enjoys writing. Her work has been published in Creative Kids, Skipping Stones, Daily News/Children’s Pressline, and The State of the Wild.