National Treasure: Book of Secrets

Nicolas Cage
Jon Voight
Harvey Keitel
Ed Harris
Diane Kruger
Justin Bartha
Bruce Greenwood
Helen Mirren


PG           124min           2007.


Treasure hunter Benjamin Franklin Gates (Nicolas Cage) looks to discover the truth behind the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, by uncovering the mystery within the 18 pages missing from assassin John Wilkes Booth's diary.

This one is not as good as the first but still interesting and exciting as before. This time around, they travel to locales that are more international. The plot is too simplistic and Disney driven.

National Treasure: Book of Secrets has Benjamin Gates trying to clear the name of his great, great, great granddad name. The conspiracy theory is more international and a little more nefarious in nature. It deals with more politics that are international but ends up still finding a national treasure that even I had never heard of.

The action was too clean and no one is injury severely. Guns are brandished more than they are fired and mercenary are the worst shot for hired gunman, a definite influence from Disney. You never see an ounce of blood and the only death of the film is off screen. There is a setup of another sequel; that is apparent to anyone watching.

“National Treasure: Book of Secrets” is an alright film and is an ok sequel to the first. Maybe its that I expect more from a Jerry Bruckheimer Film. It felt to Disney influenced and the plot was a little more a stretch of the imagination. I did like what the treasure was and where it was located. The setup of a sequel did make me want to see what it is.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"Aquamarine"

Emma Roberts
Joanna “JoJo” Levesque
Sara Paxton
Jake McDorman
Arielle Kebbel
Claudia Karvan
Bruce Spence
Tammin Sursok
Roy Billings
Julia Blake
Shaun Micallef


PG           103min           2006


It’s the end of the summer and Claire (Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) have a major problem. In just five days, Hailey’s family is moving halfway around the world! These girls need a major miracle, and they get one in the form of Aquamarine, a beautiful mermaid who washes ashore in a late summer storm. Sweet but clueless to the ways of romance, she offers to grant the girls one wish if they help her fin the boy of her dreams. But when they attempt to reel in the cute local lifeguard, the result is something none of them expect… and they discover that sometimes what you wish for isn’t what you really want after all. – from the backcover

I’m not the target audience and was clear aware of it as I watched this movie. This is a film designed for younger kids. I think kids will enjoy the story and parent can appreciate the message that the film is telling. I think that all three stars have potential for better things when there demography gets older.

"Aquamaarine" story caters to the tweens and below. Although adults can appreciate the message of the film it’s not for them to watch. This message is wholesome and at its heart is a funny little family movie. It’s a message that can be appreciated but the packaging leaves something to be desired.

Emma Roberts, JoJo, and Sara Paxton are triple threats to the tweeny nation. Roberts is a of top Hollywood leagacy. Joanna “JoJo” Levesque is the pop sensation transiting into another career. Sara Paxton you could consider the veteran of the three having been seen in film, television, and medleys of soundtracks. It will be interesting to see where each goes as they mature with there demograhic.

It has the wish fulfillment of the wonder that makes Disney so popular. "Aquamaarine" has themes that will resonate with tweenys and young teenagers. If you are a parent looking for something that will entertain your children and not have to worry about the content this is your movie.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

"The Ultimate Gift"

Drew Fuller
Bill Cobbs
Abigail Breslin
Ali Hillis
Mircea Monroe
Brett Rice
Lee Meriwether
Brian Dennehy
James Garner


PG           117min           2007


Based on Jim Stovall’s best-selling novel, “The Ultimate Gift” sends a young man of privileged on an improbable journey. Trust fund baby Jason Stevens (Drew Fuller) loves all of life’s gifts, as long as they’re bankable. But when his wealthy grandfather, Red (Garner), dies, Jason receives a most usual inheritance: twelve tasks, which Red calls “gifts,” to challenge Jason to grow as a man. IF he succeeds, the experience will not only change Jason forever, but he will discover the real meaning of wealth.

