The Partially Examined Life Philosophy Podcast – PEL Presents PMP#153: Kids’ Films, Adult Messages

Intro

In this episode of Pretty Much Pop, the hosts delve into the world of big-budget contemporary children’s films and the messages they convey. They explore how these films cater to both kids and adults, the impact of nostalgia, the blurring lines between content for kids and adults, and the increasing influence of anime. They also discuss the importance of reflecting the realities of the world in children’s media, the challenges of parenting in the digital age, and the role of source material in shaping children’s content.

Main Takeaways

Messages in Children’s Films

• Big-budget children’s films convey messages that are relevant to both kids and adults.
• Franchises like Mario Brothers and Puss in Boots tap into nostalgia and build on a long legacy.
• Pixar and Dreamworks movies are aimed at children but often contain deeper themes that resonate with adults.
• Anime has a significant influence on popular media, blurring the lines between what is considered “for kids” and “for adults”.
• Animated movies are being taken more seriously and are appealing to a broader audience.

Changing Media Landscape

• Kids are being exposed to violent and mature content at a younger age.
• Streaming platforms are trying to cater to families, but family-friendly often means appealing to the lowest common denominator.
• There is room for entertainment aimed solely at children, without the pressure to appeal to adult audiences.
• Older children’s content may have darker or more complex themes that parents may want to avoid.
• The expectation for children’s movies to also appeal to adults has changed, but it’s okay for some movies to be aimed only at kids.

Impact of Nostalgia

• Nostalgia can influence adults’ attachment to childhood media, even if it may not hold up well.
• Animated movies from the past, like Shrek and The Neverending Story, often had simplistic lessons.
• Source material for older children’s content may have darker or more complex themes.
• Role Doll believed in keeping the ugly in and respecting children’s intelligence.
• Watching movies alongside your children offers a different experience and opens up conversations.

Challenges of Parenting and Media Consumption

• Parenting involves finding a balance between exposing kids to the world while also protecting them.
• Children’s media should reflect the realities of the world and not sugarcoat it.
• Kids have the capacity for nuance and making their own ethical decisions from a young age.
• The portrayal of transformation in children’s media may not address the psychological impact on the character.
• Quality of animation can affect cross-demographic viewing of media.

Summary

Exploring Messages in Children’s Films

The hosts discuss the messages conveyed in big-budget children’s films, highlighting how franchises like Mario Brothers and Puss in Boots tap into nostalgia and appeal to both kids and adults. They also explore the impact of anime on popular media and the blurring lines between content for kids and adults. Animated movies are gaining recognition and attracting a broader audience, thanks to their ability to speak to kids clearly while also delving into deeper themes.

The Changing Landscape of Kids’ Media

The hosts delve into the changing media landscape and the challenges it poses for parents. They discuss the increasing exposure of kids to violent and mature content, the efforts of streaming platforms to cater to families, and the importance of allowing kids’ media to be solely aimed at children. They also emphasize the need to consider the source material for older children’s content, which may have darker or more complex themes.

The Influence of Nostalgia

Nostalgia plays a significant role in adults’ enjoyment of childhood media, even if it may not hold up well. The hosts discuss how animated movies from the past often had simplistic lessons and how source material for older children’s content may have darker or more complex themes. They also highlight the importance of watching movies alongside children to experience them through their eyes and engage in meaningful conversations.

Parenting Challenges and Media Consumption

Parenting in the digital age poses unique challenges, as children are exposed to the realities of the world at an earlier age. The hosts discuss the importance of reflecting these realities in children’s media without sugarcoating them. They also emphasize that kids have the capacity for nuance and ethical decision-making from a young age. The impact of animation quality on cross-demographic viewing is also explored.

Conclusion

As children’s movies continue to evolve, they are catering to both kids and adults, blurring the lines between what is considered “for kids” and “for adults.” The impact of nostalgia, the changing media landscape, and the challenges of parenting in the digital age all shape the content created for children. Ultimately, there is room for entertainment that is solely aimed at children, providing them with age-appropriate experiences and allowing them to navigate the world with nuance and intelligence.