Movie Review: Goodnight Moon and Other Sleepytime Tales
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What Parents Should Know
Parents should know that this kids over 6 are too old to
appreciate the songs, yet not old enough to appreciate the
choice of singers. Parents should also note that studies
indicate television right before bedtime can stimulate kids'
brains, making it more difficult for them to fall asleep.
Families who watch this film might discuss the bedtime themes covered in the songs and stories, such as blankies, dreams, and nightmares.
Common Sense Media Review
GOODNIGHT MOON is a comforting multicultural stroll with the
Sandman through the realm of sleep. The video, tenuously linked
to the ever-popular children's book
Goodnight Moon,features gorgeous animation, cute and
funny real-kid segments, and rich musical offerings from the
likes of Aaron Neville and Patti LaBelle. Parents may find
themselves watching the video for the celebrity performances
even after the wee ones are tucked away.
Following an animated opening featuring Tony Bennett, the picture-book Goodnight Moon -- a favorite with children for generations -- takes flight in a poetic and beautifully rendered retelling. Here night is depicted as a time and place of comfort.
Along with much clever animation throughout, Billy Crystal reads "There's a Nightmare in My Closet," Natalie Cole brings Faith Ringgold's "Tar Beach" to life, Patti LaBelle tackles "Twinkle, Twinkle," and Lauryn Hill gives a hip-hop-influenced rendition of "Hush Little Baby." Aaron Neville performs "Brahm's Lullaby" to the animated accompaniment of various animals hitting the sack.
Animated musical segments are interspersed with short live-action pieces. Here kids share insights into various aspects of the world of sleep. James and his sister Chloe address whether James, who is blind, is able to see in his dreams. Junior Native Americans build dreamcatchers.
A lot of the bedtime bases get covered here, from nightmares to blankies. And while a lot of the musical segments might be somewhat frivolous, the interviews with real kids deal with important issues. The segment with a blind boy and his sister is particularly affecting, addressing disability without being in the least condescending.
Other sleepytime videos that may be of interest to parents are Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories, which tackles a full range of bedtime obstacles, and Maisy's Bedtime, in which the mouse goes through the familiar sleep rituals.
Other similar videos include: Goodnight Little Bear, Bedtime Stories, Sesame Street- Bedtime Stories and Songs and Bear in the Big Blue House Vol. 8 - Bedtime/Nights.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
