Poppy and Branch are two characters from the Trolls movie. This movie offers so much insight into human nature that I just love watching it with my kids. In one exchange, Branch says to Poppy “The world isn’t all cupcakes and rainbows” Poppy replies “Hey I know it’s not all cupcakes and rainbows but I’d rather go through life thinking that it mostly is than being like you.” So… are you team Branch or team Poppy? Well, the answer is that the world needs both, and they turn out to be the best of friends.

The world isn’t all cupcakes and rainbows

Princess Poppy is the leader of the trolls, she’s a cheerleader for life and her unfaltering optimism and love of parties makes her as popular as she is pretty. She also has a big heart and genuinely wants the best for her tribe. Branch scopes the landscape for any challenges ahead and is prepared and basically saves the day through his cautious and careful approach. They make an awesome team and bring out the best in each other. You could easily write off Branch as a grumpy troll and Poppy as flaky, but Poppy helps Branch show his true colours, and that scene is beautiful.

The other movie that I wholeheartedly recommend for kids is Inside Out. This movie will teach your kids (and you!) that all emotions have a role to play and are valid. I have watched this several times and keep noticing new things.

Do you ever look at someone and wonder “What is going on inside their head?”

The opening line by the character Joy, is “Do you ever look at someone and wonder “What is going on inside their head?” Well, I know, well I know Riley’s head”. We are introduced to the colourful characters living inside school girl Riley’s head: Joy, Sadness, Disgust, Anger and Fear. Like in the Trolls movie, the two main characters, Joy and Sadness, battle over their differences until they learn to accept each other. Joy never wants to let Sadness be in charge, and Sadness consequently feels that she has no value.

This follows the story of Riley’s family relocating from her beloved home of Minnesota to the unfamiliar broccoli loving state of San Francisco. Gradually Joy sees the value in Sadness as Sadness is able to lead the way at times as she helps avoid pitfalls and can relate to others in a way that Joy can’t. One thing that I noticed when I last watched Inside Out was how the characters inside Riley’s mom’s head are so comfortable with each other and always work together as a team. They all sit round one table and accept the value of each other.

Ultimately, that is what I’d like for my children. To help them accept their emotions and see the value in each of them. These two movies are fantastic for both adults and kids, and there are some really thoughtful people behind their production.