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Five for Families: Films show the importance of family
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Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer in "The Sound of Music" - photo by Caresa Alexander Randall
Here are five movies from various platforms families may want to consider. Because not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations are included.

Families come in all shapes and sizes, from a musical group of siblings to an adopted mouse to an extra-terrestrial fugitive. Here are five family friendly movies that show the importance of family, no matter how different.

Amazon Instant: 'The Sound of Music'

Based on the real-life story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, The Sound of Music stars Julie Andrews as an Austrian woman who is studying to become a nun. She leaves the convent to become a governess to the seven children of Capt. Von Trapp, a naval officer and widower, played by Christopher Plummer. Common Sense Media said this classic film is rich in character, music and story, as well as filled with positive messages. The website warns that the final minutes of the film contain a number of suspenseful scenes that may be frightening for some children. The film is an adaptation of Rodgers and Hammersteins 1959 Broadway musical. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.

iTunes: 'Stuart Little'

A young mouse is adopted into the Little family, but the family cat is less enthusiastic. The Dove Foundation says that throughout the course of several adventures the film teaches the importance of family, friendship and loyalty and that in the end the Littles learn that everyone has a little bit of a Stuart in them: tenacity, courage and spirit, which all play active roles in their lives. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.

Netflix: 'Lilo & Stitch'

A young girl adopts the galaxys most wanted alien and teaches him about family. The Dove Foundation says that this film is one that appeals to both young girls and boys as it teaches the importance of family. Lilo and Stitch is a clever fantasy with some strong messages about the importance of love for everyone, the website says. The film is rated PG for mild sci-fi action. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 6 and older.

Amazon Instant: 'Despicable Me'

Three orphan girls melt the heart of a criminal mastermind. MovieGuide.org refers to the film as a very witty, heartfelt film, adding that the ending "is so uplifting and redemptive that it overshadows some of the action violence, slapstick comedy and light scatological references. Minions, a spin-off of Despicable Me, is now on DVD. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers 7 and older.

Amazon Instant: 'Little Women' (1994)

A post-Civil War movie follows the lives of the March sisters. ParentPreviews.com says that Little Women is appropriate for all ages as it contains no violence, a few polite kisses and a couple of the mildest of swears. The film may be difficult for younger viewers to understand, but the website says those who watch will be rewarded for their time. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 8 and older.
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Have You Seen This? Street musician slays with clarinet
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Better than almost every face-melting guitar or drum solo. - photo by Facebook video screenshot

THE BIG EASY — Yeah, yeah, we all know that New Orleans is stuffed to the gills will incredible musicians.

But knowing that fact and then hearing that fact are two different things. You can step into any number of jazz clubs on any given night on Bourbon Street, and you’ll probably be impressed with virtually every act. Or you can sit at home on your comfy couch and watch this featured video.

In the video, you’ll see a woman who is in the groove. She is swinging hard, and wailing on her clarinet with a practiced expertise that makes it sounds so easy.

From note one you’ll be drawn in; your appreciation will grow with every second, and then your face will melt off when you realize how incredible she really is.

If you’ve never played a woodwind or a brass, you may not know everything that comes with a performance like this. Lung capacity and breath control are huge factors in keeping your notes clear and loud, and hitting those high notes is especially difficult.

So when this woman hits that high note and holds it for several seconds, you know you’re dealing with an exceptional musician. It means she has worked hard for years to develop skill on top of her natural talent, and we get to benefit.

It kinda makes you wonder how we let people get away with mumble rap and autotune when talent like this exists in the world.

I wish this video were longer, and I wish I had more information about this woman, but as it is, we’ll just have to appreciate the little flavor of New Orleans jazz posted by the Facebook group Clarinet Life.

Street musician killing it on clarinet

She must have lungs of iron! Its inspiring hearing the upper registers being played so well.

Posted by Clarinet Life on Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Martha Ostergar is a writer who delights in the ridiculous that internet serves up, which means she's more than grateful that she gets to cruise the web for amazing videos to highlight for your viewing pleasure.
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