About a year ago I agreed to let my son watch the movie Space Buddies that we checked out from the library. It was about a litter of five talking golden retriever pups who venture to the moon.

This movie sucked so badly, I knew within 10 minutes that I would have to self-medicate with a few glasses of Shiraz if I was going to survive it. As soon as the credits (if you can call them that) were rolling and the effects of the wine cleared, I promised myself never to endure this level of viewing torture again. I mean, I love my kid, but there is no reason I should sit through a movie that makes me want to pluck my own eyeballs out!

There are plenty of great family movies out there that can give us all a little something. You know what I'm talking about: Sweet characters and flashy visuals for the wee ones; and a good plot, some pop culture references and cheeky humor for the parents. Having these elements present and accounted for makes for a truly special family film experience. Here's a run-down of some of my favorite family movies that you may not have seen:

Fantastic Mr. Fox PG (2009) An adaptation of the Roald  Dahl book of the same name, this gem of a movie about a farm-raiding fox and his family, features great stop-motion animation and quirky dialogue. If you're a Wes Anderson fan, you'll love it - and shame on you if you haven't already seen it!

Fly Away Home PG (1996) Anna Paquin (before her vampire days) is a young girl

who rescues some abandoned Canadian goslings and uses a plane built by her inventor father in an attempt to help them migrate.

Into the West PG (1993) This Irish film is about two young boys who lose their mother and are then forced to live with their alcoholic father in a run-down Dublin apartment. Things look up for them when the boys are given a white stallion that leads them on a new path of joy and adventure.

Coraline PG (2008) In this stop-motion animated film, a curious girl discovers an alternate world that seems very similar to her own, but more fun. She soon realizes her new reality is not everything it's cracked up to be and has to make a cunning escape.

Microcosmos G (1996) This award-winning French film (don't worry, no subtitles) features insects with dazzling cinematography and a beautiful soundtrack. You've never seen the bug world quite like this!

Secret of Roan Inish PG (1993) This John Sayles film is about a young Irish girl discovering the aquatic folklore of her ancestors. It is set in a lovely seaside village which creates a magical backdrop for this lovely tale.

The Red Ballon (La Ballon Rouge) Not Rated (1956) This primarily silent French film is about a boy who gets a red balloon and the game of chase that ensues throughout the town. It's a heartwarmingly simple story that especially appeals to younger children.

Here are some more good films to see as a family: E.T.The Extra Terrestrial, Toy Story, WALL-E, Pixar Shorts (on DVD), Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Were Rabbit, and  Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events.

Now go make some popcorn and enjoy a decent movie with your family!

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