This is a heartfelt and life moving film event. This film will touch the heart of everyone who watches this film. The film has some amazing performances. At points its sometimes comes off as a Lifetime move but its so much better than that.

"The Ultimate Gift" will have you considering living by the ultimate gift by fulfilling the twelve gifts. Just as in the film, they are gifts that will change you fundamental and make you a better person. Even if you feel like you are the best person you can be, you will want to strive to become better after watching your film. This makes a perfect family film.

There are some amazing performances. Drew Fuller and Abigail Breslin lead a cast, with performances work together to make a truly special film. Abigail Breslin, who as preteen shows the potential to be a great adult actress, gives a performance that can move the heart to tears. Bill Cobb, Lee Meriwether, Brian Dennehy, and James Garner give veteran performances top veteran actors.

At points comes off as a melodrama Lifetime movie but I think its because of the message that its trying to portray. When it does come off melodrama its for effect and makes the film work. It’s a powerful message that will lead some to a powerful self discovery. "The Ultimate Gift" would be a great ultimate gift for the holidays.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"We Are Marshall"

Matthew McConaughey
Matthew Fox
Ian McShane
Kate Mara
Anthony Mackie
January Jones
Kimberely Williams-Paisley
Brian Geraghty
David Stritharn
L. Warrren Young
Arlen Escarpeta

PG           131min           2006


A true story about a small town’s effort to rebuild after a tragic plane crash killed nearly the entire football team and coaching staff of Marshall University. Jack Lengyel took the job no one wanted: to rebuild Marshall’s football team and restore hope and strength in a grieving community.

"We Are Marshall" is most dramatic and inspiring football movie. It made me run the gambit of emotions. Learning the history behind Marshall University made me appreciate the team and all that it has accomplished.

Most times a football movie gets either the drama right, or the football right but “We Are Marshall” found a way to accomplish both and be respectful to the memory of this tragedy. It’s on that will live in your memory months after you have watched it. It shows the resilient side of the human spirit. The even facing insurmountable odd the human spirit can still rise. After watching this film you will never see Marshall, planes, and the tragedy of death that same way again.

I give it 5/5 GS.

"Superman: The Richard Donner Cut"

Gene Hackman
Christopher Reeve
Margot Kidder
Marlon Brando
Ned Beatty
Terrence Stamp
Sarah Douglas
Jack O’Halloran
Valerie Perrine
E.G. Marshall


PG           115min           2006

“Superman II: The Donner Cut” is a representation of what Richard Donner’s Superman II would have looked like if he would have been able to complete the film.

It’s basically the same story told by that hack Lester with more of a tone of the first film. As a fan of the original Superman I never liked the second because of the things happening in the film. Richard Donner’s changes are better because they related to the character that we have come to love. Although it’s not complete and taken from several different sources such as screen test, its better and one of my top ten favorites.

To most it will probable be the same movie, but to me the changes make the movie significantly better. The things that Lester changes in the original Superman II change the fundamental character of Superman. Superman never had the power to disappear and reappear. And his outfit changing after he lost his power was another thing that I always disliked with the original.

Richard Lester basically tarnished what was the fundamental character of Superman. Being a Frenchman he didn’t respect the institution that is Superman and didn’t have knowledge of the character. It’s one of the reasons that most people will respect “Superman II: The Donner Cut” of the film. You should check out this film for that reason alone.

There are a few special features and one of the features is hosted by Mark McClure and explains the trials that this film went through to get make. It also contains a feature on some of the characters and actors. There’s a tribute to Christopher Reeve. Although it’s light on features they are ones that fans will appreciate.

Anyone that’s a fan of Richard Donner’s Superman will love “Superman II: The Donner Cut”. It’s not the complete version he would have put out but a representative of the version with the available film and audio that could be found and restored. If you’re a fan of Superman then you should see this film.

