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Five for Families: 'Megamind' shows everyone can do good
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Megamind (Will Ferrell) calls for backup in DreamWorks Animation's Megamind. - photo by Whitney Butters Wilde
Here are five movies from various platforms families may want to consider. Note: Since not all are appropriate for younger children, age recommendations are included.

In select theaters: 'Megamind'

Participating Megaplex theaters are offering a Kids Summer Movies series, allowing participants to see family-friendly films at a discounted rate. This weeks film, Megamind, will be shown at various times July 13-16. Parent Previews says about the film: While it may seem strange to find yourself cheering for the villain, the message of this movie seems to be that although a tiger cant change its stripes, even bad people can do some surprisingly good things when given the opportunity. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.

Redbox: 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day'

The film, which is an expansion on Judith Viorsts 1972 childrens book, portrays a family who pulls together in the midst of adversity, according to Catholic News Services Joseph McAleer. McAleer cautioned, however, that the film contains relentless physical gags and some potty humor. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 9 and older.

Netflix: '101 Dalmatians'

This live-action film follows the story of the 1960s animated feature about a group of puppies kidnapped by the fashionista Cruella De Vil. Although the film is rated G, Parent Previews notes that parents may want to be cautious when showing it to children due to pervasive slapstick violence. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.

Amazon Instant: 'Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days'

The Dove Foundation awarded the film its Family-Approved seal for all ages, praising it for featuring themes of honesty, integrity and understanding why others including our parents may become disappointed in us due to our actions. The film is rated PG for some rude humor. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 7 and older.

Amazon Prime: 'Hugo'

Common Sense Media said Hugo contains themes of perseverance and overcoming fears and noted that the film is a good fit for middle-grade viewers. The website cautions that some portions may be too sophisticated for younger viewers to follow. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 6 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.

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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