Loading ...Movie Review – Percy Jackson and the Olympians; The Lightning Thief
Here is another review from Miranda. This time, another popular book series get translated to a movie franchise, mostly with really longs names. Seems to be a trend these days. On to the review…
This movie is based on the highly popular book series by Rick Riordan. It centers around demi-god Percy Jackson and his mission to find Zeus’s lightning bolt. His two companions are a fellow demi-god Annabeth Chase and his best friend Grover Underwood. The series centers on mythology, along the way the teenagers meet Medusa, The Lotus, and oh yeah Hades. It’s jam-packed with action and filled with funny dialogue and a little romance. I definitely recommend seeing this movie.
Is it right for kids: I think 8 and up is perfect. Think of Harry Potter and how your kids handled that.
Movie Review – Princess and the Frog
Hello again,
Well, I see it’s been a while since the last post and I figured it was time for another. I’ve found myself very busy with my personal life and have let this site slide. Time to get back to it.
We actually saw this movie before Christmas and I had full intention of doing a review at the time. But as real life gets in the and takes priority, I’m just getting around to it.
This film is the first Disney film to have a black princess. Tiana lives and works in New Orleans in the early part of 1900’s. It’s not really specific as to time but it’s that error. Jazz was the big thing, River Boats plied the Mississippi and the Bayou was a mysterious place. The story opens with two little girls being told the story of the Princess and the Frog. Tiana’s mother is a seamstress and is making a dress for the daughter of a rich and important businessman. The girls is a friend of Tiana’s and the listen in rapt attention to the story.
The story moves ahead and soon we find that some 20 years (or so) have passed and Tiana is now a young lady working in a diner with big plans to save money for the restaurant her father dreamed about opening. The big news in town is the visit of a Prince Naveen from a far away land and the upcoming Mardi Gras parade.
The Prince is shown as a bit of a wild young man, with no clear direction in his life. He spends his time dancing, and partying. There is a party to be thrown for him and Tiana is asked to work at a reception and make her signature dish.
The Prince meanwhile has an encounter with a witch doctor that turns out badly and things take a turn for the worse when disaster strikes the party and Tiana needs a change of clothes.
Meeting on the balcony of the house Naveen convinces Tiana to kiss him, that’s when it gets interesting.
The movie is very entertaining with good songs, fun characters and beautiful animation. It’s a bit predictable at times, but what Disney movie isn’t? The ending does have a surprise that I found quite wonderful. When you see it you’ll know. Ask me if you’re not sure.
Is It Right For Kids? Oh, yes. If your kids have seen any other Disney movie, this is very much the same. A few intense scenes not unlike those found in Snow White when she runs through the forest, or Lion King when Mufasa is killed. My daughter enjoyed the whole movie but was a little frightened at a couple points. But nothing we had to leave the movie for. Go see it, it’s great entertainment.
New Moon – Movie Review
Another review from Miranda:
New Moon is no doubt on its way to becoming one of the biggest movies of the year. It already made $26.3 million at North American box offices in midnight showings on Friday morning and is on track to make much more. I just so happened to see it with some of my friends last night and let me tell you; it was so good! The movie starts off with Bella Swan’s birthday, and how she is fretting becoming older than her never-aging vampire boyfriend, Edward Cullen. Later at a party hosted by the Cullens (I don’t want to give to much away) let’s just say Bella quickly becomes dessert for one of the Cullens when an accident happens. This makes Edward leave Bella fearing she is no longer safe with him. After months of being alone, Bella finds comfort in her friend Jacob Black. Jake isn’t who he appears to be though. After a misunderstanding occurs Bella must race to save Edward in Italy, who is trying to kill himself because he thinks Bella is dead. Once everything is settled, the movie ends with a cliffhanger that had everyone in the theater groaning. Not because it was a bad ending (just the opposite in fact), but because we realize that now we have to wait to be thrown back into the world of Bella, Edward, and Jake. As I’m sure you’ve seen in trailers 9 out of 10 times the wolf pack is shirtless and even Mr. Edward Cullen takes his shirt off once. The action is good, not too scary but not too cheesy. New Moon definitely exceeded my expectations.
