The Death of the Kids' Film

Above is the original 1995 poster for Toy Story. I remember going to see the film sitting on the very back row in Edge Lane, Liverpool with family friends. It was exciting and a new visual experience. I loved it. And the Pixar short films previewing.

Below is an article written by Emily Barr for the Guardian, on how kids' films no longer cater to just those who are in single figures, but contrary to that, most of the jokes go over the children's heads and are aimed at sniggering adults. Her rallying cry is one to bring back the innocence to children's films in a world where film might be the only escape from danger and uncertainty.

Hive mentality

'What would you like to do in half term?" I asked my six-year-old recently. His eyes lit up. "Is the Ben 10 movie at the cinema?" he asked. Ben 10 is a cartoon character who is merchandised to the hilt. I cannot move in our house for tripping over one of his 10 superheroic alter egos. The Ben 10 movie, Race Against Time, was heavily trailed to Gabe's age group at the end of last year, and I was relieved to discover that it was just a TV movie.