Movies to watch with kids before trip to Universal?

[marciemi]

I'm getting excited about our Universal trip next summer and was trying to come up with a list of movies to watch with the kids (14, 13, and 11) in the meantime to help them become more familiar with the rides and help get us even more psyched up! Of course they're aware of Jimmy Neutron (and if the theoretical Simpsons ride is open by then, that won't be a problem!), but I'm realizing they've never seen ET or Jaws! Since they're older (and avid CSI fans), I'm not too worried about movies being too adult unless they're REALLY bad (I'm concerned about Mummy - not being a horror movie fan, how bad is this one?)

So far, my list seems to be:

-ET
-Jaws
-MIB
-Terminator 2
-Jurassic Park (I think they saw JP3, but don't know about the original)
-Shrek (they did see this but long ago)
-Earthquake (what was the actual movie for this - is there a remake?)
-Twister (is this necessary/worth watching?)

Some I'm wondering if they're at all necessary are:

-Incredible Hulk (does watching the show/movie add to this at all?)
-Spiderman (They are of course familiar with this from comics, etc. - would watching the movie help the plot at all? Is there more than one movie?)
-Dudley Do-Right/Popeye/Bluto/Woody Woodpecker - my kids may know these by name, but haven't really watched any of them. Should I try to scrounge up some old cartoons at the video store?

Some that I don't know what movie they're actually from (if they are) include:

-Revenge of the Mummy (what is the actual title if I look for it at a store?)
-Dueling Dragons
-Sindbad
-Poseidon's Fury
-Animal Actors (is this a current TV show?)

I also plan to grab a few Dr. Seuss books at the library for them to read through quickly to refamiliarize themselves with those! Guess I no longer need to worry about King Kong or BTTF! I have no plans to see Fear Factor since I've banned the show from our house (sorry - it grosses me out!) What about the Monster Makeup type show? I'm not seeing it listed on the Universal site. Is that still around? Is it from a specific show originally?

Thanks for any help!

 

[NashvilleTrio]

I'm getting excited about our Universal trip next summer and was trying to come up with a list of movies to watch with the kids (14, 13, and 11) in the meantime to help them become more familiar with the rides and help get us even more psyched up! Of course they're aware of Jimmy Neutron (and if the theoretical Simpsons ride is open by then, that won't be a problem!), but I'm realizing they've never seen ET or Jaws! Since they're older (and avid CSI fans), I'm not too worried about movies being too adult unless they're REALLY bad (I'm concerned about Mummy - not being a horror movie fan, how bad is this one?)

So far, my list seems to be:

-ET
-Jaws
-MIB
-Terminator 2
-Jurassic Park (I think they saw JP3, but don't know about the original)
-Shrek (they did see this but long ago)
-Earthquake (what was the actual movie for this - is there a remake?)
-Twister (is this necessary/worth watching?)

Some I'm wondering if they're at all necessary are:

-Incredible Hulk (does watching the show/movie add to this at all?)
-Spiderman (They are of course familiar with this from comics, etc. - would watching the movie help the plot at all? Is there more than one movie?)
-Dudley Do-Right/Popeye/Bluto/Woody Woodpecker - my kids may know these by name, but haven't really watched any of them. Should I try to scrounge up some old cartoons at the video store?

Some that I don't know what movie they're actually from (if they are) include:

-Revenge of the Mummy (what is the actual title if I look for it at a store?)
-Dueling Dragons
-Sindbad
-Poseidon's Fury
-Animal Actors (is this a current TV show?)

I also plan to grab a few Dr. Seuss books at the library for them to read through quickly to refamiliarize themselves with those! Guess I no longer need to worry about King Kong or BTTF! I have no plans to see Fear Factor since I've banned the show from our house (sorry - it grosses me out!) What about the Monster Makeup type show? I'm not seeing it listed on the Universal site. Is that still around? Is it from a specific show originally?

Thanks for any help!

