overview For parents, teachers, and concerned citizens, Waiting for "Superman" is an overview of the issues and challenges facing America's schools. This documentary directed by Davis Guggenheim explores the tragic ways in which the American public education system is failing our nation's children. The movie follows five American students as they navigate the public education system in their school districts, and then the charter schools they are hoping to attend based on the outcome of the lottery selection process. The movie reminds us that fifty years ago our schools were serving a purpose and were meeting the needs for the time. However as the times have changed, our schools have not.
critique This movie shows us why we need to invest in change in our public school system by stating the facts. It does not criticize teachers as a whole but rather the way in which our system is set up with unions. It talks about charter schools not because they are the only solution but because they are not stuck using our current system & can think outside the box to find more effective teaching methods.
Type: New Release Genre: Drama Rating: PG Run Time: 1hr 42 min Release: 09/24/2010 Grade: A
overview Ethan, age 9: Prince of Persia: Sands of Time is a Disney movie based on the Prince of Persia video games. Dastan is an orphan adopted by the king. He's blamed for the king's death and has to run away. He also has to save the world by putting the Dagger of Time in a safe place before the bad guys can get it. The Princess of Alamut helps him because she protects the Dagger of Time. The Dagger of Time can make them time travel.
critique Ethan's mom: This was a great family movie. Parents and kids alike really enjoyed the adventure and unique story line. Parent note: There is plenty of fighting (but nothing gory or graphic) and scenes of a wobbly (drunk) Dastan.
Type: DVD Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG Run Time: 116 min Release: Sept 14, 2010 Grade: A
overview A boy captures a night fury dragon and they become friends.
critique Really good characters. Really cool dragons. The two-headed dragon was awesome. I liked seeing the movie in 3D. My parents and my brother liked the movie, too.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 98 min Release: Grade: A
overview The top-secret GI Joe task force is an assemblage of the world's most skilled military might, with high-tech weaponry and a never-say-die attitude, led by General Hawk (Dennis Quaid), the lead Joes consist of the mysterious ninja Snake Eyes (Ray Park), Scarlet (Rachel Nichols), Heavy Duty (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje), and Breaker (Said Tagmahoui). New recruits Duke (Channing Tatum) and Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) join the Joes when a group of terrorists emerge with a plan to simply take over the world. Only Duke and the Joes can hope to stop them.
critique While it's based on a line of Hasbro toys, don't assume for a second "G.I. Joe" is suitable for young children. the PG-13 rating is relatively hard, given the multitude of war-type violence and scary situations. The Joes and villains alike kill gruesomely, from knives to the eyeball to decapitations and stabbing and slicing with swords. Several characters are mutilated or badly burned and eventually don masks to hide their scars.
The sexual content is mostly flirting between Ripcord and Scarlet, and a relationship between Duke and the Baroness (Sienna Miller) told mostly in flashback.
The quality of the film is sketchy at best, with a few fun, exciting moments hidden in long, protracted battle scenes.
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG-13 Run Time: 120 mins Release: August 7, 2009 Grade: C-
overview In Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs, Ellie is about to have a baby. And Sid gets jelous and wants to have kids of his own. So when he falls into a hole and finds 3 big eggs Sid decides to take them back with him. The eggs hatch and they end up being baby dinosaurs. They love Sid but the mom doesn't. The giant T-rex comes to the ice age and gets her kids and Sid. This leads Many, Ellie, and Diego on a new adventure - getting Sid back. They find them self in a whole new world full of dinosaurs and a new friend,Buck. Ellie ends up having her baby at a very uncalled for time and the rest you will find out if you go see Ice Age 3 Dawn of the Dinosaurs.
