by Sebastian Marcu
We certainly have that holiday feeling here at theyounglondoner.com. The days are longer, the mood is brighter and with the outdoor warm days around the corner, what better way to spend an evening than watching a movie. Get your popcorn ready, gather your friends and family and choose one of our recommended movies below, lovingly curated by Sebastian, our very own movie critic.
1. Snow White (2025) – Classic Disney magic, reimagined for a new generation
Despite all the criticism, the latest version of Snow White is actually an interesting live-action film that still captures that classic Disney magic. Sure, there are quite a few grey areas on the production, but since it’s aimed at younger audiences—and fans of the original 1937 animation—I think it makes for an enjoyable movie outing. The story is similar to the original, but with new characters, new situations, and even new songs – a plus in my opinion, considering some musical numbers in the original animation dragged on a bit.
Rachel Zegler has that classic Disney voice that perfectly fits the part. It reminded me of Maleficent (my favourite from the Disney live-action lineup) and Cinderella.
The computer generated dwarfs, I mean ‘magical creatures’, being Disney’s effort to ‘avoid reinforcing stereotypes’ are somewhat out of place in a few awkward plot points where they are made to look like the bandits, and the overall CGI didn’t look great. That said, I personally think it is likely to be more of a hit with the younger audience than those of certain age who grew up loving the animated magic and wit of the original Snow White Disney classic made all those years ago.
The movie is still in cinemas and soon on Disney Plus.
2. Mamma mia! (2008) – the perfect musical to get you ready for the summer
My favourite movie of all times is “Mamma Mia!” The good vibes that come with this movie are fantastic! If you’ve had a bad day and just want to lie on the sofa and get your mind off things, this is the movie that will lift your spirits and cheer you up. Featuring music from the legendary band ABBA, it stars Meryl Streep as Donna, a hotel owner preparing for the wedding of her daughter, Sophie (Amanda Seyfried). The plot gets deliciously complicated when the bride’s three possible dads — Sam, Bill, and Harry (played by Pierce Brosnan, Stellan Skarsgård, and Colin Firth) — “miraculously” show up at the wedding after Sophie finds Donna’s old journal. Besides the soundtrack, the actors are delightful, and the dialogue is full of lines that feel like life motivating quotes for happiness:
“The best things in life, the very best things, happen unexpectedly.”
Donna: “I grew up.”
Tanya: “Well, then grow back down again!”
Even if it’s not a cinematic masterpiece with perfect shots and artistic precision, this feel good movie is bursting with live singing, great summer holiday vibes from the Greek island of Kalokairi where everyone somehow speaks perfect English. Watch out forDonna’s scarf — which looks like a paid actor during “The Winner Takes It All” performance. All this make this film one of my personal Roman Empire moments. And I am pleased to say, the movie was successful enough to merit a sequel: Mamma Mia Here We Go Again! was released in 2018. The movies are available on Prime Video.
3. The Idea of You (2024) – Celebrity lifestyle, paparazzi, and the dangers of public life
Who doesn’t like a good love story? Or, another fair question—who doesn’t like Anne
Hathaway? I was pleasantly surprised that throughout this entire movie, I didn’t touch my phone once (which is quite rare in this “era” of films). Solène (Anne Hathaway), a divorced mum, becomes the crush of a pop star from her daughter’s favorite band (played by Ella Rubin). Although there’s a significant age gap between the two—Anne’s character is 40, while the young artist, Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), is 24—a beautiful love story begins to unfold between them.
The film is beautifully shot, well acted, and has a memorable story. It feels real, it feels like it could happen to anyone, it feels believable. Nothing is sugar-coated. In fact, Anne Hathaway’s character experiences bullying—both from the fans and from women her own age. Her daughter becomes the target of jokes at school, and even decides to go live with her father when her mom’s new boyfriend moves in. The movie offers a different perspective on what an interesting summer could look like for an artist. We get an understanding of a life lived through concerts and touring the world with a boy band, being adored by fans—but also it gives us a glimpse into the flip side of fame, especially when the forever intruding media keeps meddling in. The movie is available on Prime Video.
4. The Parent Trap (1998) – Double trouble, double fun!
This one is a classic that still holds the same charm for a young audience. I still remember the first time I watched it with my mum, and ever since then, I’ve always wanted to go to summer camp. Kind of like ”Bunk’d” from Disney Channel, this film tells the story of two girls, both played by a very young Lindsay Lohan who met at summer camp, and then discovered — thanks to a torn photo of their parents—that they’re actually twin sisters. The resemblance between them is unmistakable. At the end of camp, they hatch a plan: the twin raised by their mother switches places with the one raised by their father. They successfully trick their parents and try to make up for lost time as a family.
From a technical point of view, for a film from 1998, the “twin” effect is almost flawless—it
really feels like two different actresses. This Disney classic is playful, funny, full of joy, and absolutely perfect for kids to watch this summer!
Available on Disney Plus.
5. Dennis the Menace (1993) – Lock the doors. Hide the flower. Dennis is here!
Following up from the classic series Dennis the Menace, the movie is one every kid should watch. With parents out of town for business, Dennis (Mason Gamble), the neighbourhood kid troublemaker, ends up staying with Mr. Wilson (Walter Matthau) and his wife (Joan Plowright). As an elderly couple, they’ve got their routines and habits, which of course spark Dennis’s curiosity and mischievous side. Kind of like a ‘Kevin’ from ‘Home Alone’, Dennis is one of the most delightfully mischievous characters in modern film history. From Mr. Wilson’s formal gatherings to the rare flower that only blooms at a specific time, Dennis always finds a way to get involved—and usually in the most chaotic way
possible. This all leads to the iconic, frustrated yell:
“- Dennis!”
At the same time, though, the kid can also be Mr. Wilson’s biggest helper. Curious? I highly recommend this classic for a good laugh, some lighthearted fun, and a cozy family movie night. Available on Netflix!
For the latest reviews, updates and recommendations follow @younglondonist on Instagram. For more ideas of things to do with the kids in London, visit our events and activities area which provides details of free events and special offers in London’s finest venues.