My name is Brendan Knapp.
I am a veteran broadcast journalist who now writes about movies, Star Wars, parenting, and everything else. My number one job, though, is making sure my girls grow up with steady heads on their shoulders. I believe our shared movie nights have a positive impact on their self-esteem and help them develop a curious awareness of the world. I relish every movie night — except for Hitpig! night. I got through that one with my good friend George Dickel.
If you have any questions or comments, please email me at notanotherkidmovie@gmail.com.
Not Another Kid Movie FAQ
This ain’t Common Sense Media. So what is Not Another Kid Movie?
It’s a family-film guide built for real parents. I write about movies the way families actually watch them — messy, funny, cozy, chaotic, hungover — whatever mood the day throws at you. I look at how films feel for kids and parents. Whether it’s a bizarre and bright brand-new streaming drop or a weird little gem of kindertrauma you’ve never heard of, the goal is simple: help you pick great movies to have a kickass family film night.
How do you come up with the age recommendations?
I take the studio rating and chuck it into the garbage. What does PG-13 tell you about Jurassic Park? Not much. How about 8+? Yes, an eight-year-old can see that movie. Mine has. Not all should. I evaluate films on how they actually feel to kids — the intensity, emotional load, scariness, and cultural landmines, the kind that trigger an explosion of questions after the credits roll. Basically, if a movie is gentler than its rating suggests, I set it lower. If it hits harder, I keep it higher.
What qualifies as a family film?
A family film isn’t about ratings or format — it’s about who the movie is built for and how it plays in a shared room. It either centers on a child, centers on a family, or tells a story designed for families to watch together, with stakes kids can understand even if the cast is all adults. There can be scares, light innuendo, mild drinking or smoking, and action or violence that’s cartoonish, comedic, or clearly purposeful. But no nudity, explicit sex, or cruelty for cruelty’s sake. If kids can follow the story and feel included in the viewing experience, the movie belongs here.
Do you ever warn parents about bad movies?
💯 Sometimes you need a heads-up about a delightful, hand-drawn-like Oscar contender from Latvia. Sometimes I need to warn you about Hitpig!. In that review I told parents, “maybe after a sixer of double IPAs and a few chasers of Makers Mark, you’ll laugh once or twice.”
How often is the site updated?
Constantly. New reviews, new lists, new subgenre videos, new streaming guides, new newsletter issues — all rolling out every week. My homepage feeds it all right to you.
What should I sip on for family film night?
Every genre has its flavor – and some films require something with a higher proof. Classic cocktails put you in the mood for black and white classics. A bourbon with a beer back sets you on the path to adventure. Cozy classics might go well with a sipable wine. If you’re going nostalgic, reminisce with a peaty scotch. But not all movies require a drink. Some you’ll find are potent enough that you’re ingesting all you need just by watching.