critique This movie came in 3-D and it was by far the best 3-D experience I have ever gone through. The 3-D effects were amazing! Ice Age 3 was also very funny. It had many small jokes for parents to laugh at and some other jokes or funny scenes that kids even at the age of 4 might think were funny. This is the perfect sequel for Ice Age 1 and 2. It is very hard to say which one was my favorite but I may have to say Ice Age 3.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr, 27 min Release: July 1, 2009 Grade: A-
Reviewer: Avery, age 11 Submitted: 07/07/09
5 and up
Up
overview In the brand new Pixar movie, Up Mr. Fredricksen has been grumpy and sad ever since his wife, Ellie died. Mr. Fredricksen crossed his heart and promised that he would move him and Ellie's house to the undiscovered land, Paradise falls. So, he does. He puts a whole bunch of balloons on top of the house and flies all the way there. On the way Russel, the wilderness explorer comes along. When they land in Paradise Falls they find a very rare bird which someone else in Paradise Falls is after. Together Russel and Mr. Fredrickson learn the true meaning of friendship and what love really means.
critique I thought that Up was a very good movie but it might be a little bit scary for some kids(there is even a little bit of violence). There are some very funny parts of the movie and even some surprises along the way. In the begging of the movie it shows Mr. Fredricksen's childhood. That is really fun and interesting to watch. I really liked this movie and I hope that I will be able to see it again. maybe next time I can see it in 3D.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: G Run Time: 96 min Release: May 29, 2009 Grade: A-
Reviewer: Avery, age 10 Submitted: 05/31/09
5 and up
Night at the Museum, Battle of the Smithsonian
overview Many of the exhibits in the New York Museum of Natural History are getting moved to the Smithsonian archives in Washington DC. They took the tablet with them so they could could come back to life. When they arrive at the Smithsonian, they begin fighting over the tablet with all of the statues who come to life. Larry comes to help fight for the tablet.
critique I liked that there were new characters like Amelia Earhart and many others. There was also lots of funny dialogue. I think that the beginning of this movie was a little bit slow moving compared to the first one. Otherwise, it was great. I think that people of all ages can appreciate this movie.
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG Run Time: 105 min Release: 5/22/2009 Grade: B+
Reviewer: Avery, age 10 Submitted: 05/25/09
5 and up
Hannah Montana, The Movie
overview In this movie Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana has to decide whether to stay Hannah Montana or to stay in her old home town in Tennessee with her family. Miley already ruins her best friend's birthday party and gets in shoe fight and never ends up getting the shoes, and now she finds herself in an unexpected visit to Tennessee. There she meets Travis and falls in love but this relationship gets a little out of hand and maybe ends sooner then Miley thought. In this movie Miley faces some hard desisions and problems in Tennessee and one that will change her life forever.
critique I enjoyed this movie but I thought that some of it was a little too emotional. I didn't have a favorite part--I liked the whole movie.
Type: New Release Genre: Comedy Rating: G Run Time: 1 hr 42 min. Release: 4/10/2009 Grade: B+
Reviewer: Avery, age 10 Submitted: 04/13/09
6+, depends on child
Monsters vs. Aliens
overview When California girl Susan Murphy is unwittingly clobbered by a meteor full of outer space gunk on her wedding day, she mysteriously grows to 49" tall. Alerted to the threat of this new monster, the military jumps into action and Susan is captured and secreted away to a covert government compound. There, she is renamed Ginormica and placed in confinement with a ragtag group of other monsters: the brilliant but insect-headed Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.; the macho half-ape, half-fish The Missing Link; the gelatinous and indestructible B.O.B.; and the 350-foot grub called Insectosaurus. Their confinement is cut short, however, when a mysterious alien robot lands on Earth & begins storming the country.
critique This is a fun 3D movie that kids and adults will love. The movie is action packed and great entertainment.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr 34 min Release: March 27, 2009 Grade: A-
overview For years, stories have circulated about a secret place in the middle of the Nevada desert know for unexplained phenomena and strange sightings. When Las Vegas cab driver, Jack Bruno, encounters two teens with supernatural powers in his cab, he suddenly finds himself in the middle of an adventure he can't explain. Working together, Jack and the teens discover that their only chance to save the world lies in unraveling the secrets of Witch Mountain, and the race begins.
