By Richmond Tan,

“Have you ever been sent to the video store with a mission to find videos that the whole family can enjoy? Something that is decent enough that your parents can watch it but interesting enough so that you can enjoy it as well? Easier said than done.
For the past two weeks I have been sorting through videos, going to video stores and asking clerks for advice. Many of my friends and family also gave me some suggestions. Finally I have come up with a list of a few videos that just might work.
Hairspray (PG/ Ricki Lake, Divine) A comedy set in the early 1960’s, Baltimore, when black/ white integration was only beginning. It’s a delightful movie about teen life surrounding a local TV show, “The Corny Collins Show.” Your parents will become nostalgic of their teen years when they see the old-time fashions, hairstyles, dances and songs.
The Joy Luck Club (R/ Ming-na Wen) Your mom will love this flick but prepare some tissues because she will cry throughout. It’s a great movie about the mother-daughter relationships between two generations of Chinese women.
The Shawshank Redemption (R/ Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman) A great movie that fathers will love about an innocent man’s life in prison and his incredible escape.
Unstrung Heroes (PG/ Michael Richards) A charming story about a young boy’s relationship with his ill mother and his two very strange uncles. This story shows a child’s struggle through confusion and the understanding of his family. A person can really feel the bond between mother and son.
Mr. Holland’s Opus (PG/ Richard Dreyfuss) The greatest family film ever made! The story of Mr. Holland, a music teacher, and his relationship with his students as he tries to teach them to play and appreciate music. Mr. Holland also struggles to connect with his deaf son. This movie is very heart-warming and touching.
The Breakfast Club (PG-13/ Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson) A great film about the lives of five teens during a Saturday detention. All of the characters are from different sides of the track but they find out that they have more in common than they think. This movie will also help parents better understand parent-teen relations and peer pressure.