If there is one thing most of us movie fans can agree on, it's that movies are magical. The power of watching a movie can often take us to a world much different than our own -- ones that are rich with excitement, adventure and interesting characters.
In our family, teenagers included, we enjoy watching movies that take us into the world of fantasy and the supernatural. A few of our all-time favorites have been:
1. The Princess Bride (1987)
Staged as a book read by grandfather, this postmodern fairy tale features an intelligent mix of swashbuckling, romance, adventure and comedy.
2. The NeverEnding Story (1984)
A troubled boy dives into a wondrous fantasy world through the pages of a mysterious and adventurous book.
3. The Hunger Games (2012)
Katniss Everdeen voluntarily takes her younger sister's place in the Hunger Games, a televised fight to the death in which two teenagers from each of the 12 Districts of Panem are chosen at random to compete.
4. Star Wars (1977)
Luke Skywalker joins forces with a Jedi Knight, a cocky pilot, a Wookiee and two droids to save the universe from the Empire's world-destroying battle station, while also attempting to rescue Princess Leia from the evil Darth Vader.
5. The Twilight Saga (2008-'12)
Based on a four-book series, the Twilight Saga follows a teenage girl who risks everything when she falls in love with a vampire.
These stories not only gave us time spent together as a family, but something fun to discuss after.
Next up for us is The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (in theaters August 21). Based on the best-selling fantasy-action book series, which is filled with exciting twists and turns, it's one our whole family is looking forward to.
Jenn is a wife and a mother of two beautiful daughters. She has been blogging in one form of another for over 12 years. To read more by Jenn, visit FiveDollarShake.net or follow her on Twitter @5_DollarShake.