Race to Witch Mountain is a re-imagining of the 1975 film Escape to Witch Mountain. Both versions of the film are based on the 1968 novel Escape to Witch Mountain by author Alexander Key.
critique This was a fun action packed "science fiction" movie with a few laughs along the way for both kids and adults.
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr 38 min Release: March 13, 2009 Grade: B
overview When their new guardians forbid 16-year old Andi and her younger brother, Bruce to have a pet, Andi has to use her quick wit to help find a new home for their dog, Friday. The resourceful kids stumble upon an abandoned hotel and using Bruce's talents as a mechanical genius, transform it into a magical dog-paradise for Friday--and eventually for all Friday's friends. When barking dogs make the neighbors suspicious, Andi and Bruce use every invention they have to avoid anyone discovering "who let the dogs in."
critique A fun family movie that the kids will enjoy.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: G Run Time: 1hr. 40 min. Release: January 16, 2009 Grade: B
overview A single, suburban dad tries to make ends meet as a security officer at a New Jersey mall. It's a job he takes very seriously, though no one else does. When Santa's helpers at the mall stage a coup, shutting down the megaplex and taking hostages (Paul's daughter and sweetheart among them), Jersey's most formidable mall cop will have to become a real cop to save the day.
critique What can I say, it was a rainy day and we had to something after school. But this movie was surprisingly entertaining and sweet after a sort of slow beginning. From my 9 year old son: I thought it was cool and I loved the guy driving around on his Segway.
Type: New Release Genre: Comedy Rating: PG Run Time: 1hr. 31 min. Release: January 6, 2009 Grade: B-
overview This story/movie is about a little mouse named Despereaux and Despereaux is not like any ordinary mouse but a mouse who believes in honor and bravery. He identifies himself as a "gentleman". This curious mouse is too big for his little world but then he gets banished from Mouseworld because of his courage and actions. None of his actions were harmful but to the mice, he was a threat.
He was sent down to the dungeon where he has many adventures and meets friends and enemies.
critique I really liked this movie because of all of the anticipation. It left me at the edge of my seat(sometimes). The only thing that I was disappointed about was that a few of the events happened at different times than they did in the book. Some of it wasn't even in the book.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: G Run Time: 100 min. Release: 12/19/2008 Grade: A-
overview High School Musical 3: Senior Year Troy and Gabriella are in their senior year and deciding what they are going to do for college. Gabriella talks her friends into doing the spring musical even though they all think it is too much work. Gabriella moves to start college early and the musical and prom get ruined. The story ends with their graduation.
critique My favorite part was when Troy and Chad were singing in the junk yard and they flashed back to being little boys. My favorite song was the one that Sharpe sings, "I want it all". They had neat costumes and fun dance moves.
This one had a little bit more singing than the other two High School Musical movies. It still combined basketball, theater and math/science. I really enjoyed the movie and it was fun to see it in the theater.
Type: New Release Genre: Drama Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr 40 min. Release: 10/24/08 Grade: A-
Reviewer: Kyelee, age 7 Submitted: 10/26/08
7+
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
overview Chloe, a diamond-clad Beverly Hills Chihuahua enjoys her luxurious life so much, she hardly notices Papi, a tough looking Chihuahua who happens to be in love with the pampered pooch.
But when Chloe gets lost in the rough streets of Mexico (after her caretaker leaves her alone) with only a street-wise German Shepherd to help her find her way home, Papi heads south of the border -- joining forces with a motley crew: 2 humans, a sly rat and an iguana to rescue his true love.
critique A silly movie that the kids completely enjoyed. Not all that entertaining for adults. There were a few one-liners that had even adults laughing. The few seconds in the dog fighting ring was a little scary for younger kids but it was very short. George Lopez and Drew Barrymore did well as the voices.
