CHILDHOOD FILMS

camp filled with friendships, pranks, and an iconic poker scene but The Parent Trap remained a film I rarely grew tired of watching.

‘...elements of family romance and revenge...’

Three RAZZ writers share childhood films that they still love:

PEOPLE STILL LOVE The Little Mermaid

As a child I always loved Disney films, and The Little Mermaid was consistently my favorite. It is a comforting classic, and one that I still go back to and enjoy today. Ariel was always so inspiring to me as a child. I looked up to her curiosity, sense of adventure, and especially her determination to live the way that she wants to and aspired to do the same. As I grew older, I read the original fairytale written by Hans Christian Anderson in 1836. The darker, more authentic parts of the story really resonated with me. In this tale, The Little Mermaid does not have a happy ending, and the sacrifices that she makes have tragic consequences. However, the tale is bittersweet, and the selflessness and love of the little mermaid inspired me.

‘...the selflessness and love of the little mermaid insired me.’

Now, as an adult, I can see the problems with many of the old Disney films and some of the values that they teach children. Yet, with a sense of nostalgia, I will always see the positive aspects of The Little Mermaid and it will continue to be a film that I have on repeat. Looking forward, Rob Marshall’s live action version of The Little Mermaid will be released later this year, and I’m excited to see a re-working of this classic tale which I hope can inspire generations to come.

by Mia McChesney

The Parent Trap

On the way to its 25th anniversary at the end of this year, The Parent Trap is a classic childhood movie, with a storyline that keeps me rewatching, even in my twenties. In a broader sense, childhood movies are often enjoyable in adulthood as they carry a sense of nostalgia that almost transports you to the time you first watched them. Again, producers who create films for children often anticipate a parent watching alongside, therefore there tend to be many references that go over our heads until we watch them at an older age.

Without spoiling the entirety of the plot, The Parent Trap explores the reunion of tween twins Hallie and Annie, who, separated at birth, find themselves at the same American summer camp. Perhaps, it’s the overly romanticised idea of a summer

There are endless themes covered in this movie. This movie had elements of family, romance, and revenge, which is probably why it was so popular. When I watch it now, more than anything, it’s the picturesque scenery of London in the 90s that captivates me.

Like many childhood movies, we witness the classic evil stepmother trope, as the infamous Meredith Blake (portrayed convincingly by Elaine Hendrix) becomes subject to the twins’ tricks. Nowadays, the viewing age restrictions may be stricter as it is not advised for those under 12, due to Hallie tasting wine and the lingering temptation for you and your friends to pierce each other’s ears at school. Regardless of whether this film is a favourite of yours too, I would urge you to give yourself that much-needed revision break and keep some of those childhood classics on repeat.

by Anabel Costa-Ferreira

Shark Tale

It would be a mistake not to put the DreamWorks animated film, Shark Tale, on the list of childhood favourites. Known for its certified bangers – including Ross Royce’s ‘Car Wash’, Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’ and Mary J. Blige’s ‘Got to Be Real’ – this underwater animation puts the nostalgia into some of the greatest RnB hits. Its vibrant musical scenes even inspired my friends and I to create a Spotify playlist dedicated to this fish movie (yes, and we’re proud and unashamed).

Alongside its elite music taste, DreamWorks also has an excellent flair for creating some of the biggest cartoon crushes. Main character and hero, Oscar “The Sharkslayer”, has his heartthrob moments with his clumsiness, humour, and wit. However, everyone who has watched the movie would agree that Lola tops them all. Voiced by Angelina Jolie, Lola resembles her voice actress with fierce light eyes and killer fashion aesthetic. Her bad b**ch energy is what drew my childhood self to her. Whilst the villain in the movie, her fiery aesthetic coupled with a no bulls**t attitude made her an inspirational childhood girl boss.

‘Her bad b**ch energy is what drew my childhood self to her.’

This film has been locked on the watchlist for on-repeat streams: to relive the feeling when you hear a banger for the first time, inspire a girl boss attitude, and share laughs with my mates who also grew up with Shark Tale on their DVD shelves.

So, if you haven’t seen this favourite yet, add it to that watchlist! It won’t disappoint.

by Ciara Barton