Family Science Fun: 10 Experimental Films

Description: Professor Ned Brainard invents "Flubber," a substance that makes objects fly. This Disney classic is a light-hearted look at the consequences of scientific discovery and the importance of family.

Fact: The film was so successful that it led to a sequel, "Son of Flubber," and inspired the later remake, "Flubber."

Description: A college student accidentally gains super intelligence after being electrocuted by a computer. This Disney film is a humorous take on the potential of technology and human enhancement.

Fact: The film is part of Disney's "Dexter Riley" series, which includes other science-themed comedies like "Now You See Him, Now You Don't."

Description: A housewife starts shrinking after exposure to various household chemicals, leading to a series of comedic and adventurous events. This film satirizes consumerism while exploring the effects of chemical experiments on humans.

Fact: The film was directed by Joel Schumacher, who later directed "Batman Forever." It was inspired by the novel "The Shrinking Man" by Richard Matheson.

Description: This animated film tells the story of Mrs. Brisby, a field mouse, who discovers a secret laboratory where rats have been enhanced with intelligence through experiments. It's a touching tale of courage and the ethical implications of science.

Fact: The film was directed by Don Bluth, who left Disney to create this and other animated features. It was based on the book "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH."

Description: Marty McFly's time-traveling adventure with the DeLorean, powered by a flux capacitor, is one of the most iconic experiments in film history. This movie combines time travel with family dynamics in a thrilling and comedic way.

Fact: The film's famous DeLorean was chosen because its gull-wing doors made it look futuristic. The original script had a refrigerator as the time machine, but it was changed to avoid children climbing into fridges.

Description: Three kids build a spaceship from their dreams and embark on an adventure to meet aliens. This film captures the spirit of youthful curiosity and the magic of science fiction.

Fact: The film was directed by Joe Dante, known for "Gremlins." It was one of the first films to use computer-generated imagery for space scenes.

Description: Two teenage boys use a computer to create the perfect woman, leading to unexpected and comedic results. This film explores the idea of playing with science and the outcomes of such experiments.

Fact: The film was directed by John Hughes, known for his teen comedies. The character of Lisa was originally intended to be a robot, but the idea was changed to make her more human-like.

Description: While not strictly for children, this film's exploration of teleportation experiments gone wrong offers a cautionary tale about the limits of science. It's a gripping story that delves into the ethical dilemmas of scientific experimentation.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1958 movie of the same name. The special effects, particularly the transformation scenes, were groundbreaking and earned the film an Academy Award nomination.

Description: This classic film follows an eccentric inventor whose latest experiment accidentally shrinks his children and their friends to the size of insects. It's a delightful mix of adventure, comedy, and science that's perfect for family viewing.

Fact: The film was so popular that it spawned two sequels and a TV show. The special effects for the miniaturized scenes were groundbreaking for the time.

Description: Professor Philip Brainard's latest invention, a substance called "Flubber," leads to a series of hilarious and chaotic events. This film is a fun exploration of what happens when science meets slapstick comedy.

Fact: The film is a remake of the 1961 Disney movie "The Absent-Minded Professor." The Flubber itself was made from a mixture of rubber, plastic, and other materials to give it its unique, bouncy appearance.