I give it 5/5Gs

Zoom: Academy for Superheroes

Tim Allen
Courtney Cox
Michael Cassady
Kate Mara
Spencer Breslin
Ryan Newman
Rip Torn
Chevy Chase
Kevin Zegers

PG           83min           2006

‘Zoom: Academy for Superheroes’ is about a over the hill superhero named Zoom (Allen) brought out of retirement to train a new generation of superheroes for an impending doom.

The is straight crap. Who ever decide to make this film deserve to lose whatever money they lost. This script was a half ass attempt to capitalize on the comic book crazy in Hollywood and the powers that be not realizing what makes a good comic book movie.

First off to comic book fans the material is not tongue in cheek; it’s to be taken with seriousness. That’s not to say that it can’t have humor. There is a thin line that must be balanced to pull off a comic book film. ‘Zoom’ relied too much on the comedy of Tim Allen, Chevy Chase, Rip Torn and Courtney Cox.

Comic Book Readers want to see the fantastical grounded in a heighten reality. One massively successive example is ‘Heroes’ on NBC. Each character has a superpower but its grounded in reality. ‘Zoom’ never once gave a ground reality it was over the top from the beginning to end. This was the first indication of a flop that someone should have notice.

‘Zoom’ never made you invest emotional in its characters. It had weak emotional moments but nothing that would make a connection to the viewer. Give the audience a reason to care for these characters. I was more interested in the back story of ‘Zoom’. The picture of the old team spark more curiosity, having Alexis Bledial, Wilmer Vanderrama, and Kevin Zegers and how they died would have been a more interesting story.

Most successful comic books are not light-hearted and tongue in cheek. They display some facet of humanity and heighten it. ‘Zoom’ is the polar opposite of ‘Sky High’, not to say ‘Sky High’ was an exceptional piece of work but at least you could get behind the characters.

They highlight of this film for me was Ryan Newman. She was Princess and she stole the show. She’s a “strong little princess” and she played it too a tee. This would be the only reason to see this movie if you’re a big fan of hers. Even then I would be hard press to recommend this movie.

I classify this movie as an “End of Days”, a rarity in its given by me. Read my “End of Days” page for the back-story.

I give it 0/5 Gs.

Barnyard

PG           90min           2006

“Barnyard” is the coming of age story of a transgender cow leading the farm animals after coyotes kill his transgender father cow.

This film was totally uncalled for and was done better as the ‘The Lion King’. The target audience, children, doesn’t need to know about upright transgender animals. The theme of it is a little more for adults. It miss represented itself.

If I were a parent I wouldn’t want my child to know about transgender until they were old enough to understand the concept of a transgender. Even some adults have trouble understand transgender. If they were suppose to be male then animators should have represented them as bulls as they did have some in they group of animals.

This theme was represented more maturely than ‘The Lion King’ and was a little too mature for kids. The comedy was a little more moronic that it needed to be. Its as if the writers just thought of funny thing to put in a dramatic tale to lighten up the movie. Its like two different movies are taking place.

It starts out as a comedy, about barn animals that walking on their hind legs acting human. Then after the father cow dies in turns into a revenge action movie with comedy added to lighten the mood for kids. Several times the Otis the cow has a chance to make the farm safer for the rest of the animals by killing the head coyote and doesn’t.

The film was thrown together to cash in to the growing popularity of animated film. This proves that you can’t just take a story getting big name celebrities to voice the animation and it will be good. The story has to at least have something to offer and ‘Barnyard’ doesn’t in my opinion.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker"

Sarah Bolger
Robbie Coltrane
Stephen Fry
Damian Lewis
Ewan McGregor
Bill Nighy
Sophie Okenedo
Alex Pettyfer

PG       93min      2006

“Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker” is totally a British produced film and was imported into American. It’s a quick paced film that you don’t realize 90 minutes has gone by. It’s entertainment for the whole family. As it’s British produced its imbued with British sensibility and an almost entirely British cast.

