"Hoot"

Luke Wilson
Logan Lerman
Brie Larson
Cody Linely
Tim Blake Nelson
Neil Flynn
Robert Wagner
Clark Gregg
Kiersten Warren
Jessica Cauffiel


PG           90min           2006


A young man (Lerman) moves from Montana to Florida with his family, where he’s compelled to engage in a fight to protect a population of endangered owls.

"Hoot" is a film geared to a younger audience. The whole family can appreciate this film. It gives an entertaining tale while trying display an important message.

It is one of those films that’s truly geared to younger audiences. It has kids standing up to the grownups, who do not listen to the kids even though they are right. It displays cute wildlife that will tug at your heart the moment they are on the screen.

Even with it geared to younger audiences the whole family can appreciate "Hoot". It has enough action that parents will find this film bearable. Its parents a message that they want to impart to their child. Teenager will find it entertaining because of the rebellious nature of the kids in this film.

Hoot has a responsible story about living harmoniously with nature. Showing that its important to standup for your believes even if you are in the minority. It shows that we as humans must find a balance between progress and protecting nature.

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.