Type: New Release Genre: Comedy Rating: PG Run Time: 1hr. 25 min. Release: October 3, 2008 Grade: B
Reviewer: Whitney Submitted: 10/11/08
5 and up
Kit Kitredge, An American Girl
overview 'Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" centers around a young girl living in the struggles of the Great Depression. 10 year old Kit lives in a boarding house her parents own in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has a passion for writing, & dreams of having something of hers put in the local paper someday. With the help of her friends, Sterling & Ruthie, will her dream finally come true?
critique I loved this movie. I liked it so much I saw it a twice. My favorite part was the tree house pledge. It was fun to see Kit in the movie after reading the books. It was a little bit serious. My other favorite part of the movie was when things turned out good at the end. When I got home, I got a bowl and put water in it to do the tree house pledge with my daddy.
Type: New Release Genre: Drama Rating: G Run Time: 101 minutes Release: 7/2/2008 Grade: A
Reviewer: Kyelee, age 7 Submitted: 07/08/08
4+
WALL-E
overview After hundreds of lonely years of doing what he was built for -- cleaning up the planet -- WALL-E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth-Class) discovers a new purpose in life (besides collecting knick-knacks) when he encounters a sleek search robot named EVE.
EVE comes to realize that WALL-E has inadvertently stumbled upon the key to the planet's future and races back to space to report her findings to the humans who have been eagerly waiting aboard the luxury spaceship Axiom for news that it is safe to return home. Meanwhile, WALL-E chases EVE across the galaxy and sets into motion one of the most incredible comedy adventures ever brought to the big screen.
critique I didn't exactly enjoy WALL-E as much as I expected. It was very slow moving in most parts and it also got a little bit boring, other than the beginning and the end.
I liked the ending when all of the fat people started to learn to not be lazy anymore.
That is also when WALL-E's dream comes true. WALL-E was a very cute character but that did not overcome my dislike of the movie. Some of my friends really enjoyed it so you may as well. Personally, it was not my favorite so I would just wait until it comes out to rent.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: G Run Time: 97 minutes Release: 6/27/2008 Grade: C+
overview This animated movie is about a panda who aspires to be a kung fu warrior. Unfortunately he is a panda that is very large and eats all the time and is out of shape. During the day PO works in his family's noodle shop and has no experience with martial arts. There is news that the great master will be selecting the Dragon Warrior and the whole city goes to the celebration. The competition is between the Furious Five until Po accidentally lands on the scene and is selected. The master must prepare Po to fight Tai Lung, who has been locked up for over 20 years. The film stars the voices of Jack Black, Jackie Chan, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Lucy Liu...
critique Child: It was funny and made me laugh. I liked the characters especially Po. The tigress, viper, crane, monkey & mantis were good fighters.
Parent: The movie had great positive messages about believing in yourself. There were fighting scenes that might scare young kids but also a lot of great humor. The creativity in how the master motivates Po is wonderful especially the scene with the dumplings.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 1hr. 35 min. Release: 06/06/2008 Grade: B+
overview The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian - The four Pevensie children return to Narnia to install Prince Caspian as rightful heir to the throne. I went to a sneak preview of the Prince Caspian movie. This movie was about a prince in Narnia who he has to leave his castle because his uncle is planning on killing him. He meets the Narnians and ends up on their side. Caspian calls the four Pevency children to help him battle against his uncle and his soldiers.
critique This movie has more violence than the first one. It is very exciting and it made me nervous in some parts. I really liked all of the dramatic stunts and ways that they talked. The movie went by super fast. I really enjoyed it.
Parent: Parts of the movie scared my 6 year old. There are some violent scenes but overall, I liked this movie better than the first one.
Type: New Release Genre: Fantasy Rating: PG Run Time: 2 hours, 20 min. Release: 5/16/2008 Grade: A
Reviewer: Avery, age 9 Submitted: 05/12/08
7+
Nim's Island
overview Abigail, the book loving 11-year-old heroine is left alone on a tropical island by her father (her mother died when she was a baby) and has to fend for herself when he's delayed in getting back to her. She has many animal friends to help her. Nim's Island is a magical place where she and her father live. He is a scientist and goes out to do research... Nim is in the middle of one of her favorite Alex Rover books about the world's greatest adventurer. Alexandra (played by Jodie Foster), the author of the books, lives in San Francisco afraid of every leaving her home. Alexandra & Abigail are brought together after her dad goes missing on his boat.
critique The movie was a fun adventure for the kids. My 6 year-old was a little frightened during parts of the movie due to some of the storms and drama that takes place. Nim's island friends -- Selkie the sea lion, Fred the marine iguana, Chica the sea turtle -- are fun for the kids. The movie overall was a bit corny and not one of my favorites.
