Here are five movies from various platforms that families may want to consider, as recommended by the Deseret News arts and entertainment department. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations or ratings are included.
Yeti, Abominable Snowman, Bigfoot, Sasquatch. Stories of these large creatures have been told for centuries throughout the world. With the recent release of “Abominable,” the ape-like beast returns to the big screen. Here are five films about yetis for families to consider.
In theaters : ‘Abominable’
When teenage Yi finds a yeti on the roof of her apartment in China, she helps the injured beast and names him Everest. As Yi and her friends embark on a journey to the Himalayas to unite the young magical creature with his family, they must outrun and outsmart a doctor and an animal collector. Josh Terry for the Deseret News called the DreamWorks CGI kid-flick feature a superior experience to another similar yeti movie released earlier this year, “Missing Link.” He gave the PG-rated “Abominable” 3 stars out of 4 and said the film has moments that are gorgeous, especially “the way the animation periodically uses light in its compositions” to “get beyond the usual bright, multicolored palette.” The film is rated PG for some action and mild rude humor.
iTunes: ‘Smallfoot’
In a story twist, Migo, a yeti, discovers a human. But he is banished when he tries to convince his tribe that the “Small Foot” exists. The animated film features a star-studded lineup and a variety of songs. Josh Terry for the Deseret News said the PG-rated movie is a fun concept and gave the movie 2 1⁄2 out of 4 stars. He noted the theme of open-mindedness and the elaborate song-and-dance sequences featuring pop artists, but cautioned the movie seems a bit heavy-handed.
Amazon video: ‘Rise of the Guardians’
Santa Claus — whose group of yetis, not elves, make the toys — the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny and the Sandman join together to stop the boogeyman when he threatens to take over the world. Common Sense Media recommends the movie for ages 7 and older, and notes the “ingenious plot and surprisingly substantive messages,” “dazzling” visuals, “fantastic” voice performances and humorous dialogue that make the movie a “refreshing treat.” The animated film is rated PG for thematic elements and some mildly scary action.
iTunes: ‘Monsters, Inc.’
Two monsters accidentally let a little girl into their world via the factory where they work to scare children and use their screams to power the city. They are then banished to the Himalayas where the Abominable Snowman offers them refuge. MovieGuide.org calls the G-rated film an “incredibly imaginative, exciting, fabulous, family-friendly animated movie” and praised the film’s theme “that fun and friendship conquer fear.” The website adds “very mild caution” for young viewers, who may find some moments frightening, but states that “these moments are much milder than most movies.”
Amazon video: ‘Minions’
Before there was Gru, there were the Minions, with the goal “to serve the most despicable master around.” But that is difficult when the Minions always accidentally destroy their master. After Stuart, Kevin and Bob leave the Minion Ice Cave to find a new boss, the other minions find yetis living in the cave. But as usual, their well-intentioned actions have disastrous consequences. Josh Terry for the Deseret News gave the film 3 stars out of 4 and said the “animation is clever and eye-grabbing” with a fun backstory that is family friendly. The film is rated PG for action and rude humor.