Is it right for kids: The rating is PG-13, but 12 year-olds should be fine and if they’ve read the book, there are no surprises.
Wall-E – by Boom Studios – Comic Review
Have you ever read a comic without words? Just a few characters thrown together to make it seems like sounds maybe? That’s what Wall-E is like. If you’ve seen the movie, you know what I’m talking about.
We’re introduced to Wall-E as he starts his day cleaning up the world. There are still other robots like Wall-E around as we meet 2 others. We get to see Wall-E collect a few of the things that he has in the movie which takes place an undetermined time in the future.
There isn’t much story to this comic but it’s well illustrated and Wall-E’s story is told simply through his interactions with the other robots and his reactions to the world around him.
Is it Right for Kids? Yes, this could be considered an all ages book. Young kids will enjoy looking at the pictures. Kids, and adults, that have seen the movie will enjoy it as well.
Amelia Rules – The Whole World’s Crazy by Jimmy Gownley – Book Review
If you’re a fan of Calvin & Hobbes or the Peanuts, you’ll like this. Amelia is a 9 year old girl living in a small town with her mother and aunt after her parents divorce.
She deals with the usual things like being the the new kid in class, living in a small town (she’s originally from Manhatten) and many of the usual things kids go through.
She makes friends and has adventures much like Calvin did in his day. Instead of a tiger named Hobbes, Amelia has her best friend Reggie, Rhonda (who thinks of as her Arch-Enemy) and a boy they all call Pajama-Man because that’s all he seems to wear.
It’s a fun read and the illustrations are colorful and full of expression. There are three books available so far with more on the way.
Is it Right for Kids: Oh Yes, this is a good kids book for ages 9 and up. Kids younger then 7 or 8 won’t really get some of the story lines and references but might like to read just the same. Older kids will enjoy it as well and I think even parents will enjoy reading this like the enjoyed reading the Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes. A guilty pleasure.
Amulet: The Stonekeeper by Kazu Kibuishi book review
This beautifully illustrated book by Kazu Kibuishi is a thrilling adventure in the tradition of many great adventure stories. Danger, exotic creatures and a brave central character all make for a compelling story.
We’re introduced to Emily in the first few pages as her family drives along a snowy road. A car accident leads to tragedy. The story then jumps ahead by two years to find Emily and her family moving to a new house. From there, the story moves pretty quickly. Emily’s mother is taken by a strange creature into a strange world under the house. Emily and her brother Navin, follow them but can’t rescue their mother. They manage to escape the creature and Emily finds that the Amulet she found earlier has some strange powers.
The almost are taken by another stranger but are rescued by Mizkit, the bunny like character that has been working with her Great Grandfather, who has been living in the underground world but is now dieing of old age.
The story is deep and interesting. The characters are well developed. The illustrations though make the story that much richer. They are simple in some parts and detailed in other. This book is the first in a series of I don’t know how many. Book 2: The Stonekeepers Curse is set to be released on Nov 20, 2009.
Is it Right for Kids? Yes, this is a good book for kids aged 8 and up. It does deal with some tragedy and dark stuff but not so dark and tragic that the magic of the setting and story won’t override those things. You could probably read this story to a younger child but might skip or gloss over some of the scary parts.
Uncle Scrooge #384 – Comic Review
It’s been a while since I did a review and I’m stepping back in a time a little with this one.
I’ve always kind of like Donald Duck’s cranky Uncle Scrooge. He’s got a sarcastic streak but a soft heart. Boom Kids has brought back a lot of the magic of years gone by with the reintroduction of Uncle Scrooge to their line up. Boom Kids is pulling out all the stops with Disney based comics. They got the franchise for the pixar properties Toy Story, Monsters, Inc, Cars and the Incredibles. Now they are following that up with Uncle Scrooge, Walt Disney Comics and Mickey Mouse. All of which bring back lots of great memories.
The story is simple, clean, fun and enjoyable by kids and parents. There are two stories in this book. The first starts off with Scrooge, his nephew Donald heading off to Germany with Huey, Dewey and Louie, of a search for missing treasure in a haunted castle. Scrooge’s long time foe, Magica Da Spell, tries to beat him to it.
