My grandchildren recently asked me for a recommendation for a movie to watch. It took me some time to suggest a title or two since so much of what is out there is potentially corrupting.
When parents ask me for a suggestion, I invariably tell them to look at the Internet Movie Database (IMDB) website and consult the Parent Advisory section to determine if the film you are considering viewing for yourself or for your children is one which you are comfortable with from a personal and parenting perspective.
F.R.E.D.I. is one of those rare films that is kosher in the conventional sense: no foul language, no violence, no sex or nudity. Since my “Kosher Movies” website is designed for adults, my definition of a “kosher movie” is very broad. A “kosher movie” is one that has something meaningful to say about life, a film that may even help us navigate our own lives. It does not indicate whether a film is appropriate for children, so it was with pleasure that I watched F.R.E.D.I. and discovered a movie that I could endorse for teens.
The story begins in a top-secret laboratory in Bentonville, Arkansas. Dr. Andi Palmer is a scientist who created a robot, named F.R.E.D.I., in order to help people and improve their quality of life. Once she realizes that her boss, Grant, will use the robot to advance his own pecuniary concerns rather than improve life for the world, she decides to make sure that her boss has no access to her creation. Fleeing into the forest from Grant’s cohorts, she hides F.R.E.D.I. but does not have enough time to retrieve it after the chase.
A 15-year-old teenager, James Nash, discovers the robot named F.R.E.D.I. in a forest near his home. They soon learn to communicate with one another and a friendship blossoms. James decides to bring the robot home and F.R.E.D.I. gives James much attention. James needs attention because his father, a single parent, is constantly distracted by his business concerns and does not spend much time with his son. James begins to understand how important F.R.E.D.I. is when he observes the robot responding in a friendly and helpful way to human stimuli. Then he feels responsible to protect the robot from the corporate profiteers who want to exploit its powers.
Watching F.R.E.D.I. brings to mind a host of films that in my mind are “kosher“ for teens and that have something valuable to say to adults about navigating life. Here are some of my favorites with an indication of their kosher themes:
Searching for Bobby Fischer – why it is important to lead a balanced life;
Wonder – how we should treat those who are disfigured or disabled;
Toy Story 3– how anger destroys our ability to perceive truth;
It’s a Wonderful Life– why we should be grateful for what we have;
Raiders of the Lost Ark – why it is important to adjust to new realities even when things do not go our way;
E.T. – how we should respond to the stranger in our midst;
Hugo – how we should regard the contributions of the elderly who enrich our lives;
Karate Kid (1984) – how the power of concentration can turn the present moment into an eternal one;
Remember the Titans – how freeing ourselves from prejudice can enrich our lives;
Back to the Future – the value of time and how one moment can change our destinies;
October Sky – considers the question of who is more influential in the life of a child, parents or teachers;
A Little Princess –the importance of having a positive attitude and smiling in the face of adversity;
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale – a reminder for us to treasure acts of kindness.
Kosher Movies 