Epic

Epic (PG) 2013

Directed by Chris Wedge

Starring:   Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell, Josh Hutcherson, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Knoxville, Aziz Ansari, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler, Judah Friedlander and Blake Anderson

Here We Go:  The human world and the magical world of miniature forest people accidentally come together to save the world from evil foes that are trying to kill it all.  The scale and detail of Epic are impressive, and it makes you feel as though you have been transported to that world.  Children and adults will be equally entertained by the story, scenery and comedy found in this movie.  Personal favorites are definitely the snail (Hutcherson) and slug (Ansari).  I mean, a jealous slug with a huge crush on a human is just plain funny.  Even the battle scenes are impressive, and it's nice to see strong male and female roles.  No weak girls cowering away from a fight here!  

Bottom Line:  This is one to watch!

Parental Guidance

Parental Guidance (PG) 2012

Directed by Andy Fickman

Starring:  Billy Crystal, Bette Midler, Marisa Tomei, Tom Everett Scott,Bailee Madison, Joshua Rush, Kyle Harrison Breitkopf, Jennifer Crystal Foley, Gedde Watanabe, Rhoda Griffis, Madison Lintz and Brad James

Here We Go:  Billy Crystal, Bette Midler and Marissa Tomei headline a talented cast that delivers a funny and entertaining movie.  Crystal and Midler are the grandparents that are called in to babysit their grandchildren at the last minute.  Their daughter (Tomei) has a decidedly "modern" parenting attitude and doesn't believe in the "old school" parenting style of her parents.  Of course, the styles clash and we watch the family learn (through various funny and sometimes dramatic scenes) that both styles of parenting can be effective.  This one won't win any Oscars and the plot is predictable but its a movie that is simply supposed to entertain and it does just that.  

Bottom Line:  Watch it.

Mirror Mirror

Mirror Mirror (PG) 2012

Directed by Tarsem Singh

Starring:  Julia Roberts, Lily Collins, Armie Hammer, Nathan Lane, Mare Winningham, Michael Lerner, Sean Bean, Danny Woodburn, Martin Klebba, Sebastian Saraceno, Jordan Prentice, Mark Povinelli, Joe Gnoffo, Ronald Lee Clark and Robert Emms

Here We Go:  This version of the Snow White story finds Snow White (Colins) running from her evil stepmother (Roberts) to the helping hands of a scrappy group of dwarfish thieves.  The dwarfs teach Snow White how to use the art of thieving to win back her kingdom and free her people from the Queen's tyranny.  Of course, the basic story line of this fairy tale is true to form; however, this version is very refreshing!  It is colorful, feisty, funny and fun!  Children and adults will get lost in this magically whimsical world, the costumes are amazing and the Indie number at the end puts a charming cherry on top.

Bottom Line:  Grab some popcorn, because this one is one to watch!

Rise of the Guardians

Rise of the Guardians (PG) 201

Directed by Peter Ramsey



Starring:  Chris Pine, Alec Baldwin, Jude Law, Isla Fisher, Hugh Jackman, Dakota Goyo, Khamani Griffin, Kamil McFadden, Georgie Grieve and Emily Nordwind

Here We Go:  Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy and the Sandman team up with Jack Frost to stop Pitch Black (the Boogeyman).  How could this not be an awesome movie?  This one will be fun for the whole family as you watch Jack learn how to be a "Guardian" and think of more than just himself.  Santa has tattoo sleeves, the Easter Bunny is hilarious and fights with a boomerang and the Sandman is a the baddest of them all.   Rise of the Guardians will keep you and your kids entertained and will likely be one of those movies that the kids want to watch over, and over, and over (and you might not even object)!  

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Hotel Transylvania

Hotel Transylvania (PG) 2012

Directed by Genndy Tartakovsky

Starring:  Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg, Selena Gomez, Fran Drescher, Steve Buscemi, Molly Shannon, David Spade, Ceelo Green, Jon Lovitz, Brian George, Luenell, Chris Parnell and Jackie Sandler

Here We Go:  Dracula (Sandler) has opened a hotel for monsters only, but a curious human has found his way in.  This movie is great for all ages!  It's one that parents can watch with their kids that won't make them go numb with boredom.  The characters are memorable, the story is actually really good and it's funny!  There is also a good message woven through the film about acceptance and change.  If you're looking for a movie for the little ones or for family movie night, this is definitely one to check out.

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

Clifford

Clifford (PG) 1994

Directed by Paul Flaherty

Starring:  Martin Short, Charles Grodin, Mary Steenburgen, Dabney Coleman, Richard Kind, Jennifer Savidge, Brandis Kemp, Ben Savage and Don Galloway

Here We Go:  This is one of those movies that you either get it or you don't.  Clifford (Short) is an obnoxious little boy who teeters on psychotic.  The things that this boy puts his poor uncle (Grodin) through just for the sake of getting his own way is laugh-out-loud funny.  If an out of control, mischievousness, manipulative brat that terrorizes anyone who gets in his way (for 90 minutes) is something that might give you more anxiety than pleasure, you may want to skip this.  However,  consider that this isn't your child putting you through a special brand of hell.  It's a funny, funny movie, and Short pulls this role off with ease.

Bottom Line:  Watch it!

The Croods

The Croods (2013) PG

Directed by Kirk De Micco and Chris Sanders

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds, Emma Stone, Catherine Keener, Cloris Leachman and Clark Duke

Here We Go:  The Croods is a cute movie about a family of cavemen who are forced to relocate and "modernize" due to changes in the environment.  From the previews, it would seem that this was going to be a super funny movie, but it was more action/drama than comedy.  The kids enjoyed it and the character of the baby Crood was particularly entertaining (think: wild animal in baby form).  Compared to the Ice Age movies, The Croods falls short, but it's still a good movie with its fair share of tender and funny moments that make it worthwhile.

Bottom Line:  Watch it, but wait for it to come out to DVD.

Oz the Great and Powerful

Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) PG

Directed by: Sam Raimi

Starring: James Franco, Mila Kunis, Rachel Weisz, Michelle Williams, Zach Braff, Bill Cobbs, and Joey King

Here We Go:  I came in with high expectations due to all the buzz around the visual effects.  The visuals did not disappoint.   James Franco, Rachel Weisz and Michelle Williams were all well cast; however, Mila Kunis only seemed right for the first half of the movie.  Kunis does shy/cute/funny well - evil witch not so much.  It's an all around good story that did not seem like the 130 minutes that it was.  I would have liked more of the battle scenes between the good and evil but this was Oz not Return of the Jedi so I can't complain too much.  The "new" characters (China Doll and Finley the Monkey) were well placed and added to the overall enjoyment of the movie.  Overall, Oz the Great and Powerful is a witty, engaging and visually pleasing movie that is right for kids and adults.  I'm looking forward to the sequel.

Bottom Line:  Watch it.  Buy tickets for you and the kids.