The book that the movie is based on was only about 200 pages, which lent itself to the quick pace. It moves by at lighting speed and having read the book I know some things that happen in the book that didn’t happen on screen. It could feel like a lot of things weren’t explained properly. If you watch the movie and don’t like it I suggest you read the book and then give it another shot.

I think where Anthony Horowitz made changes for the movie improved and moved the story along much better. As I have only read Stormbreaker, and don’t know what’s coming to Alex Rider in the future; I do know that Jack Starbright knows Alex is a spy sooner and one character is introduce in this movie instead of the third book.

Everyone in the family can watch it and enjoy it. Stormbreaker takes itself more serious that ‘Cody Banks’. There is not any foul language and relatively small amount of violent for an action film. It moves so fast that the kids will enjoy it also.

This movie was film entirely in England. The cast is English except for Alicia Silverstone and Mickey Rourke. They have their own sensibilities and it comes through in the film and it’s not a bad thing either. If you liked ‘Cody Banks’ you’ll like Alex Rider better.

The DVD is a little thin on extras. It gives you about six featurettes and that's it. There is one about where Anthony Horowitz talks about the reasons for the differences in the book and movie. Two features about stunts and the marital arts of the film and one feature about the special effect shots of the film. There are no delete scenes and no outtakes. Overall its a bare DVD.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

'Invincible'

Mark Wahlberg
Greg Kinnear
Elizabeth Banks
Kevin Conway
Michael Rispoli
Kirk Acevedo

PG           105min           2006

‘Invincible’ is the Disney dramatization of Vince Papale; From a bartender and substitute teacher in South Philadelphia to a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1976.

Having taken place before I was born it was a great tale to learn about. It gives a great tale of following your dream and them coming true. You away from this tale with a enormous amount of admiration for Vince Papale. It was a great tale in the tradition of Walt Disney and their underdog takes in sports.

‘Invincible’ is a great tale for about fight to make your dreams come true. With everything against Papale, he fought tooth and nail and was given a shot by Dick Vermeil. If the first lesson this film teaches is never give up on you dream, the second is that everyone needs someone to give them an opportunity.

Watching this film you can relate to Vince Papale because of the acting from Mark Wahlberg. Wahlberg portrayed him as a guy trying to survive in the seventies facing his dream but never forgetting his friends and family. You will admire Papale because of that fact, where so many celebrities find fame and their dreams to forget who they were to begin.

‘Invincible’ is in that same caliber of ‘The Rookie’ and my personal favorite ‘Rudy’. This is a great inspiration film for anyone who has dreams of becoming a professional athlete. It shows hard work, sacrifice, dedication and opportunity make dreams come true. This film makes another fine addition to the Walt Disney tradition of underdog athletes.

I give it a 4/5 Gs.

"Eragon"

Edward Speleers
Jeremy Irons
Sienna Guillory
Robert Carlyle
John Malkovich
Garret Hedlund
Djimon Hounsou


PG           104min           2006

"Eragon" is tale of, a farm boy who is chosen by a dragon's egg -- a discovery that leads him on a predestined journey where he realized he's the one person who can defend his homeland of Alagaesia against an evil king.

Eragon is reminisant of Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings series and based off a novel by Christopher Paolini. It has characters with the British imagined names and tale of dragons, orcs, magic, dark sorcerers and kings. Filmed in Hungary it has scenes with the most striking landscapes that you forget to watch the movie.

Fairly well acted with a cast that features Jeremy Irons as Brom, Eragon's mentor, John Malkovich as King Galbatorix, Sienna Guillory, from Resident Evil: Apocalypse, as Arya, Djimon Hounsou as Ajhad, and newcomer, Edward Speleers as Eragon.

It’s an entertaining movie for with amazing special effects. The dragon, Saphira, voiced amazingly by Rachel Weisz, is a stunning work of computer animation. If by design or not Saphira overshadows the picture with is majestic poses and movement. The effects makes you want to ride her with her power and grace; “Only a rider may command its dragon”.

