Think Emotion, Adventure Not Commercial Tie-Ins

Michele Willens’ article, “So Much for the Family Trend?’ (Calendar, Sept. 21) supposes that a recent group of poorly performing family films will curtail PG-13 movies in the future. Unfortunately, she may be right, but she misses an important reason behind many films’ failure. Family films are extremely difficult to make well, and an over-developed focus on commerce can often wreck them.

A film that can enthrall young and old alike requires inventiveness, subtlety and a deft touch. You can’t take short-cuts by adding mayhem, sex or big stars to lure people in. It has to be an original, imaginative story, well acted and directed, that touches an audience’s emotions--regardless of age.

When you start talking screening scores, cross-gender demographics and promotional tie-ins, you’re not talking about touching an audience. You’re talking about commerce. The problem with family films is that there is too much care taken with commerce, and not enough taken with execution.

Kids love stories with adventure, wonder, imagination and emotion. They adore laughter, scares, tearful moments and triumph. They stand in line to see the impossible, the courageous and the spectacular. Let’s make movies like that for them, all year round.

And worry about the merchandising tie-ins later.

MIKE KROHN

Los Angeles