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr 36 min Release: April 4, 2008 Grade: B
Reviewer: Rachael Steidl Submitted: 04/07/08
6 and up
Penelope
overview A romantic story about a young girl that has been hidden away in her home because of a curse. Her mom wanted to protect her against others making fun of her. Penelope must find true love with "one of her own kind" in order to break the curse put on her at birth. When she becomes an adult, her mom attempts to find a husband for her however most of the men she meets are turned off by her looks. Lemon, a tabloid reporter wants a photograph of Penelope and hires Max to pose as a prospective suitor to get the shot. Max is motivated by the money but ends up falling for her. Penelope can no longer handle being hidden away and runs away to experience life on her own.
critique This was a fun and entertaining mother-daughter movie. The moral of the story ends up being Penelope realizing that you have to love yourself before loving someone else. It also showed that it is more important who you are on the inside rather than what you look like. The relationship that develops with Max and Penelope is sweet. We thought it was worth seeing!
Type: New Release Genre: Fantasy Rating: G Run Time: 1 hr 30 min Release: 2/29/08 Grade: B
overview This was a good movie, about some kids who move to their aunt's house because their parents are getting divorced and they have nowhere else to go. They find out about Arthur Spiderwick who used to live in the house and is their great uncle. They accidentally open up his book (The Spiderwick Chronicles) and then all kinds of dangerous and exciting stuff happens.
critique The movie was pretty good, but the books are way, way better. They left out an entire book and changed a bunch of stuff that I can't really understand why. I think if you are interested go see the movie and THEN read the books and you'll be happy to find the books are better. Still, it was fun to see, although some of it was kind of scary.
Type: New Release Genre: Fantasy Rating: PG Run Time: Release: Grade: B+
overview This movie is about Hannah Montana. She sings a lot of songs and in this 3D movie, it looks like you are actually there at the real concert. It looks like you can actually touch her hand. She wears really, really cute outfits. She comes on stage and sings as Miley and Hannah Montana.
critique How they filmed it, made it look really cool. My favorite song was "GNO"(Girls Night Out). I saw a bunch of friends from school at the show and they liked it too.
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: G Run Time: 1 hr, 14 min Release: varies with location Grade: A
Reviewer: Kyelee, age 6 Submitted: 02/11/08
6 and up
Alvin and the Chipmunks
overview Alvin, Simon, and Theodore, who are chipmunks that live in the forest, have their tree cut down and they get taken into Los Angeles. When the chipmunks try to escape a building, they find Dave and end up in his house. Dave had just gotten rejected from a record label for having a bad song. Alvin, Simon, and Theodore convince Dave to let them stay as long as the chipmunks sing the songs he writes. Dave writes a Christmas song for the chipmunks to sing, and they eventually get signed by the record label. The rest of the story is about the chipmunks' career.
critique The animation of the chipmunks is really cool. I also liked the part when Theodore has a nightmare and goes to sleep with Dave. I also liked how the movie ended and the songs the chipmunks sing are awesome. The movie was funny. I would see this movie again.
Parent's overall recommendation/opinion: The great thing about Alvin and the Chipmunks is that it is great for kids and adults. I remember watching the cartoon while I was growing up, and watching the movie brought back a lot of great memories. The filmmakers did a good job of integrating the live action with the animation. Though it probably takes a 6-year-old to understand the plot and some of the comedy, there were 3- and 4-year-olds who literally couldn't stay in their seats they were so excited. This is a great holiday movie that isn't over-the-top with Christmas but just enough to keep the whole family merry.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 90 min. Release: December 14, 2007 Grade: B+ +
Reviewer: Emery Jahner, 9 years old Submitted: 12/17/07
6 and up
Enchanted
overview It combines the personality types of the Disney princesses into a girl named Anistasia. She gets pushed down the wall to a new land and all kinds of things happen.
critique I loved how everybody except for the evil stepmother acted when they came to life. Two parts were shocking and everything else was exciting. I would totally see it again! This movie appeals to older people and younger people.
