10 of the most magical movies
<p>Whether it was the enchanting characters, the memorable scenes or simply because it was the first film mum or dad took you to, these are the movies that have left the most lasting impressions over the decades. How many do you have a soft spot for?</p>
<p><strong>1. The Wizard of Oz</strong></p>
<p>“For me it was <em>The Wizard of Oz</em> with Judy Garland, in fantastic Technicolor. Back then I was lost in the emotions of a young girl trying to find her way home, following that yellow brick road and meeting all sorts of friends with problems of their own.” <strong><em>– Debbie Moody</em></strong></p>
<p>“<em>The Wizard of Oz</em> was a truly magical movie depicting the adventures of Dorothy and her dog when they were whisked during a cyclone to the Land of Oz and met fascinating characters and animals on their way to meet the Wizard. The special effects, scenes, colour, songs, humour and dialogues were wonderfully entertaining and somehow resonated with me emotionally.” <strong><em>– Melanie Gomes</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>2. Beauty and the Beast</strong></p>
<p>“<em>Beauty and the Beast</em> – an enchanted castle, a mysterious beast and above all things LOVE… it was every little girl’s fantasy in a movie!” <strong><em>– Sarah Blockley</em></strong></p>
<p>“<em>Beauty and the Beast</em>, for its romance, strong female lead and Disney charm that warms the heart.” <strong><em>– Tyra White</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>3. Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory</strong></p>
<p>“The original <em>Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory</em>. I loved it for two reasons. First, it showed a wonderful, loving extended family. I was fascinated by their kitchen setting and where the boy Charlie slept in a little nook. Secondly, inside the chocolate factory was what all children dream of, surely. From go to whoa the whole movie transported me from my childhood worries and into a fairyland world. <strong><em>– Margaret McKee</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>4. Dumbo</strong></p>
<p>“<em>Dumbo</em> – for a kid who often felt like she didn’t fit in, and wasn’t good at anything, it was magical to see Dumbo discover his talent and become loved and celebrated.” <strong><em>– Lorraine Cormack</em></strong></p>
<p>“I loved <em>Dumbo</em> as it showed those who are bullied can win if they believe they can.” <strong><em>– Mary Madigan</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>5. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids</strong></p>
<p>“In a way, <em>Honey, I Shrunk the Kids</em> is all about childhood imagination. It recognises that most kids are able to look at our own backyards and see a world of infinite adventure. Rather than limit those adventures to the minds of children, however, <em>Honey, I Shrunk the Kids</em> manages to take that same backyard setting and turn it into the staging ground for an on-screen journey as epic as <em>The Odyssey</em> by shrinking the main characters down to the size of a bug. What’s amazing about this movie all these years later is how it is able to get so much out of its relatively simple premise by throwing nearly every obstacle at these kids that could possibly occur in this situation. As scary as their adventure was, though, there wasn’t a single kid who saw this movie that wouldn’t have gladly embarked on it at least once.” <strong>– Susana Goncalves</strong></p>
<p><strong>6. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</strong></p>
<p>“<em>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</em> had me enthralled with its magic, villains and adventure. Children who believed in themselves, magic and those around them can do anything.” <strong><em>– Adele Smith</em></strong></p>
<p>“<em>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</em>. Yes, it’s a great story written by the creator of James Bond – but to be honest I had a massive crush on Dick Van Dyke.” <strong><em>– Sarah Fairley</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>7. The NeverEnding Story</strong></p>
<p>“<em>The NeverEnding Story</em> has to be the most magical movie from my era. The story had everything a young kid could ask for: a great story, a mythical flying dog and a gripping ending. Our family continues to watch it today.” <strong><em>– Aaron Elliott</em></strong></p>
<p>“I cried so much when Artax died. I also loved the rock/man thing, and I think it was the first time I had ever heard the name ‘Sebastian’.” <strong><em>– Kate Timms</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>8. Little Women</strong></p>
<p>“I have really fond memories of my dad taking me to see <em>Little Women</em>. I was pretty impressed that my burly dad would even consider this outing with his two pre-teen daughters. He really enjoyed it.” <strong><em>– Maggie Westbrook</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>9. The Sound of Music</strong></p>
<p>“It was <em>The Sound of Music</em>. I have such fond memories of this magnificent film, which I saw at some point of my youth in the ‘60s at a drive-in movie theatre in Alice Springs with my parents and sisters. All of us crammed into my father’s HK Holden. It absolutely captivated me from start to finish; the songs, the storyline, the suspense… what wonderful memories.” <strong><em>– Andrew Moore</em></strong></p>
<p>“When I was young, movies were a treat, With lollies, friends and a canvas seat. There was a special one that I did adore, And many times I’ve gone back for more. The songs, the scenery, the storyline, Always transports me to another time. <em>The Sound of Music</em> is such a classic, My memories of it are so fantastic.” <strong><em>– Joanne Carter</em></strong></p>
<p><strong>10. Cinderella</strong></p>
<p>“<em>Cinderella</em>. When my mum and dad broke up I really did inherit bad stepsisters who were mean and called me ugly. Luckily I was more like the ugly duckling and grew to be a swan.” <strong><em>– Ann Sculley</em></strong></p>
