The 'don't bash it, it's made for kids' argument

This is one I tend to see a lot, not just with the Nostalgia Critic, but even when professional critics pan a film intended for children, so I thought I'd throw in my two cents.

Yes, I know that children's movies are intended for different audiences, but you can still have a well-made children's film that doesn't rely too heavily on whimsical pandering or unfunny slapstick. Most, if not all, Pixar films understand this, as did the makers of Coraline, Where The Wild Things Are, and Fantastic Mr. Fox. The makers of Secret Of NIMH 2, A Troll In Central Park, The Neverending Story 3, Alpha And Omega, Maramduke, and Cats And Dogs 2 did not. They seemed to be part of the "Oh, it's a kids' film. It's not like we have to put any effort into it" mindset.

So, if we can pick apart the story and characterization flaws in films intended for adults, why can't we do the same for films intended for children? Kids deserve to have good movies just as much as anybody else. They should have films that invoke a sense of imagination and adventure (You know, things kids like) rather than talking down to them and treating them like they're too stupid to understand complex matters.

Of course, there are films like Care Bears 2 that aim for a much lower demographic, but seriously, I think even five year olds would probably feel insulted at the sight of floating hearts and stars with faces.

Bottom line: kids' films are about as fair game as everything else. When somebody like NC picks apart a kids' film, they're usually asking more than 'Is this a good movie?" They're asking "Is this a movie kids should be watching when there's better alternatives out there?"

But that's just my opinion. What do you think?

PS: Looks like creamfilling16 is on the run. Oh well. Cue her and another one of her crazy psychobabble rants.

RIP Delores Nelson
1931-2010