Family film night. Is it ever enjoyable?!

[NotQuiteUsual]

We've just say down to watch Elf, after much begging from the 3DC. We decorated Christmas cupcakes together, sorted snacks, blankets, drinks etc. Proper picture perfect stuff right? I really pulled out all the stops.

And within 5 minutes, they're all wandering round the room, trying to tell me the plot to five nights at Freddies instead, criticising the film and the toddler is trying to turn the TV off while screaming. Is there a magic age when family film night becomes an pleasant thing? Or is it always this kind of chaos?

Not with the youngers ones. Even the nearly 4 year old just chats all the way thro!
We now just wait till the 2 youngest in bed and me dh and ds /dsc if here watch a film later.
No fidgeting no chatting no 'I've done a poo wipe my bum please mum' just peace

It's not like in the movies having family movie nights.

It's definitely not like the movies! Kids have given up and gone off to play, so we're enjoying the film(and MNing)ourselves at least.

Criticising the film is the best bit! Along with trying to figure out what else we've seen the actors in the very minor roles in before. :o

Sounds like how it should be to me.
But then I reckon if kids are calm and sitting still quietly, they're definitely up to something..

You have unrealistic expectations.
Decorating cakes is enough activity for a large chunk of time for a family to have together.
How old are your children?
Have they seen the movie before?
Have they eaten a meal or just cupcakes?
Just finished school this week?
Excited/overtired.

I would lower your expectations.
The Hallmark world is pure fiction.

Is Elf available on any streaming sites? I cant find it!

I think it depends as well on what film it is, personality of child and what mood they're in

DD5 is always on the go and always declares that she "hates films" so getting her to watch one is a struggle whereas DS3 is more placid and quite likes films but obviously he is only three so not all will sustain his attention.

I think the only Christmas film we've had success with so far is the Grinch (animated version).

We paid to rent it off YouTube! DH had a Google play voucher so bargain.

I absolutely have too high expectations. Is it even Christmas if you don't set yourself up for disappointment by hoping for photo perfect family moments? family tradition for us at least.

DS is having the time of his life telling me what's going to happen next, this is his best film that ever filmed ever I am told. Toddler has almost forgiven me for putting a film on and big one has gone off into her own happy little world with her headphones on.

Oh, the internet's gone down!

IT WAS DOOMED FROM THE START

We always start family film night with a big argument about which film to watch.

Mine are 6 and 8 now and it's much better. Save for the massive fight about what to watch. They chose Elf tonight too...

If you find the right film - we had a great one with 'Mitchells vs the Machines' on Netflix with 10yo and 13yo (latter generally doesn't like films but heavy related to very queer-coded teenager in it!)

Oh I love Mitchell's Vs the Machines!

We've had some success with the new Adams Family one as well as the Willoughby's and Coraline. Basically Christmas films are far too happy and safe for them, there needs to be a real risk of death for my kids to be interested.

Internet is back up though I fear the moment has been lost. Tomorrow is DSs birthday so no Christmas films then. We'll try again boxing day I think. Might of lowered my standards by then.

Ditto OP.

Family film nights suck... Films with just my oldest have been good since he was 5 or 6 but with all 3 kids, it's like hearding cats.

No criticising Elf. That’s the only rule here. But they’re teens it’s easier by then.

No. DD always ruins it. I don't bother anymore unless she is out.

Film Night - I think I’m traumatised from ours! We attempt to have some kind family night together on a Saturday - we take it in turns to choose a movie and a take away and we’re supposed to watch it together (DCs are 10, 13, 15). We’ve had variable levels of success over the years. I feel like we’ve had some golden patches - notably about 3 years ago - but most of the time at least one will storm out before the end! Like you I have dreams of perfect family evenings and I’ll try to get them back but DH is much more pragmatic and he’s right. You can’t enforce fun! So on the days it does work out it feels like a real bonus but the other days I just relax and have a glass of wine and enjoy the movie with the ones who have stuck it out!

I would say my 4yo is just about getting there with being able to watch a movie, but it's better if he has seen it before. It almost like it's too much for him to take in first time round.

He enjoyed Jumanji- that's on Netflix and pretty tense in places!

The Mitchells versus the machines is great.

Would love more suggestions for a tween.

Phew, I thought it was just us!

We're watching Home alone tomorrow night, pray for us.

Same over here! I put Muppet Christmas Carol on after tea and DH was scrolling his phone and telling me what's on offer in the Halford's sale, and 3yo DS made it to the first appearance of the Ghost of Christmas Present before giving up and playing with his toys. Baby DD just tried to eat the remote. Might try again in five years...🥴

Film night has always been one of our favourites, but my kids love films and always did so it's never been a struggle to get them to sit still. I miss the days of going to the cheap Saturday morning family screenings at the cinema.

We've got to 1hr 13mins in!! Just 15 left! DH is asleep and the K-nex is out.

Even the dog has given up and gone to the kitchen for some peace.

I would quite like a film night with my dc. But they are 13 & 14 and usually only watch crap on youtube on the one tv we have. I end up in my bedroom.

Now and then I have been watching a film and one or the other starts watching with me although I get a barrage of questions about the plot for the rest of it.