Type: New Release Genre: Comedy Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr 47 min Release: Nov 21st, 2007 Grade: A
Reviewer: Nina, age 9 Submitted: 11/27/07
all
Enchanted
overview A girl, Gisele, is supposed to marry a prince but instead a curse gets put on her and she ends up in New York City instead. There she meets her real true love and they sing, dance and fall in love. But it's funny. Boys will like it too. My parents both said it was really charming.
critique This movie was really funny and really really good. Even though it looked like from the ad that it would be a really kissy movie, it was mostly just funny and I liked it a lot.
Type: New Release Genre: Comedy Rating: PG Run Time: Release: Grade: A+
overview Bee comedy "Barry wants more out of life than the inevitable career that awaits him and every other worker in New Hive City -- a job making honey. Barry jumps at the chance to venture out of the hive, and soon encounters a world beyond his wildest dreams. When Barry inadvertently meets a quirky florist named Vanessa (Ren?e Zellweger), he breaks one of the cardinal rules of beedom -- he talks to her. A friendship soon develops, and Barry gets a guided crash course in the ways of the human race. When he shockingly discovers that anyone can purchase honey right off the grocery store shelf, he realizes that his true calling is to stop this injustice and set the world." tribute.ca
critique Hannah - I thought it was really good.
Maybe a little boring in the beginning, but really good. Kary - The kids were
entertained, but it's not one I would choose to see again or buy on DVD. A lot
of the humor is geared towards parents and goes over the kiddies' heads. One
other word of warning...the movie is PG, and while I thought the movie itself
was ok for kids of all ages, a couple of the previews really scared my 3
year-old son.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr. 40 mins Release: 11/2/2007 Grade: C+
Reviewer: Kary and Hannah Fabbre Submitted: 11/05/07
6 years+
Daddy Day Camp
overview Charlie (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.) and Phil (played by Paul Rae) decide to enroll their children in a summer camp. Charlie chooses a camp he attended as a young boy, and he and Phil go and check the place out. They are shocked to learn that it has become terribly run down. Charlie learns that an old rival who owns the slick camp next door is about to buy it from the owner. Instead, Charlie and Phil become co-owners while the original owner takes off for a long due vacation. Through the urging of Charlie's wife, they enlist the help of retired Colonel Buck Hinton to help with the camp. What follows is lots of slapstick humor. Message= It's better to to work together as a family/team.
critique "I liked when the kids came from the rival camp shot their paint guns at the kids at Camp Driftwood. I didn't like that most of all the semi-funny parts were in the trailer for the movie. I didn't think that the movie was very funny."
Mom: I wouldn't recommend it. The movie was too predictable & slapstick humor became tedious to watch. Most of the actors "overacted" which seemed like talking down
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: G Run Time: 89 minutes Release: 8/10/07 Grade: C-
overview This movie was really fun but a bit intense. There was this star that fell to earth and this boy, Tristan, who was trying to get the star for his girlfriend to prove he loved her. But then they had all these adventures and the witches were trying to get the star too.
It had a happy ending after all the adventures and they lived happily ever after.
critique My favorite part was the pirate who taught Tristan how to fight and be stylish.
It was full of action and cool but I didn't like the kissing parts.
Type: New Release Genre: Fantasy Rating: PG-13 Run Time: 2 hr. 8 min. Release: Aug. 10, 2007 Grade: A-
overview Great funny movie and a dog with special abilities. He gets them kind of like Spiderman, there's an accident in a lab. That's the only part of the movie that is intense for little kids. Otherwise it's all fun and funny.
critique I liked it a lot. Underdog was funny and he found a family to love him.
