Here are five movies from various platforms families may want to consider. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations are included.
Whether it's from the shelf of classic literature by the likes of C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll or more recent source material, Hollywood often seeks inspiration from literature, including with the recent release of "Goosebumps," based on R.L. Stine's collection of thrillers. Here are five films that bring books to life on the screen:
In theaters: 'Goosebumps'
Stines varied creepy creatures come to the big screen in Goosebumps as a teenage boy accidentally releases the monsters from their manuscript pages. Parent Previews says the film is like an amusement ride full of thrills, twists and turns that also shows positive portrayals of parents and teamwork. While the website says the script never takes itself too seriously and the violence is not overly graphic, it encourages parents to not to take along those too little for this adventure. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 11 and older.
Netflix: 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'
According to Common Sense Media, the film portrays the colorful kids adventure told in Roald Dahls classic childrens book. The website notes, however, that it includes some intense scenes and is much closer in dark tone to the book than its cinematic predecessor. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'
The Dove Foundation called the film a stunning and faithful re-enactment of C.S. Lewis magical story of four children who travel to a mystical world through a wardrobe. The website recommends reading the book with children first to prepare them for some of the more intense scenes in the film. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
Redbox: 'The Giver'
Catholic News Services Joseph McAleer says this adaptation of Lois Lowrys novel has a softer tone compared to other recent dystopian films and a more profound meaning. He praised the film's message of the sanctity of life but noted some of the content may not be appropriate for children. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 12 and older.
iTunes: 'Alice in Wonderland'
Audiences first went down the rabbit hole with Alice in Lewis Carrolls 1865 novel, and Common Sense Media writes that Disneys animated version of the colorful journey is good starter to introduce the story. The website cautions, however, it includes some mild violence and taunting. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.
Whether it's from the shelf of classic literature by the likes of C.S. Lewis and Lewis Carroll or more recent source material, Hollywood often seeks inspiration from literature, including with the recent release of "Goosebumps," based on R.L. Stine's collection of thrillers. Here are five films that bring books to life on the screen:
In theaters: 'Goosebumps'
Stines varied creepy creatures come to the big screen in Goosebumps as a teenage boy accidentally releases the monsters from their manuscript pages. Parent Previews says the film is like an amusement ride full of thrills, twists and turns that also shows positive portrayals of parents and teamwork. While the website says the script never takes itself too seriously and the violence is not overly graphic, it encourages parents to not to take along those too little for this adventure. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 11 and older.
Netflix: 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory'
According to Common Sense Media, the film portrays the colorful kids adventure told in Roald Dahls classic childrens book. The website notes, however, that it includes some intense scenes and is much closer in dark tone to the book than its cinematic predecessor. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
Amazon Instant: 'The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'
The Dove Foundation called the film a stunning and faithful re-enactment of C.S. Lewis magical story of four children who travel to a mystical world through a wardrobe. The website recommends reading the book with children first to prepare them for some of the more intense scenes in the film. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
Redbox: 'The Giver'
Catholic News Services Joseph McAleer says this adaptation of Lois Lowrys novel has a softer tone compared to other recent dystopian films and a more profound meaning. He praised the film's message of the sanctity of life but noted some of the content may not be appropriate for children. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 12 and older.
iTunes: 'Alice in Wonderland'
Audiences first went down the rabbit hole with Alice in Lewis Carrolls 1865 novel, and Common Sense Media writes that Disneys animated version of the colorful journey is good starter to introduce the story. The website cautions, however, it includes some mild violence and taunting. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.