What movies or television shows keep us coming back for more? What brings us back to the theater or to sit down in front of the tube to watch a TV show or movie? It's the story folks, it's the characters, it's the characters exhibiting their values in sometimes quirky ways, but in the long run, it's a testament to those characters who strive to do their best, to do good, and to make the world a better place. The best are about family, sometimes chosen family and love, and overcoming differences.

Take the television show "Modern Family," it's about a wacky family who get into the damndest situations that always result in all sorts of catastrophes. Love brings these less than perfect people with various issues together in hilarious ways, but in the end you are left with the sense that they love each other very much, even if they don't always understand one another. It's quality funny stuff, and it has heart. I think "Glee" is another example of a chosen family that functions, despite all of the weird bumps along the road. Both are up for Emmys for very good reasons.

This is what makes animated movies so popular. They are funny, they zip off onto weird tangents and conflicts, but in the end, they come together and realize that what's important is love, friends and family.

I admit that the animation is a draw; in animation you can do things that one can't do with people. However, when it comes down to it, I think that the audiences like the positive messages that "kiddo films" convey, and the fun it takes to get there. The best all ages animation has stories that work on two levels . . . adult funny stuff that goes over the kids' heads and good old all ages slapstick humor, enjoyed by adults and children alike.

Perhaps Hollywood needs to rethink their big budget films and concentrate on telling stories that all of us can relate to by drawing on common cultural values. You can tickle our funny bones, you can even blow up stuff, or have wild chases, but it's far more satisfying to tickle our hearts, explode our emotions, and chase the things that really matter.