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG Run Time: 1 hr. 24 min. Release: Aug. 23, 2007 Grade: B++
overview Remake of the classic but campy musical "Hairspray", the story of a teen wanna-be dance queen regular on a hit 50s music show, complete with hip-swinging pretty boys and a strong anti-segregation message.
If you're in the mood for a light-hearted film to see this summer, a sure bet would be "Hairspray". Aside from the underlying (and righteous) "segregation is wrong" message, this film is airy enough to treat you to some toe-tapping, pat your knees in your seat fun. Even my 5 yr. old daughter was enthralled at the high-energy dance numbers and musical score. Although it was a tickle to see John Travolta in drag....
critique sure standouts were newcomers Nikki Blonsky in the lead role of Tracy Turnblad and Elijah Kelley as Seaweed. Plum roles also went to Michelle Pfeiffer as the mandatory antagonist vixen, and Queen Latifah as Maybelle Motormouth, hostess of the once a month "Negro Day" on the music show. "Hairspray" was quite entertaining and I'd recommend it to audiences in general who want to escape to the 50's.
Type: New Release Genre: Comedy Rating: PG Run Time: 117 minutes Release: 7/20/07 Grade: B+
Reviewer: Nancy Sumner & Kara (age 5) Submitted: 07/24/07
over 8
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
overview If you read this book you will know that through this book Harry becomes this whiny teenager. The question chapter after chapter is why me?
Thankfully, the movie was much better, it kept all of the exciting parts of the book and took away the boring parts. I thought it was superb, the special effects were just right, it starts with action and it ends with action. I must tell you that for younger audience it might be a little scary, mean and wicked. There is a particular character that you will just love to hate.
critique I will definitely be purchasing this movie when it comes out on DVD.
Remember, for those true Harry Potter fans, the final book will be out on 7/21/07 so I will see you at the book store!
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG-13 Run Time: 2 hrs 19 min. Release: 7/11/07 Grade: B
Reviewer: Mercedes Lopez, Saul (8) and Alex(7) Submitted: 07/17/07
4+
Ratatouille
overview A rat named Remy dares to dream the impossible dream of becoming a gourmet chef in a five-star French restaurant. Together with a down-and-out garbage boy named Linguini, the pair carves their own imaginative path to becoming the greatest chef in Paris. Undeterred by the obvious problem of trying to make it in the world's most rodent-phobic profession, not to mention his family's urgings to be satisfied with the usual trash-heap lifestyle, Remy's fantasies are filled with flamb?s and saut?s. But when circumstances literally drop Remy into the Parisian restaurant made famous by his culinary hero.
critique This movie was another successful Pixar film. The plot was original and the characters were interesting, unique, and generally funny. The director took the time to develop the characters and the background prior to to the main story-line. The plot lacked the adult humor that I enjoy in animated films. I took 6 kids ages 3-8 & it held their attention and left them wanting to go to Paris.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: G Run Time: 1 hr 50 min Release: 6/16/07 Grade: B
Reviewer: Josh Ross & Isabel (6) Submitted: 07/17/07
6 - any age
Evan Almighty
overview
Overview of Movie: This movie was about changing the world and building an ark for all of the animals.
"I would see this movie again."
critique "I liked when the animals helped build the ark because there was only a few more days before the flood was going to come. It was funny because everywhere Evan looked God was there. The only thing I didn't like was half of the movie was about government, and the work people didn't believe in Evan. This movie was exciting, funny and a little scary."
Mom: "It was entertaining for children and adults
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 90 minutes Release: 6/22/07 Grade: B
Reviewer: Jordyn Bruzzese, Age 8 Submitted: 07/10/07
8 and up
Nancy Drew Get a Clue
overview
A girl (Nancy Drew) moves to California and wants to solve a mystery, but she's not suppose to. She figures out one of the biggest mysteries in the world. She gets picked on by the popular girls because she wears old fashioned clothes. She hangs out with a boy named "Corky."
"We liked that it was a mystery and that it was very adventurous.
