FILM: The Lamp

The Lamp
based on the novel by Jim Stovell

This sweet film about loss, hope, faith, and finding happiness in life is not blatantly "Christian" but is inspirational and very uplifting. We found it on Netflix and it was perfect for "Family Movie Night."  We were entertained and it made for good discussion afterward.  It contains nothing offensive, though there are some mildly intense scenes that might be frightening for very small children.

Recommended for:  Everyone

FILM: Avalon High (2010)

Avalon High
rated PG

This made-for-TV Disney movie is full of factual errors, nonsensical situations, and plot holes, but my kids thought it was great fun and very entertaining.  There is some mild violence, but nothing offensive.  Good for family-movie-night.  Just remember it's a children's movie and ignore the goofy stuff.  You might even be entertained yourself.

I'm feeling generous because it made my kids happy.

TV/DVD: Kipper the Dog

Kipper the Dog
based on the books by Mike Inkpen


Even though I have always hated the thought of the TV as babysitter, many years ago when I was pregnant with my second child and completely exhausted, I was desperate to find something decent on TV that would entertain my toddler for a bit so I could lie down.  But it had to be appropriate, and short.  One morning on CBS, I discovered exactly what I needed.....Kipper the Dog.  It is utterly sweet and funny, and my son was hooked.  The episodes are short, the stories are simple and slow-paced, the music is light, and the excellent animation is not distracting.  AND, amazingly for a kids' show, it's not obnoxious! 

Sadly my children have all out-grown these wonderful shows, but recently when I went to throw out the many VHS tapes (yes, it was that long ago) of "Kipper" that I ended up buying and which served us well for years, neither I nor my kids could bear to part with them.  We ended up sitting down and watching them together and laughing and reminiscing.  They are still in the cabinet with all our DVD's.  I guess I'll save them for my grandchildren.  :)

Recommended for ages 18 mo. - 5 years

P.S.  It turns out my 2 year old nephew is addicted too.

FILM: The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010)

The Sorcerer's Apprentice (PG)
starring Nicholas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Alfred Molina

We watched this with our kids last night.  They loved it.  I enjoyed it, but Jay said the lead actor's goofy voice and overall goofiness drove him crazy.  I thought it was endearing and appropriate... after all, he plays the part originated by Mickey Mouse, so he needs to be goofy.  

I guess you can call it a remake of the original Disney cartoon from Fantasia (which was based on Goethe's poem), but there are very few similarities, though they did include a scene featuring magical janitorial equipment.  But then what do you expect when you make a present-day feature-length live-action film based on an 8 minute long cartoon short with no dialogue.  There is plenty to critique, but lots to like about it.  Just enjoy the show. 

It's a fun bit of adventure, though probably a bit scary for younger children (hence the PG-rating).... my 7-year-old said he wasn't scared, but he looked like he was once or twice.  There were one or two mild swear words and some mild violence.  Oh, and a couple of sweet kisses that my boys covered their eyes during.  Silly boys. 

FILM: Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009)

Fantastic Mr. Fox (rated PG) (based on the book by Roald Dahl)
starring (voices) George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartmann, et al (the list of famous names is long)

Why did it take us so long to see this movie?  I really knew nothing about it, but had heard it was good.  I think it's now a new favorite for our family.... at least for me and Jay.  I think it's actually more of an adult movie, though kids enjoy it on a different level (for the slapstick, etc.).  The humor is odd and quirky, and there is much to be gained from multiple viewings. Wacky fun!

I'm always a little nervous about Roald Dahl (a lot of his books are weird and have language and creepy stuff), so I was pleasantly surprised.  I'm not sure why it's rated PG... I don't remember any "language," though there is some cartoon violence, and I guess some scenes that are mildly frightening.  There is some smoking, so that probably has something to do with it.  Otherwise, it's pretty safe.

Oh, and the soundtrack is wonderful!  Or, I should say, "Fantastic!"  :)

Recommended for:  FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT

FILM: Five Children and It (2004)

Five Children and It (rated G)
(based on the novel by E. Nesbit)
starring Freddie Highmore, Kenneth Branagh, Eddie Izzard (voice)

We watched this via Netflix with our kids.  It was cute and the kids liked it.  Like most films based on novels, there is plenty of stuff left out or changed, but it works.  Freddie Highmore is always fantastic, and how can you go wrong with Kenneth Branagh and Eddie Izzard in supporting roles?  The story is a fun fantasy centered around 5 siblings (and their horrible cousin), so naturally, most kids will enjoy it.  There is plenty of action, nothing offensive (with the exception of a few naughty childish pranks), and there are some sweet emotional moments.

Recommended for:  Family movie night!

FILM: Megamind (2010)

Megamind (PG)
Will Ferrell, Brad Pitt, Tina Fey, Jonah Hill

My husband and kids really wanted to see this, I didn't.  They had begged me to watch Despicable Me, which they loved and thought was hilarious, and which I thought was pretty weak... mildly entertaining and rarely funny.  It was just OK.  (Actually, I fell asleep for a while, so maybe I missed the really good parts?)

But I digress.

I figured Megamind would be the dumb companion piece of Despicable Me.... another villain-meets-villain-and-turns-good story.  And it was.... sort of.  But I actually enjoyed myself.  I was extremely wary, since Dreamworks animated films tend to be very crude, which I detest.  (I was particularly worried knowing the type of things that typically come from the mouths of Will Ferrell and Jonah Hill.)  Thankfully, aside from one minor phrase referring to one's backside being kicked in defeat, this one was pleasantly free of the typical stuff.  It was rather funny, kind of sweet, fairly entertaining, and very silly.