Regarding the Mummy movies, the names are "The Mummy" and "Mummy Returns" and are not too scary unless you're afraid of zombie-like skeletons or mummies coming after you!!

I think your list is good. I would definitely watch Twister. IMO it does add to the ride experience. I'm not sure about the Earthquake movie. I don't feel that the Hulk movie or either Spiderman movie (there are 2) really add much to those rides. And the cartoon rides are themed so well, that it wouldn't be necessary to watch those cartoons.

I don't think there are movies for Dueling Dragons or Poseidon's Fury. There is an older Sinbad movie called "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" and the show might be based on some of that. It's a great show. Don't miss it. And I don't know of any animal actors show.

I'm pretty sure the Monster Make-up show is still there. We haven't seen it yet, but it's on our list for our next trip in January. And I think your idea about the Dr. Suess books is great. Definitely do that!

Hope this all helps. Enjoy watching the movies!! And remember that you'll have fun no matter what!

 

[sha_lyn]

The Mummy and Mummy Returns are not horror movies. They are action/adventure movies. Think along the lines of Raiders of The Lost Ark and the other Indian Jones movies

 

[WDWUOFan1]

I'd add Shrek 2 to the list as well.

 

[marciemi]

Thanks everyone! We haven't been to Universal before and I thought I'd try to get them familiar with some parts of it at least! Maybe we can watch a movie each weekend or so between now and then!

 

[reelmom]

Cat in the Hat is a good movie to watch.

 

[rthib]

I think everyone should be exposed to Dudley-Do-Right.

I would also find one of the old Sindbad movies. They are fun to watch anyway.

 

[nerdboyrockstar]

I agree with Cat In The Hat. I think it's a really funny movie and there is a joke about the Universal parks too. haha

 

[cbdmhgp]

I would also watch BTTF, Fantastic Four, and The Blues Brothers!

 

[Eclpz314]

I'm getting excited about our Universal trip next summer and was trying to come up with a list of movies to watch with the kids (14, 13, and 11) in the meantime to help them become more familiar with the rides and help get us even more psyched up! Of course they're aware of Jimmy Neutron (and if the theoretical Simpsons ride is open by then, that won't be a problem!), but I'm realizing they've never seen ET or Jaws! Since they're older (and avid CSI fans), I'm not too worried about movies being too adult unless they're REALLY bad (I'm concerned about Mummy - not being a horror movie fan, how bad is this one?)

So far, my list seems to be:

-ET
-Jaws
-MIB
-Terminator 2
-Jurassic Park (I think they saw JP3, but don't know about the original)
-Shrek (they did see this but long ago)
-Earthquake (what was the actual movie for this - is there a remake?)
-Twister (is this necessary/worth watching?)

Some I'm wondering if they're at all necessary are:

-Incredible Hulk (does watching the show/movie add to this at all?)
-Spiderman (They are of course familiar with this from comics, etc. - would watching the movie help the plot at all? Is there more than one movie?)
-Dudley Do-Right/Popeye/Bluto/Woody Woodpecker - my kids may know these by name, but haven't really watched any of them. Should I try to scrounge up some old cartoons at the video store?

Some that I don't know what movie they're actually from (if they are) include:

-Revenge of the Mummy (what is the actual title if I look for it at a store?)
-Dueling Dragons
-Sindbad
-Poseidon's Fury
-Animal Actors (is this a current TV show?)

I also plan to grab a few Dr. Seuss books at the library for them to read through quickly to refamiliarize themselves with those! Guess I no longer need to worry about King Kong or BTTF! I have no plans to see Fear Factor since I've banned the show from our house (sorry - it grosses me out!) What about the Monster Makeup type show? I'm not seeing it listed on the Universal site. Is that still around? Is it from a specific show originally?

Thanks for any help!