Just as the movie starts to pick up it ends. Eragon leaves you with a WTF feeling. There are definitely sequels coming. If you have never read the book it does make you want to see more. Having at this point never read the books I was entertained. As is with most movies based on books I maybe disappointed with this movie.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.

Having now finished Eragon and its sequel Eldest; I'm disappointed with this movie. Its one of the worst book to movie translations. I stand by my review but it could have been so much more. Only have reading Paolini's descriptive narratives due you realize that this film was too fast paced and skipped several major plot points that are crucial sequel hard.

If you have the time in your life to read check out this two books. They are part of a trilogy called Inheritance, with the third due out sometime in the future. You won't be disappointed with the books as they are so much more engrossing that the film.

I would still like to see a sequel just to see how they recover from the bludder that the film maker made of these books.

'Proud'

Ozzie Davis
Albert Jones
Jeffrey Nash
Eric LaRay Harvey




PG           87min           2004

‘Proud’ is the true story of the only African-American crew to take a Navy warship into combat in World War II.

This film is sad that more African-American veterans aren’t recognized for their war efforts in America’s campaigns. It is also riveting even with its low budget quality. It features one of Ozzie Davis’s last performances. It’s a tale that should be pasted on to other generations.

‘Proud’ is a great African-American tale of overcome the ignorant stereotypes. It must have been a major showcase for African-American at the time. It’s something that should never be forgotten and should be taught.

The film showed another instant of American prejudice toward African-American. I glad that they were recognized in the end. But it also man me wonder how many more veterans fought and died for America and aren’t recognized.

The tales and heroics of Veterans should be taught to future generation so that they can remember and learn from the mistakes of the past. I’m glad that Congress and President Clinton got around to recognizing this soldiers for their bravery and heroics. The British fleet should also commend them.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"The Lake House"

Keanu Reeves
Sandra Bullock
Shohreh Aghdashloo
Christopher Plummer
Ebon Moss-Bachrach

PG       105min      2006

“Lake House” had Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock reuniting again since Speed. Keanu an architect that buys a lake house to refurbish and finds a letter left by future tenant Sandra Bullock.

“Lake House” has a nice love story wrapped in a science fiction time travel film. It was a house built on a deck of cards. It loses some of its logic during the movie; this is the major problem, because of it the story gets implausible and loses it momentum. It changes it own theories to fit itself. Left major plot holes that you could drive a eighteen-wheeler through.

The science-fiction part loses some of its logic middle ways through the film. That as side you can still enough this movie but just a little less. The question left open nagged at me throughout the rest of the picture. It kept distracting me every time something contradictory came on the screen.

Once the time-travel logic unraveled the rest of the story started to not make sense. This the characters should have done and didn’t. People they met and should have remembered. Little things that gnawed away at the story.

At the end of the movie it left question to the story that took away from the enjoyment of the movie. It made you question ‘what you just saw’. I don’t think the writer gave his audience enough credit. Even a simple child could break the foundation of this movie.

Movie are about escapism in the post 9/11 world. Audiences want something that is grounded in reality. That mean that it has to be plausible even if its improbable. That’s why we send the dollars to see these films. Hollywood has lost its creativity and is suffering for it. In this era of time we anyone can setup a home theater, why spent the money going out when you can stay in for a fraction of the cost.

It’s basically a bare DVD. It has a few bloopers. A few behind the scene feature, but nothing extenisive.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Monster House (2006)"

PG           91min           2006

“Monster House” is the tale of the haunted house on the street. When D.J. kills his neighbor Mr. Nebbercracker he comes back to get revenge by inhabiting his house. Now D.J., his best friend Chowder, and a girl scout Jenny must prove the house is really haunted and exorcize Mr. Nebbercracker.

