We all have problems, but whether we're tasked with saving the world, reclaiming our lives after tragedy, or helping loved ones, the characters in these five films can give us a welcome boost.
The Tiger’s Apprentice (2024 PG) Paramount+, Digital and DVD
This bright and colorful animated film focuses on Tom Lee, a teenager who has been raised by his grandmother. Living in San Francisco, this Chinese-American is not what one would think of when they think of a hero. He is shy and awkward and is bullied at school.
Then one day he discovers a family secret which will put him in the middle of danger that could also be the end of the world. His grandmother is the Guardian of the Phoenix, a stone which, in the wrong hands, could be the destruction of the world.
When his grandmother sacrifices her life for his and puts him and the Phoenix in the care of a stranger named Hu, Tom must dig deep inside himself to not only keep himself alive, but also save the planet from the evil Loo who is intent on hunting him down and taking the Phoenix to wreak havoc.
Helping Tom in his quest are the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which can morph from human into super-animal form.
This movie has beautiful images yet contains many scenes of violence, so sensitive viewers beware. Otherwise, it is a story filled with positive energy and the story of a young boy who turns from a shy nobody into a great hero. The film is based on the children’s book series by Laurence Yep.
Common Sense Media suggests it is for ages 8+:
“[The film] Promotes courage and using your heart and your mind over your fists. Strong messages of family bonds, teamwork, and not seeking revenge.”
Christian parents should be aware that the film's worldview draws heavily from Chinese mythology. But mythologies can be the basis of great storytelling, seen within the correct context and with parental guidance.
Snoopy Presents: One of a Kind Marcie (2023 G) Apple TV+
The Peanuts gang always comes through with fun and laughs for viewers, and in many cases, some emotional issues. In the film One of a Kind Marcie, little Marcie’s phobia is highlighted.
This girl is smart, witty, helpful, caring, and also afraid to speak in a crowd or stand in front of the class. She gets things done behind the scenes. She has no desire to be the center of attention.
When she is voted class president, even though she was not on the ballot and did not want the job, Marcie has a major panic attack. She hides in her room afraid to go outside. After all, the president has to give a speech, and for Marcie this is too scary.
Marcie must face her fears to help both her friend Peppermint Patty and herself.
Ice Castles (1978 PG) Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Tubi and others.
This film has been a go-to for countless viewers who want to see a happy ending with characters they take to heart. Who could pass up Robby Benson? He was the heartthrob of the 1970s.
In the film Alexis (Lynn-Holly Johnson) goes from a small-town ice skater to a national hero, often with the help of her boyfriend Nick (Benson). After suffering a fall and losing most of her eyesight, it would seem that her skating career was over. But thanks to Nick, it wasn’t.
Against the concern of her father (Tom Skerritt), who thinks she should not try to skate competitively again, Nick says something that has resonated with viewers. “Not trying is wondering your whole life if you gave up too soon.”
The story was so popular it was remade in 2010 for a new audience with Taylor Firth and Rob Mayes, but there is no competing with the original film and the original soundtrack.
Soul Surfer (2011 PG) Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and Apple TV.
Based on the real story of professional surfer Bethany Hamilton, Soul Surfer stars AnnaSophia Robb as the young surfer who encounters a shark. After losing her arm in the attack, Bethany retreats into herself. She gives up surfing, the one thing she has done all her life with love and joy.
How can she surf with one arm? Thanks to her friends who provided spiritual guidance and family that created special equipment for her, Bethany finally returned to the ocean and her love of surfing. And she did it with gusto.
After deep reflection, she decided nothing was going to stand in her way, not even the loss of an arm. Bethany became a hero to people around the world who had their own adversities.
Finding Nemo (2003 G) Disney+ and others
When Nemo was just an egg among all his siblings, something happened that wiped them all out except this one little clown fish. Nemo survived against all odds, however he was hatched with a little deformity. One of his flippers was tiny, making it a little difficult to maneuver like all his friends.
But Nemo didn’t give into his physical deformity, even though his father treated him like a baby and an invalid. Nemo wanted to be just like everyone else and took off into the great ocean. Unfortunately he was captured and his father went to save his only son.
Nemo was brave, and didn't let his undersized fin stop him from doing what he wanted, which was to be among his friends and take part in everything they did. His determination finally won over his doting father and he proved he could be just like the others.
Image: The Tiger's Apprentice/Paramount+
Francine Brokaw is a longtime journalist, covering entertainment, product reviews and travel, and is the host of Beyond the Red Carpet on Village Television and YouTube.
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