I if you don't have time to watch all the ones you listed, I definitely would do MIB, Jurassic Park (original), and Shrek..........just to be familiar with characters. I didn't see MIB before our first trip though, and had a blast on it!!!!!!!! Shrek has a pre-show that makes more sense if you're familiar with the characters. Watch an episode or two of the Animal Planet show on t.v. Dr. Suess? I don't think is really necessary to review unless they were never exposed to any of the books in childhood. Jaws? Ride really has it's own narrator on boats, so no real review other than to know a killer shark lives somewhere! Have fun!

 

[Perpetual3051]

A couple of people suggested the "Cat In The Hat" movie. I would suggest staying far away from the live action "Grinch Who Stole Christmas" and "Cat In The Hat," as they lack the spirit and charm of the books. If you decide to watch anything Suess related, I would suggest the cartoon versions of both stories (I know that "Grinch" is available on DVD, not so sure about "Cat In The Hat").

That being said, just rereading some of the Seuss books should do quite nicely. I ought to brush up on them myself...

"Earthquake" is not based on a specific movie, I believe, but it's in the spirit of the 70s disaster films (none of which are wonderful, some of which are better than others). I experienced this attraction ten years ago, and I believe that "The Towering Inferno" was the inspiration for one of the "edutainment" sections preceding the ride, but I won't swear to it (and it may have changed since then).

Scrounging up old cartoons may not be necessary for the cartoon rides, but it could be a worthwhile endeavor. "Dudley Do-Right" is especially worthwhile, though I think it is best appreciated by adults. (Of course, I saw them and got something out of them when I was eight, so what do I know?)

Your list so far is sound. "T2," "Jaws," and "ET" are must-sees on their own merits. "Twister" isn't particularly good and probably not necessary to appreciate the attraction (but it may be worth a watch for the special effects).

I stay away from "Fear Factor" as well, and I'm planning to avoid the show on my Universal trip.

Have fun!

 

[Perpetual3051]

It turns out that there IS a disaster film called "Earthquake" that was released in 1974. Sorry about that. I guess the genre just hasn't been high on my priority list...

 

[yaytezIOA]

Definately watch all the movies you listed such as Twister, MIB, and ET. Earthquake...ehhhh....not so much. Also Jimmy Nuetron on Nickelodeon would be good to get them into. And there is always Popeye and Dudley Do Right Cartoons on Boomarang. Also get them to read the sunday comics in the news paper, and for your two older kids get them to READ Jurassic Park. Thats what the land is based on more, the book, not the movie...though it does have some movie theming. They'll get the refernces to the River Adventure and Camp Jurassic a little better. I'll message you with something to get you pumped for the entire Lost Continent, you'll have to skim through it to make sure your kids are able to read it.

 

[marciemi]

Thanks again everyone! yaytez - thanks, I sent you a PM. My kids definitely don't need to be "introduced" to Jimmy Neutron! I asked one of them last night if he'd seen the Jimmy Neutron Movie (I know they've seen the show a zillion times) and he was like "Duh, probably 5 times!" Regarding your recommendation that my older two read Jurassic Park, actually surprisingly the only one that HAS read it is my youngest, and he read the entire book in 3rd grade, when he was 8 (yes, he's a precocious little brat !) I may try to get my oldest to read it since he's an avid reader, but my middle son I know would struggle with it so we'll stick with the movie for him!

I also asked youngest DS if he remembered the Cat in the Hat books and he was like "yeah, that's with Green Eggs and Ham, right?" so I guess a quick review is in order! He also didn't remember ever seeing ET at all - maybe he hasn't!

Incidentally, I just got the Universal Orlando 2007 guidebook and have been reading it. The author recommends seeing ET, Jimmy Neutron, Shrek, and Jurassic Park. She says seeing the movies doesn't help much for Jaws, Earthquake, the Mummy, and Twister ("knowing the films adds little to the fun of the ride"). Just another unbiased opinion for anyone else interested!

Well, I've never seen T2 or MIB or Shrek so I know we have to get those. Sounds like ET and Jurassic Park are critical so we'll get those and then see how much time we have after that! Thanks!