Valentine’s Day is just days away so it’s only logical that the romantic drama The Vow opens this weekend, but what about Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace in 3D and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, also opening just before the holiday?  In fact, these 3D action adventure films are actually ideal to share with the ones you love.

 

First, Star Wars has influenced the lives of many American parents, certainly lots of dads. What’s surprising is that, according to Star Wars mastermind George Lucas, millennials respond most to the three prequels (including Jar Jar Binks); the original three films not so much. In fact, KidsPickFlicks reporter Cole was invited to Skywalker Ranch to find out the secrets of light sabers, pod racers and more—check out his interviews here (spoiler: he beats the expert in a light saber battle!) So why not overlook any antagonistic Jar Jar/Jake Lloyd feelings one may have and head to the theater this weekend to watch Phantom Menace again, this time through the eyes of a child?

 

Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a gesture of love from star and co-producer Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson to his own children. Johnson has said he alternates PG-13 and R-rated movies with films for kids because he wants to make movies his own kids can see.  And Journey 2 is just the kind of film parents should be seeking out to watch with their kids: super fun, action-packed, imaginative, 3D that pops, and it presents science as an exciting endeavor. Moreover, the story’s subplot is about how the disconnected men in one family – a resentful teen, a hopeful stepfather and an absentee grandfather – bond through their love of books.

 

Ultimately, spending time and giving your full attention to your children is the best Valentine’s gift you can give to them and to yourself. Although a small token of chocolate is always a bonus.

 

These films not your thing? Here are three other suggestions:

 

Hugo. Like Dwayne Johnson, Martin Scorsese made his first family film at the suggestion of his 12-year-old daughter Francesca. Plus, it takes 3D to a whole new level.

 

 

 

 

Big Miracle. If love is a warm puppy, than Valentine’s Day is surely a warm heart. A film about people with opposing agendas coming together to try and save three whales trapped in the Alaskan ice tells a true story with humor and heart in a way that crosses any generation gap.

 

 

 

 

Real Steel. On DVD and Blu-Ray, Real Steel is about a father and son mending a broken relationship through their common interest in robot boxing. It’s Rocky meets The Champ and a very fulfilling way to spend 2 hours.