Everyone has known about the haunted house in their neighborhood. “Monster House” takes this tale and turns it on its head. This movie is fun and entertaining and keeps you laughing using funny situations. When Jenny enters the headquarters for the first time, her observations will have you laughing. Although the story goes out there you still take the trip. The big name talent didn’t over shadow this movie.

“Monster House” is about-facing your fears of the unknown based around a haunted house. The three main characters are in that awkward phase just before puberty, Facing growing up and losing that innocence.

These characters keep you watching because you want to know what there going to do next. The situations that they get into are funny and keep the plot moving; even when the story goes into left field you want to go along for the ride. Everyone has known something scary. These kids face their fear in the form of haunted house and decide to face it, destroy it and along the way forming a tripod of friendship.

Monster House had the voicing talents of Kevin James, Nick Cannon, Jason Lee, Steve Buscemi, Maggie Gyllenhaal. It’s the Voicing talents of the three unknown children stars that shine in this film. They imbue the character with the emotions and flare that you see on the screen. Some of this be name talent was wasted on the character and they didn’t out shine the three stars. When you figure out the voice behind the character its like finding a great prize in the “Cracker Jacks” box.

Overall Monster House is a great film because it’s funny and entertaining. The has a nice story about friendship, growing up and facing your fears. The “Hollywood” talent in this film doesn’t out shine the unknown actors and is a treat when you figure them out. It has something for everyone, young or old.

I give it 4/5 Gs.

"Over the Hedge"

PG           89min           2006

“Over the Hedge” is the story of a raccoon named RJ that uses a mismatched family of forest creatures to repay a debt he owes to a bear named Vincent by invaded a suburban cul-de-sac.

This is a movie that children and adults alike will enjoy. Its an funny and amazing tale with some of Hollywood’s best talent voice these animated creatures. Half the funny of the movie is trying to figure out the voice behind the creatures. I won’t ruin the surprise.

The highlight of this film is Hammy. He steal the show from all the other creatures just as his live action counter part does. The sound this actor makes to go with the animated faces with have you throwing up from laughter.

There is nothing bad about this movie. You would have to be a total Scrooge not to like this film. Its great to watch, it’s great to give as a gift, and it begs ti be watched several more times.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

"Dr. Dolittle 3"

Kyla Pratt
Kristen Wilson
Walker Howard
John Amos
Luciana Carro
Tommy Snider
Calum Worthy

PG           95min           2006

“Dr. Dolittle 3” is about Maya Dolittle being sent to the ‘Durango’ Dude Ranch, by her mother, to find herself. While there, she uses her talent to talk to the animals in order to save Durango from being taken over by a neighboring Ranch

It’s the first adventure without Eddie Murphy and is headlined by Kyla Pratt. It doesn’t have any cursing, sex, or violent. It’s a nice film that the whole family can enjoy. It’s a strong showing from a young actress with an extensive résumé.

‘Dr. Dolittle 3’ is a cute film that will greatly amuse children. Norm MacDonald, his voicing of Lucky is a little crude but still funny. The voicing of the animals steals the show. It you like trying to figure out voice over this movie is one that will keep you puzzled until the credits.

If you are looking for something to placate the tweens and below this is one for you. If you’re looking for something that will entertain you and your family this is one for you. There isn’t anything really objectionable in this film. It has the drunken monkey from the other films; a little crude humor and I think two kisses. It still holds the traditions and values started in 'Dr. Dolittle' and 'Dr. Dolitle 2'.

I give it 2/5 Gs.

"Dreamer (2005)"

Kurt Russell
Dakota Fanning
Kris Kristofferson
Elisabeth Shue
David Morse
Freddy Rodriguez
Luis Guzman
Oded Fehr

PG           106min           2005


“Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story (2005)” is a young girl’s ambition turns into a family dream to see a race horse that had a career ending leg break race again.

