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Five for Families: Movies to ring in spring
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"Bambi" - 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.

Spring is a time of new beginnings and adventures. Celebrate the spring season with a bear that loves honey, an immortal family and the "Prince of the Forest" in these five films for families to consider.

Netflix: 'The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh'

"The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh" is based on three stories found in A.A. Milne's books. Winnie the Pooh and his friends in the Hundred Acre Wood experience ups and downs with honey, bees, balloons and singing. Common Sense Media calls the film a "classic animated movie that is both visually and narratively appealing." The website notes the varied personalities that one finds in real life, including long-winded Owl, self-critical Eeyore and the energetic Tigger, and points out that "the movie provides opportunities to discuss different personality types and some iffy decisions that people (or imaginary animals) make." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 3 and older.

Amazon Video: 'The Secret Garden'

A young British girl who was born and raised in India is sent to live at her uncle's estate after her parents die. Neglected and alone once again, she discovers a locked and abandoned garden, begins to restore it and learns of another secret. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its "Family Approved" seal for all ages, calling the film a "heartwarming story" and a "delightful family film." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.

iTunes: 'Tuck Everlasting'

Set in 1914, a teenage girl falls in love with a young man. The boy and his family are immortal, and the boy's older brother kidnaps the girl to keep the family secret from being exposed. Movieguide.org recognizes the film as a "story about immortality, greed, good and evil, nature, the stages of life and personal destiny. As such, there are many moral, philosophical and theological issues contained within it." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 11 and older.

DVD: 'Bambi'

A young deer grows up in the forest after his mother is shot by hunters. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its "Family-Approved" seal for all ages. Parent Previews mentions dark moments including a fire, pack of dogs and shooting of animals but notes the movie's "simple charm has left an equally indelible impression on the hearts and minds of most fans." Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 5 and older.

Amazon Video: 'Bridge to Terabithia'

A preteen boy befriends a new girl in school, and they imagine a fantasy world to escape reality. The Dove Foundation awarded the film its "Family-Approved" seal for ages 12 and over, and advises viewers to "close your eyes and keep your mind wide open! Travel to Terabithia, where anything is possible." The film is rated PG for thematic elements including bullying, some peril and mild language. Ok.com recommends the film for viewers ages 12 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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