Parents: Please use and enjoy these original movie reviews written by fellow parents of young children. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the star glossary.
How to Train Your Dragon--4 stars
This was so much fun! So different than other kids' movies. It was a little scary for the much younger children, due to all of the dragons and what not. But, when you realize that the main character is able to charm the dragons and they can all get along with the villagers, you understand that it is all going to be okay. Lots of familiar voices-- Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, to name a few. We saw this in 3-D, and it was pretty cool. Go see it!
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs--- 2 stars
Okay, have we really run out of things to make a movie about that we now have to take a chilren's book that takes all of 20 minutes to read and stretch it out into a 1 1/2 hour movie? I don't know, it was lacking something. It was kind of scary too. The food keeps getting larger and larger and breaking things. I do think it sends a great message about waste and recycling though-- all the leftover food (the people can't possibly eat ALL of that food falling from the sky) gets thrown into a pit and it begins to take over the island, therefore, everyone must evacuate on large grilled cheese sandwiches. And, if you're a man who already has a troubled relationship with your father, this movie will only depress you more. The young scientist and his father barely speak and when they do, they seem to be speaking a different language. The mother died a long time ago-- she was the only one who understood this young scientist (can't remember his character's name!). Anyway, your kids will probably love it and won't take it nearly as literally and seriously as I did. I think I'm going to go to the library and check out the book to see exactly what was was used in the movie-- I haven't read it in a long time and I think my kids will appreciate the book also!
Ice Age 3--- 3 stars
I did not get to see this one in 3-D. Bummer! It was still a pretty good movie. All the regulars were there, getting into various types of trouble. I think it's time to stop. We don't need an Ice Age 4. My kids laughed out loud at all the crazy things Syd said or did, and my husband and I laughed at all the "grown up" jokes that went over the kids' heads. I thought there were a few too many R-rated comments for the parents thrown in there, although my kids did not even notice. It's worth a rental!
Monsters Vs. Aliens (in 3-D) 4 stars!!!!!
I have to admit, I haven't seen a 3-D movie since Friday the 13th, part 3 back in the mid-80's, so I was really impressed with the 3-D effects of this movie. Seth Rogen is awesome as the voice of the Blob (I think that was his character's name), just a simple, silly blob with not a care in the world. I got a little scared during the part where the Golden Gate Bridge is collapsing-- the Computer Animation looks so real now! However, my kids were not phased by that. I don't know whether that is good or bad, though. Anyway, it's a fun movie with a message-- Good always conquers evil and if your boyfriend/fiance is a jerk, then dump him, you deserve better. Just go see the movie, you'll understand!
Hannah Montana Movie 4 stars!!!!!!
I know, you probably think this will be a cheesy movie, and it is in the best way possible! It was entertaining for me and for my two daughters. My 4 year old was mesmerized! And, if you were (are) a Billy Ray Cyrus fan, he is in the movie, but thank goodness, he does NOT sing "Achy Breaky Heart". Seriously, though, it's a sweet movie about the importance of family, remembering where you came from and not letting success go to your head.
Hotel For Dogs 4 stars!!!!!!!
This fantastic movie, starring Emma Roberts and some other child actors that I do not know is a must see for all ages! It also stars Lisa Kudrow and Kevin Dillon who play their parts as wacky foster parents very well, and Don Cheadle in an underused role as the kids' social worker. Two foster kids take in stray dogs at an abandoned hotel unbeknownst to their foster parents. They get help from other friends and then teach the dogs all kinds of tricks, like pooping in real commodes, how to use a vending machine to get a chew toy, and even set up virtual car rides for them. If you love dogs and kids, you will love this movie. If you know anything at all about foster care, you will cry, as I did. However, the foster care stuff was a little bit over my kids' heads, so they could enjoy it without it pulling at their heartstrings. It has a great, tied up in a bow ending as most kids' movies do and I will get the DVD when it comes out. Also, I'm either going to have to become a foster parent or get a dog, or maybe both!!
4 stars-- Awesome, would see it in the theatre again, and I will buy the DVD and watch it over and over again!
3 stars-- Good, worth seeing in the theatre once, and I will buy the DVD
2 stars-- Mediocre, skip the theatre and rent the DVD
1 star-- Horrible, would rather eat crayons than watch this again