Dreamer is a nice gleaming beautiful film in a time wear Hollywood it about gritty, raw and too real drama. It’s a heart-warming tale about overcoming adversity and finding your dreaming. It’s a family drama that is beautifully acted. It’s a story for the entire family.

The root for this family too succeed, it’s something you want as much as they do. No one character is more important than any other and it truly tugs at your heart. Its not cynical or contrite as some of these family dramas can be. It portrays a real family struggling between success and family, living in reality or chasing after a dream.

Some of the best work from a child that is wise beyond her year, Dakota Fanning. It’s her star that shines in this film and she is the drawing attraction. She outshine her other costar. I think this movie was made with her in mind and it shows. As the movie is about the horse but its only compelling when is she on the screen.

Dreamer is film for the whole family. You cheer in the happy moments and cry in the sad. For some it gives them a good cry. As a family you can enjoy for the acting or for the majestic animals horses are. It made me appreciate how hard it is to raise horses. I found a new appreciation for the Triple Crown and just how hard is to win.

I give it a 3/5 Gs.

"Hoodwinked"

PG           80min           2005

“Hoodwinked” is a re-imagining of the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ tale. It’s the mystery that unfolds as Red is on her way to granny’s house, to protect her secret recipes.

It is imaginative, funny, and funny for all to have. It took a tale we all know and throw against the wall and let the piece fall where they may. Kids will love it for all the action and animation. Parents will love it because of the familiarity with the characters and how they have been re-imagined.

“Little Red Riding Hood” has elements of the original story but its been torn apart and stretched like ‘Play Dough’. It’s a old story told new to a new generation, that the old will find interest and funny too. There are characters added that make the story so funny,

‘Hoodwinked’ has big name star voices that complement their characters and some voices are distinct but you can place the actor. Kids will love the animation because of its bright vibrant colors. The colors are cheery and delight.

This isn’t our ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ this is Red for a new generation. She is a confident young woman who is capable of making to Granny’s house. Granny’s no longer sitting by the fire waiting to die. The re-imaging of all the character is what make this tell funny.

“Hoodwinked” is one of the better-animated movies. This will make most children complacent enough to finish an entire load of laundry. It’s one that you can what it several times and pick up a clue that you didn’t see before.

I give it 3/5 Gs.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe

William Moseley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Anna Popplewell
Skandar Keynes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Georgie Henley
Tilda Swinton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . James McAvoy
Jim Broadbent

PG 135min 2005

The Chronicles of NArnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe is one of the best special effect laden movies I have seen in a while. It captured the imagination and wonder of when I was a kid. It took me back to my childhood fighting imaginary creature exploring new worlds and meeting new people, if only in your mind.

Although this movie is geared to children, it is not a children movie. There are serious acts of violent in this movie. People are frozen which to a little kid could be consider killed. There is a battles scene on the scale of “Braveheart” and it only got a PG rating. I personally don’t like the rating system but parents should watch this first and see if their children are old enough to watch it. On the fun fact commentary C.S. Lewis, wrote books that he would like to read.

The DVD is packed with several added features for your enjoyment. The director and Children’s commentary is especially funny; Georgie Henley will crack you up on that commentary. Over 10 hours of interesting bonus features about the movie, the world of Narnia, and what’s to come.

Reading the Internet I have found that there is a debate on which way to read the books. I just started reading them but for the most part reading them in the order of which they were written and published is the best. Reading them in chronological order seems to take the mystery and wonder from the stories.

5/5 Gs

Elf

Will Ferrell
James Caan
Bob Newhart
Ed Asner
Mary Steenburgen
Zooey Deschanel
Daniel Tay
Faizon Love

PG           93min           2003

'Elf' is a great holiday movie for a depressed spirit. It starts a little slow but once it picks up it is hilarious. Ferrell's perform makes you remember what is like to be a kid again. Jon Favreau did a spectacular job with this movie. If you can't love this movie then... you've will be visited by three ghost.

I give it 5/5 Gs.

If today you found out you were adopted what would you do?>