With school out for the summer, families across the nation are heading out on family vacations with many doing road trips to see various sites around the country. If this description fits you, or you are just looking for a fun movie to watch with the family, here are four movies about long trips and journeys for all to enjoy.
The Wizard of Oz
Along your trip with your family this summer, you are bound to see some interesting things and meet some interesting people. It is highly unlikely, however, that you will take them with you to your final destination like Dorothy does in “The Wizard of Oz.” After being whisked away to the magical land of Oz, Dorothy is told that she needs to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz to use his magic to get Dorothy home. On the way, Dorothy meets the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow. All three are looking to meet the Wizard for their own purposes and join with Dorothy on a wild adventure to the Emerald City.
One of the most popular movies of all-time, “The Wizard of Oz” should be a fun journey for the entire family but has some moments that might be frightening to small children.
Pee Wee’s Big Adventure
Thousands of families this year will make lengthy trips to see national landmarks such as the Alamo in San Antonio. Their reasons for going to the Alamo are almost definitely different than Pee Wee Herman in “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” After having his beloved bike stolen, Pee Wee tries to discover its location with the help of a “psychic” who informs him that it is located in the basement of the Alamo.
Determined to get his bike back, Pee Wee makes the lengthy trip to San Antonio and has some wild adventures in the meantime with a classic scene where he dances to “Tequila” in a bar as a last request before imminent death. If you and your family members have a quirky sense of humor, “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure” might be right up your alley.
The Muppet Movie
Some trips that will be taken by families this year will be the fulfillment of at least one family member’s dreams, whether it is to see the ocean or a favorite ballplayer in action. In “The Muppet Movie,” the gang travels to Hollywood hoping to get their big break and become stars.
Along the way, they run into many snags that risk the fulfillment of their dreams, with the most notable being a cruel man trying to get Kermit to advertise for fried frog legs. Will the crew make it to Hollywood and fulfill their ambitions? If you’re taking your family on a trip to fulfill a dream, “The Muppet Movie” may be a perfect flick to watch prior to departing.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy
While many families will be traveling purely for enjoyment, others will be making long journeys for more serious reasons, such as paying final respects to a loved one. In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, it is safe to say that Frodo and his faithful companions’ trip is more for business than pleasure.
After Frodo is given a ring with unspeakable power, he is informed that he must go to Mount Doom to destroy the ring and end the reign of the evil dark lord Sauron. If the task and location sound ominous, that’s because they are. If your trip is extra-long, throw on The Lord of the Rings trilogy and be glad that you are not making the same trip as Frodo.
Parents should be warned that The Lord of the Rings trilogy has some violent and frightening moments. OK.com users agree with the films' rating of PG-13.
What is your favorite road trip movie?
Dylan Cannon is a regular contributor to KSL.com and Ok.com and could use a vacation himself.
