Forrest Gump is back in theaters this week, giving us the chance to see Forrest run, love Jenny and catch shrimp bigger and more beautifully in IMAX. The Best Picture Oscar winner reflects grandpa’s era, but actually, Forrest Gump is more in tune with kids today.

Forrest Gump’s “gimmick,” if you will, is that the simpleminded Forrest is accidentally present during many of America’s historical and pop-cultural moments; sometimes he even catalyzes emblematic bumper stickers, dance moves and political scandals. Forrest seemed like the least likely candidate to receive the Medal of Honor, meet with three sitting presidents and become a multimillionaire. See, to the audiences of 1994, history was something made by other people. Gen Xers didn’t fight in any major or cold wars; the only things we protested were our parents.

Kids today won’t view Forrest Gump with the same set of eyes and attitudes we did. Generation Selfie sees there is an “I” in history! TV talent competitions create an even playing field for the most out-of-reach careers; reality TV shows anyone can become rich and famous, and social media has turned the tables so President Obama is probably following YOU. Gaza teenager Farah Baker has become a social media star for her viral posts from ground zero of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, bringing her story directly into the homes of American teens. And, like that, Farah is a part of history.

There is a reason movies like The Hunger Games, Divergent and upcoming The Maze Runner resonate with teens; they are able to see themselves as the heroes. Forrest Gump is an entertaining way for teens to get to know recent history, but the idea of one guy impacting world-shaping events? Today’s 14-year-olds call that “Wednesday.”  

Here are three films to see with your family this weekend.

When the Game Stands Tall. The De La Salle Spartans, the sports world’s winningest team, are a shining example to kids that the qualities we parents try to instill in them – responsibility, accountability, dependability, commitment and humility –actually bring success.

The Giver. Junior high students, rejoice! The required-reading fave that asks, “Is ignorance really bliss?” finally makes it to the big screen with Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges bringing the gravitas and Taylor Swift bringing the excitement.

The Hundred-Foot Journey: This Oprah and Steven Spielberg production is about more than a culture clash, mouthwatering food, and incredible scenery: it’s about family. This is the rare multigenerational film that will entertain tweens to grandparents.

Read Tara’s parent reviews at ThatWasSomething.com. Find out what kids think about these films at KidsPickFlicks.com, where all kids are movie critics!