The second, which takes place immediately following the first, sees Scrooge, Donald and the boys heading off to Poland searching for a hidden laboratory that belong to an apprentice of Copernicus.
Is it Right for Kids? Sure is. This comic is a fun easy read for kids of all ages. In true Disney comic tradition, the story isn’t scary but has an element of of it. It allows anyone from 3 and up to enjoy the story.
Ponyo – Movie Review
Ok, time to get back to reviews. It’s been a couple weeks and I’ve got some catching up to do.
Last weekend we went to see the new Hayao Miyazaki film, Ponyo. It’s been a big hit in Japan as most of his movies are.
The story is about a young fish that yearns to become a human. It’s loosely based on Hans Christian Anderson’s Little Mermaid. But any resemblance the Disney version ends there.
The little fish escapes from her father and explores the ocean, ending up at a small coastal village. There she meets a young boy and her takes her home. The become friends but her father finds her and brings her home. The boy is very sad when the water spirits take her back to her father.
Ponyo decides that she doesn’t want to remain a fish and attempts to find Sosuke, the boy, again. However, when Ponyo leaves the underwater world and returns to Sosuke in his village, the earth becomes out of balance and the oceans go crazy.
It’s a very nice story with great animation and compelling plot. There is a definite message about the ocean and ecology. But that’s for the parents. The kids might not even notice.
Is it right for Kids? Yes, this movie is a kid friendly movie that even younger kids will enjoy. Much like Miyazaki’s other movies, children have the lead roles and prove to be stronger and smarter and more resourceful then given credit for by adults in the movie. Take the kids and enjoy a fun family movie.
Comic Review – Monsters Inc – Fun Factory #1
This comic was initially released last week but I wasn’t able to get a review of it up before I went away for the weekend.
This is the first of the Monsters, Inc series of 4 comics. Boom Kids is translating some of the Disney/Pixar movies into comic form. They’ve already done Toy Story and Wall-E is coming in the fall.
Each comic is a self contained story. This particular starts off with a commercial like introduction much like the movie. We then are reintroduced to the main characters of Sulley and Mike. Mike is now the top monsters for getting laughs, the new energy source for Monster City. He’s getting a bit to full of him self and the other monsters are not liking how self-absorbed he’s become. Sulley is finding that running the factory is very busy and stressful and he hasn’t got time for Mike or visiting Boo, the little girl from the first movie. So Mike takes it upon himself to bring Boo to Sulley.
That sets off a mystery as other monsters props and gags get stolen and Mike is framed for it all.
This is a great story that’s easy to read and has some good gags and laughs. Adults will also appreciate some of them. The art is colorful, just like the movie and drawn with emotion and care.
Is it Right for Kids? Sure is. This comic is good for all ages. There are a couple of panels with a little comic style violence but nothing to scary. Kids will enjoy seeing the characters from the movie back in a new story.
Race to Witch Mountain – Movie Review
Another review from Miranda:
The new Disney remake of the movie ‘Race to Witch Mountain’ was released on dvd last Tuesday (August 4). Race to Witch Mountain tells the story about two teenage aliens named Sara and Seth (played by AnnaSophia Robb and Alexander Ludwig) who land on Earth. Both Sara and Seth have powers. They get into cab driver Jack Brono’s (Dawyne Johnson) taxi and the adventure starts when all three find themselves in a high speed chase. After a series of events including being tailed by a alien bounty hunter, they meet up with Dr.Alex Friedman (Carla Gugino) who has always believed in aliens. After Sara and Seth are caught by our government, Jack and Alex team up to rescue them and get them back to their home planet. The coolest scene is the beginning when it shows the movie watcher all these news articles about alien sightings. The part that is the scariest for kids is most likely going to be when the bounty hunter’s helmet is taken off. He has this disgusting mushy head, but you don’t see him for too long like that, just a few minutes.
Is it for kids: Yes, for 7 and up this is the perfect action movie. It’s great for kids who don’t really like the suspense and scariness of other action movies, like myself.