Islamorada Community Entertainment

I believe a true movie enthusiast can appreciate a good childrens film. Pixar and Disney have delighted us with many hits the past few years and have truly made a family movie night something that every member of the family enjoys. Then sometimes a childrens movie comes along that the adults want to see even if the kids don’t come along.

The Oscar nomination for “Secret of Kells”, playing this Saturday at Founder’s Park, leads me to believe it is one of these movies. The synopsis from the website says,
“Adventure, action and danger await 12 year old Brendan who must fight Vikings and a serpent god to find a crystal and complete the legendary Book of Kells. Brendan is hard at work with his uncle, Abbott Cellach and the other monks, helping to strengthen the abbey walls as protection against the Viking raids. But a new life of adventure begins with the arrival of Brother Aidan, a celebrated master illuminator who initiates Brendan into the art of illumination, awakening his hidden, but extraordinary talents. In order to finish the magnificent book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a secret quest that will take him for the first time ever, beyond the abbeys walls into the enchanted forest where dangerous, mythical creatures hide.”

Much like music, allowing ourselves to be entertained by a film for an hour and a half is about experiencing the moment, forgetting about what happened yesterday, about going back to work tomorrow, about suspending belief – living in the now. Don’t we all want more of those moments? Ok, living in the now of a fictional character may not be exactly the same thing as living in the now…of ourselves. But to put it simply, experiencing a great film together as a family is something your children will never forget, and don’t we all want more of THOSE moments?

The proof of a great childrens movie is reflected in the faces of the audience.

Apprehension of the main character as he realizes the challenge before him…

Courage when he decides to embark on it anyway…

Curiosity and excitement of a new adventure…

Friendships he makes throughout the course of his adventure…

Fear of unknown things in the forest…

Creativity and imagination that the illustration, music, storyline and the animation inspire…

Knowledge that one child truly can make a difference in the world….

The Secret of Kells promises to deliver these good lessons for the entire family. This movie has been nominated for an Oscar in the category ‘Animated Feature Film’ and has been winning rave reviews in the media.
“Absolutely Luscious to Behold!” – Variety
“Stunning! A cascade of light, color and wonder burst from the screen!”
- The Irish Times
“Holds the spectator in a waking dream from beginning to end!” – Le Monde

So here’s your chance to check it with the whole family before the celebrated Oscar awards show on Sunday.

The Secret of Kells is part of the NY Children’s Film Festival presented at Founders park, 7pm, Saturday, March 6. Tickets are $5 at the gate. Advance Tickets at all TIB Bank Branches. Hopefully we’ll see you there!