For Kids of All Ages: The National Society of Film Critics on Children’s Movies

Film critic Keough presents a splendid group of essays from fellow reviewers in celebration of children’s cinema. Parents seeking viewing suggestions will find plenty, but the focus is on learning to view movies critically, as in Ebert’s description of his grandchildren’s first viewing of E. T. the Extra-Terrestrial. More than a doting grandfather’s story, it illustrates how even young children can intuitively understand a filmmaker’s stylistic choices. Essays about the authors’ own formative film experiences have an irresistible earnestness. Critic James Verniere’s fascination with The 7th Voyage of Sinbad and its Ray Harryhausen special effects led him into his school’s library in search of books about Sinbad, and later, into a film reviewing career. Keough’s connection to Old Yeller is a memorable if heartbreaking story revealing how films can resonate with significant events (such as a pet’s death) in one’s life. Each selection is a gem, particularly Carrie Rickey’s on Little Women’s many adaptations. Glancing at the contributor list gives the only reason for pause: out of 28, only four are women. Otherwise, Keough has assembled an admirable collection that cinephiles will want to read straight through as they embrace a “wondrous immersion into another world.” (Dec.)