Children’s Movie Reviews
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+Reviewer: Avery S.
Submitted: 06/29/08
Kung Fu Panda
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+Reviewer: Emily Steidl
Submitted: 06/08/08
Prince Caspian
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: AReviewer: Avery, age 9
Submitted: 05/12/08
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: BReviewer: Rachael Steidl
Submitted: 04/07/08
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: BReviewer: Rachael
Submitted: 03/28/08
The Spiderwick Chronicles
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+Reviewer: Koss Klobucher
Submitted: 02/26/08
Hannah Montana 3D Movie
Genre: Action / Adventure
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hr, 14 min
Release: varies with location
Grade: AReviewer: Kyelee, age 6
Submitted: 02/11/08
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
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: AReviewer: Nina, age 9
Submitted: 11/27/07
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+Reviewer: Koss Klobucher
Submitted: 11/25/07
BEE Movie
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
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-Reviewer: Becky Saffold (mom), Michael Saffold (age 14), Timmy Saffold (age 6)
Submitted: 08/14/07
Stardust
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-Reviewer: Koss Klobucher
Submitted: 08/14/07
Underdog
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++Reviewer: Koss Klobucher
Submitted: 08/14/07
Hairspray
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
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
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: BReviewer: Josh Ross & Isabel (6)
Submitted: 07/17/07
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
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: AReviewer: Baylor Randolph (9) and Cassidy Kimball (9)
Submitted: 06/20/07
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
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-
Reviewer: Josh Brayer and Emery Jahner (age 8 1/2)
Submitted: 05/23/07
Shrek the Third
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: BReviewer: Amy Platt
Submitted: 05/21/07
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+Reviewer: Parent & Child
Submitted: 04/26/07