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.

FILM (TV): Temple Grandin

Temple Grandin (2010)
rated PG, starring Claire Danes, Julia Ormond, Catherine O'Hara

Wow.  This fantastic HBO film about the life of Temple Grandin made me think, and made me cry, and I loved it.  There isn't much else I need to say except, "Go watch it!"  But if you still need convincing, I will continue....

Temple Grandin is autistic.... AND a doctor of animal science, livestock handling genius, university professor, author, and autism advocate.  Truly an amazing person.  Her story touched me, as it has done millions of people.  Her influence is wide-spread among many fields of study.  I would be impressed by her work even if she were not autistic... the fact that she is makes it all the more amazing (sorry, I can't help using that word repeatedly). 

Claire Danes does an excellent job portraying Grandin, and together with a fabulous cast of supporting actors, makes this award-winning film what it is.  The film-makers used Grandin's books as the basis for the script and brilliant techniques to show us how this highly intelligent woman "thinks in pictures."  This powerful, inspiring and emotional film is worth watching with your whole family (the only thing that might be offensive is some mild gore from the slaughter of cattle, but it's pretty minor).

[As a side note, Temple Grandin's 2010 TED speech is fascinating and informative, and should be required viewing for teachers!  I think I'm becoming slightly obsessed, wanting to watch every YouTube video I can find of her.]

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. 

TV SERIES: Mr. Bean (1990-1995)

Mr. Bean
starring Rowan Atkinson

If you haven't been introduced to the joys of "Mr. Bean," then go to YouTube and watch any (or all) of the clips of Mr. Bean episodes. You can't help laughing. And your kids will too. You gotta love anything that's funny and clean and that the whole family can watch together.
We purchased this DVD set, "The Whole Bean" which my kids love.  We also enjoyed "Mr. Bean's Holiday." By the way, don't bother with the "Mr. Bean Animated Series." It's just not that funny. You have to see Rowan Atkinson doing his stuff.

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. 

BOOK: Stormbreaker (Alex Rider Adventure series)

Storm Breaker
by Anthony Horowitz

This is the first book in a series of adventures about Alex Rider, a fourteen-year-old reluctant spy.  I guess I would call it "James Bond for the Harry Potter set."   It's very exciting, and the action is quite intense, but the violence is definitely toned-down for kids, and not graphic, which is greatly appreciated by this parent.  I also appreciate that there is no "language."  Refreshing!  [I'll never understand why authors insist on using foul language in their books.... it's simply not necessary.  I suppose it's merely a sign of bad writing, as if the author can't come up with a better way for a character to express themselves. (It's also true of "real" people who use that kind of "language".... they sound ignorant and uneducated, not to mention boorish.)  It's a cop-out.]  So, I was happy to let my 11-year-old son read it, and he loved it, naturally.  Actually, so did I.

I look forward to reading the next one!

Age recommendation:  11 - 16 years (or 40)  :P