We didn't liked that some of the guys looked the same so it was hard to tell them apart. It was scary, funny and exciting and we would see it again."
critique Parent's overall recommendation or opinion?
I was worried about too much focus on High School life, but it is on par with High School Musical in terms of the issues of cliques, parties, and boys. They did a very creative job of mixing the old-time Nancy Drew character with the modern world even successfully incorporating her little blue car.
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 139 min. Release: 6/15/07 Grade: A
Reviewer: Baylor Randolph (9) and Cassidy Kimball (9) Submitted: 06/20/07
all
Surf's Up
overview Avery: "This is a story about a surfing penguin. Whoever really likes surfing should watch it(skateboarding as well)."
critique Avery: "I liked that it was about surfing because just last year I went to a surf camp and because it was exciting."
Dad: "Great way for you and your kids to get excited about surfing this summer, even though there is no surf in our town (Santa Barbara) during summer! Fun for the family even the little ones who will love the little penguins."
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 85 min. Release: June 8th Grade: B+
Reviewer: Avery Sorenson age 8 Submitted: 06/06/07
all
Shrek the Third
overview Genre: animation, adventure, comedy, family, fantasy
Rating: PG (for some crude humor, suggestive content and swashbuckling action
Appropriate age audience: 6 and up (adults will get all the jokes and enjoy the music too)
Emery(age 8 1/2)- " There was really good action. I liked the music because it went along with the action. The animation was good because it was very realistic. I liked shrek because it wasn't too long and it didn't drag on. I think they will make another sequel because it ended with a good cliffhanger. Would definitely see it again."
critique (Dad) " All parents should take their kids to see Shrek 3 because it has everything a family movie should have: humor, action and the epic animation for which the Shrek series has become known. If you fallen in love with Shrek, Fiona and the rest of the royal crew, wait until you've met the gangs newest member!"
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: PG Run Time: 92 min. Release: 5/18/2007 Grade: A-
overview Shrek the Third was about an ogre Shrek and a girl ogre Fiona. Fiona's father was a frog king, and he got very sick and died, so there was no king. Shrek was supposed to be king, but he didn't want to. Shrek, Donkey and Puss in Boots went to find Artie who was the actual heir to the throne and try to bring him back to Far, Far Away to stop Prince Charming from taking over the throne. On the way, Charming captures Shrek, and he had already captured Fiona, and then brings Shrek back to Far, Far Away but it is now called Go, Go Away. Artie, Shrek and friends join together with Fiona and the princesses and Arthur saves everyone and becomes the king. Then Fiona and Shrek have 3 ogre babies.
critique I liked this movie because I love Shrek and I have Shrek 2 and Shrek 1 on DVD. I also liked it because at the end, the girl baby ogre looked like my sister, Camryn. I also liked when the baby spit up on Shrek alot in his dream. I thought it was very funny. I liked Mr. Merlin because he was funny. Shrek made me laugh the most. I liked the whole movie.
---Submitted by Aaron (age 4)
Type: New Release Genre: Animated Rating: G Run Time: 92minutes Release: May 18, 2007 Grade: B
Reviewer: Amy Platt Submitted: 05/21/07
5+
Firehouse Dog
overview A dog that was a movie star got dropped from a plane into a pick-up truck full of tomatoes and met a boy in an alley who became his good friend and his owner. The boy's dad is a firefighter captain. There was a person who was setting off fires, and they helped find him, then the dog became a firehouse dog because he liked that better than being a movie star.
critique I liked the movie because it was really good and funny. What I didn't like about the movie was that was kind of intense. (Lauren) I liked it because the storyline was for both grown up and kids. I didn't like how intense, it could have been a little less intense. (Koss) Definitely we would all see it again. (Jordan, Koss and Lauren)
--Reviewed by Leslie Dinaberg & Koss (7), Jordan (5), Lauren (8)
Type: New Release Genre: Action / Adventure Rating: PG Run Time: 1hr 51min Release: April 4, 2007 Grade: A/B+
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