BRATTLEBORO — Latchis Arts announces the return of its Movies for Kids series after its suspension in March 2020 due to COVID. Family-friendly films will be presented on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. beginning the weekend of Jan. 28–29 and continuing through March at the Latchis Theatre. Admission is by donation.
The Movies for Kids series has been one of the most popular programs since Latchis Arts launched it in 2018. The intent is to present films for families to enjoy together, without cost as a barrier to access. More than 3,000 people attended series offerings in its first three years, including many young people for whom it was their first experience in a theater.
The series opens with screenings of The Lego Movie on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 28 and 29, at 11 am. The Lego Movie “is an action-packed animated family-friendly adventure following original and existing Lego characters,” say event organizers.
“Featuring an all-star voice cast and some of the brand’s most popular figures (including Batman, Superman, Gandalf, Wonder Woman), the inventive movie should appeal to all ages, from young Duplo players to teens who consider themselves Master Builders.” Common Sense Media rates the movie as being appropriate for ages six and up and gives it high marks for positive messages. It is rated PG.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 4 and 5, the series features Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, the first of the movies in the popular franchise based on J.K. Rowling’s best-selling books. Harry, Hermione, and Ron Weasley make their way at Hogwarts school for wizards. The film is rated PG. Common Sense Media says the film is appropriate for ages seven and up, giving it high scores for positive role models and positive messages about courage, teamwork, and loyalty and saying some scenes might be a bit scary for little ones.
On Saturday and Sunday, Feb.11 and 12, the series features The Wizard of Oz. Judy Garland stars as Dorothy. She and her pals Tin Man, Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion go on a quest to the Emerald City to see if they can get Dorothy and her dog Toto safely home to Kansas. Released in 1939, The Wizard of Oz is ranked No. 10 on the American Film Institute’s 100 Greatest American Movies of All Time. Common Sense Media says it’s appropriate for ages six and up.
The series continues on Saturday and SundayFeb. 18 and 19, with Space Jam: A New Legacy, the 2021 film that features NBA star LeBron James, who teams with Bugs Bunny to win a basketball game so he can bring his kidnapped son home. The film is rated PG. Common Sense Media says it’s appropriate for ages seven and up, noting that there is a fair amount of “toon” violence, balanced by positive messages and positive role models.
Additional Kids Movies series screenings will be announced soon. Watch latchis.com for details.
Families should also know that the Latchis Theatre will be bringing back its $1 Kids Movies during Winter Carnival, featuring daytime screenings starting at 11 a.m. during school vacation week, Feb. 20–24. The films this year are DC League of Super-Pets, Tom & Jerry, and The Hobbit. Check latchis.com for exact screening times.