Movie Date
Learning to watch a film is fun (and I have some recommendations!)
This week is a busy/fun one for me: Dordt Discovery Days! Its our annual summer camp for middle schoolers, and I’ve been part of the joyful craziness for over 20 years now. (That sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud!) It’s good affirmation that I still really like hanging out with middle schoolers, and a good reminder of the joys and concerns of teaching young adolescents. I love it!
DDD is a sort of “academic” camp, but I use that term loosely. We do want kids to learn something during the week they are on campus, and they sign up for a morning class and an afternoon class. There are a wide variety of different kinds of things they can experience and enjoy—whether that’s capitalizing on their existing interests, or exploring something brand new.
For the past 8 or 10 years I’ve taught a course called “Movie Date.” The basic idea of the class: filmmakers are out to manipulate you, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as long as you’re aware of it. :-) I teach them a few things about how films are made—setting up shots, editing, using music and sound effects and color to create a mood, and more. We watch a lot of film clips to build up our understanding of what filmmakers are doing, from classic Road Runner and Coyote cartoons, to bits from Star Wars, to some clips from classic movies ranging from 12 Angry Men to Star Wars, from Spartacus to The Avengers. I always warn them at the beginning of the week that I’m going to ruin watching movies for them, but they generally love the class, and come away better equipped to discern what makes a good film “good.”
The first day is a lot of building up this background. We learn about several common shots that filmmakers use, and then watch a few film clips to see them in action. We watch a bit from Frozen, and then a re-cut of some of the same footage, reimagining the film as a thriller instead—so creepy! Seriously, check it out: If Frozen Was a Horror Movie (jump scares here!) We watch the famous lightsaber duel between Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi from Star Wars, and then watch the same visuals with ridiculous sound effects and goofy music to see just how important music is for creating the feeling of a scene. And then we watch a bunch more clips to understand how filmmakers use editing shots together to tell the story, with music and sounds and all the rest to make a compelling sequence.
Once we have these basics in our pockets, we put our newfound knowledge to work: we watch and analyze a few Pixar shorts: Piper (which is brilliant in it’s development of character), Geri’s Game (which does amazing things for thinking about how clever shots and reactions can tell a story without any dialogue), and One Man Band (which uses all of the different kinds of shots we learn about, to help them practice naming them and seeing how they work in service of telling the story.) The first big question we always ask after watching a film is, “Did you like it?” And then we follow that up with, “What was the filmmaker ‘doing’ in this film?” These short films are a great way for them to watch a variety of different kinds of stories, and practice answering these key questions.
The rest of the week, we watch a film every day, analyze it in light of the things we’ve learned, and take a little time to discuss the themes and ideas that the filmmakers are illustrating. My goal is to choose films that I suspect most of them will not have seen before, but are still high-interest films for middle schoolers—and also not content-prohibitive. I try to choose films from different genres too, so we can compare and contrast them.
Wondering what films we watch? Here are a few that I’ve used successfully over the past few years—films that I would recommend watching and discussing with your own tweens and teens. (Knowing your own kids, of course, these may or may not be perfectly suited, but I aim for PG options.) Here’s my top five films for this age group:
Willow (1988), directed by Ron Howard and produced by George Lucas
Willow is a classic fantasy adventure that blends magic, courage, and humor. The story follows Willow Ufgood, an unlikely hero—a humble farmer and aspiring sorcerer—who embarks on a quest to protect a mysterious baby destined to bring down an evil queen. With its imaginative world, memorable creatures, and fast-paced action, Willow offers plenty of thrills without becoming too dark or intense for younger viewers. The film champions themes like bravery, friendship, and believing in yourself, which resonate with kids navigating their own coming-of-age journeys. Add in a bit of slapstick comedy and the reluctant-hero trope, and you’ve got a fun, age-appropriate fantasy that inspires while entertaining.
Ender’s Game (2014), based on the acclaimed novel by Orson Scott Card
Ender’s Game is a science fiction adventure that challenges viewers to think deeply about leadership, empathy, and the cost of war. The story centers on Ender Wiggin, a brilliant but isolated teenager recruited into a military training program to help defend Earth from an alien threat. With its futuristic setting, intense training simulations, and fast-paced action, the kids I’ve watched it with always find the film genuinely exciting, while still offering plenty for us to discuss. What makes Ender’s Game especially fitting for analysis is its exploration of what it means to be a good leader—balancing strength with compassion—and how young people are often capable of more than adults expect. The movie also raises questions about morality and responsibility: is it right to fight a war? Who determines what “fair” looks like in a fight? And what if human extinction is on the line? It’s a visually striking film that invites kids to imagine the future while reflecting on the choices they make today.
McFarland, USA (2015), by Walt Disney Pictures
McFarland, USA is an inspiring sports drama based on a true story that highlights the power of perseverance, teamwork, and believing in others. The film follows Coach Jim White (played by Kevin Costner) who takes a job at a struggling high school in a predominantly Latino farming community. When he notices the students’ natural running ability, he forms a cross-country team that defies expectations. What makes this film a great fit for young adolescents is its strong emphasis on character development, cultural pride, and overcoming adversity through hard work. The kids in the film face real-life challenges—economic hardship, family responsibilities, and self-doubt—but their journey is uplifting and accessible. The story encourages empathy, grit, and respect for diverse backgrounds, making it more than just a “sports movie.” It’s a surprisingly powerful film that uncovers a lot of the subtleties of racism, and how a lack of understanding of “the other” can be overcome by being willing to be humble enough to learn—a lesson Coach White learns firsthand.
