Sometimes it’s helpful to look back at our ancestors’ world and consider how times have changed.
It can spark a sense of gratitude for our many blessings. It also can cause us to slow down and question why our lives have become so congested.
Each time I watch “Little House on the Prairie” I feel these emotions — and more.
The Golden Globe-nominated series ran from 1974 to 1983 and tells the story of Charles and Caroline Ingalls and their children: Laura, Mary and Carrie.
Set in the 1800s, the series follows this pioneer family as they fight for survival in a world void of supermarkets, cars and electricity. For modern-day children it may be the next best thing to visiting a living history museum.
All nine seasons of “Little House on the Prairie” are now streaming on Amazon Prime.
The series was based on the children’s books and exploits of Laura Ingalls Wilder, who was born in 1867 and lived in Walnut Grove, Minnesota, as a child.
Some of the episodes include adult themes but most contain lessons we all should learn.
Also streaming in March:
For adults/teens
- “I Can Only Imagine” (Amazon Prime, Hulu) — It shocked Hollywood observers in 2018 with a top five opening and it remains one of the best faith-based films of all time. The story follows the childhood and young adult years of MercyMe’s Bart Millard, whose abusive father came to Christ. Rated PG for thematic elements including some violence.
- “Nacho Libre” (Amazon Prime, Hulu) — The same team behind the 2004 cultural phenomenon “Napoleon Dynamite” was behind this movie, which tells the story of a monk who becomes a professional wrestler. Rated PG for some rough action and crude humor including dialogue.
- “Disney’s Christopher Robin” (Netflix) — A stressed out and workaholic British father rediscovers the simple joys of life thanks to his childhood friends: Winnie, Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet and Roo. This film is enjoyable for the whole family and includes valuable life lessons. Rated PG for some action.
- “Emma” (Netflix) — A young woman named Emma Woodhouse enjoys the art of matchmaking but fails miserably at her own romantic relationships. Set in the early 1800s, it’s based on a Jane Austen novel. Rated PG for brief mild language.
- “Disney’s Saving Mr. Banks” (Netflix) — The real-life Walt Disney works to obtain the movie rights to P.L. Travers’ novel “Mary Poppins.” Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, it contains minimal language but one unnecessary “GD.”
- “Free Solo” (Hulu) — A daring (and perhaps crazy?) rock climber sets a goal of scaling Yosemite’s El Capitan without a safety rope. It won an Oscar for Best Documentary. Rated PG-13 for brief language (including one f-word).
For children
- “Stuart Little” (Netflix) — An American family adopts a teenage mouse as their son. A few mild curse words spoil what could have been a film appropriate for young children. Rated PG.
- “Astro Boy” (Hulu) — A scientist living in the futuristic Metro City designs a robot to look like his deceased son. Unfortunately the president of Metro City tries to recruit the robot to use for evil. Rated PG for some action and peril and brief mild language.
- “The Stinky & Dirty Show” Season 2 (Amazon Prime, beginning March 22) — The exploits of Stinky (a garbage truck) and Dirty (a backhoe loader) continue in the second season.
- “Spy Kids 2: The Island of Lost Dreams” (Netflix) — Carmen and Juni, the world’s most famous children spies, save their parents from the bad guys. Rated PG.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Michael Foust covers the intersection of faith and entertainment as a media reviewer for The Alabama Baptist. He also is the husband of an amazing wife and the father of four young children.
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