The Rocketeer (1991), by Walt Disney Pictures
The Rocketeer is a high-flying action-adventure that blends retro Hollywood charm, comic book flair, and daring heroics in a way that's perfect for young adolescents. The adventure begins in the very first scene, and the pacing of the movie gives us a great opportunity to learn about how you can develop characters even while focusing on action. Set in 1930s Los Angeles, the film follows Cliff Secord, a young stunt pilot who discovers a secret jetpack that turns him into a reluctant superhero. The movie offers an exciting glimpse into the glamour of old Hollywood—complete with movie stars, gangsters, and vintage airplanes—while also introducing the real-world tension of rising Nazi influence just before World War II. It mixes historical elements with a playful, swashbuckling tone that keeps the story light and thrilling. With clear heroes and villains, plenty of heart, and just the right amount of suspense, this one has been a can’t-miss film every time I’ve taught the class. (This is truly one of my favorite films ever—partly out of nostalgia, but mostly because it’s just such a fun story!)
The Truman Show (1998) starring Jim Carrey
The Truman Show is a thought-provoking and surprisingly funny film that tells the story of Truman Burbank, an ordinary man who slowly begins to realize that his entire life might be part of a carefully crafted illusion. As the story unfolds, Truman discovers that he is unwittingly the star of a TV show, and that his whole life has been a facade. Made before the rise of reality TV and social media, this movie is remarkably ahead of its time and offers adolescents a great way to reflect on today’s “selfie culture.” While we often choose to share our lives online, Truman’s life is being watched without his knowledge—and his journey to figure out the truth raises big questions about privacy, identity, and authenticity. Jim Carrey brings warmth and charm to the role; it is a funny film, but not his often crass, physical humor. I’ve found that this is a perfect film for sparking conversations about what’s real, what we share, and who we’re becoming in a world of constant visibility.
Do you have some favorite films for middle schoolers? Drop a comment to share some that you would recommend, and why you love them!
Dave’s Faves
Here are three things I’m absolutely loving right now that I hope you might love too…
Dave’s Fave #1: The Preamble
I’ve mentioned Sharon McMahon several times before in this newsletter—I think very highly of her projects to improve civic literacy and civil engagement in the USA. She is a former government teacher who is trying to do some real good in the world using her online platform. I recommend following her on Instagram (@sharonsaysso) and her podcast “Here’s Where It Gets Interesting” is great—whether it’s one of her scripted historical series, or a season of interviews with intriguing people. And her book The Small and the Mighty was one of the best books I read in 2024!
But today, today I want to recommend her daily newsletter, The Preamble. It’s usually thoughtful commentary on political or government-related topics, but not always. (Take this recent example that I found really intriguing: AI Is Lying to You.) Most of the posts in The Preamble are free for everyone to read, and if you subscribe they come right to your inbox every day. Sharon is non-partisan, and intentionally seeks to educate, not indoctrinate or argue for a particular political stripe, which is refreshingly hopeful for me. I encourage you to check out her stuff!
Dave’s Fave #2: Getting published!
I recently had a piece published in the Journal of Technology Integrated Lessons and Teaching (JTILT). It’s always wonderful to see something I’ve written in print! This journal is near and dear to me—full disclosure, I serve on the editorial board, and I also review articles for them. JTILT publishes peer-reviewed “learning representations”—technology-rich lesson plans, with a comprehensive description of the context for learning, and reflection on how the lesson unfolded, tips for the teaching, and things the author would do different the next time around.
Here’s the article I recently had published: “Puzzling Our Way into Computational Thinking.” It is an exploration of an activity I did as part of a series of professional development workshops to help practicing teachers better understand what computational thinking is, how it works, and how they can use CT strategies in lots of different content areas—not just computer science. :-)
If you’re willing to click the link and download a copy—even if you don’t read the whole thing—I’d really appreciate it, as that helps promote the journal on Google, so more people can find it. Thanks in advance!
Dave’s Fave #3: Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices
I can’t remember exactly where I first encountered the band The Welcome Wagon (it might have been a recommendation from my pal, Mike Janssen, because I know he likes them too.) If you’re familiar with Sufjan Stevens, The Welcome Wagon will probably sound familiar—and Stevens is a friend of the band, and sometimes plays backup on some tracks. The band is a husband-wife duo made up of Vito and Monique Aiuto. I guess I would categorize their genre as indie-folk, but it’s kind of gospel, and sometimes shimmery pop. Their 2012 album, Precious Remedies Against Satan’s Devices is my favorite of theirs. I’d encourage you to check out their version of “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (track 3) and “God Be With You Til We Meet Again” (track 12) as some good places to start. I hope you’ll give this one a whirl, and leave a comment to let me know what you think!
The Last Word!
I hope that your summer is rolling along in a relaxing way—particularly if you are an educator. I hope that the different rhythm of the summer months is good for recreation, and re-creation. And if you need to beat the heat, maybe finding a place indoors where you can watch a film isn’t a bad way to do so. What are you watching this summer? Drop a comment to share a recommendation!
And, as Truman Burbank would say, “Good morning! And in case I don’t see you, good afternoon, good evening, and goodnight!”
