Making what is essentially a prequel to one of the most beloved films of all time is a risky business. “Oz, The Great and Powerful” gives us the story of how the titular wizard in “The Wizard of Oz” got to where he is when Dorothy meets him. It’s not a perfect film by...
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Kids movies that take the time and trouble to be enjoyable by and accessible to grownups have a special place in my heart, especially when they’re fairly smart and creatively designed. “Rise of the Guardians” falls into this camp, and I enjoyed the first hour and twenty minutes enough to forgive the last ten...
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Back in 1984, Tim Burton produced a stop-motion short film entitled "Frankenweenie," in which a boy brings his dog back to life after the beloved pet is killed by a car. It's a charming piece, and available in the extra content on DVDs of "The Nightmare Before Christmas." Now, almost twenty years later, Burton...
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Directed by: Chris Butler, Sam Fell Starring: Kodi Smit-McPhee, Tucker Albrizzi, Anna Kendrick, Casey Affleck, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, John Goodman Rated: PG for scary action and images, thematic elements, some rude humor and language Laika, the studio behind stop-motion hit “Coraline,” have done it again with “ParaNorman,” another tale of a child who doesn’t fit...
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It seems like just about every movie whose protagonist is a young woman has to have a love interest for her. In some cases (Disney, I'm looking at you), the young woman's entire adventure revolves entirely around getting her man. Not exactly inspiring for young girls who are more interested in adventures than in...
Read more →Directed by: Jon Turteltaub Starring: Jay Baruchel, Nicoholas Cage, Alfred Molina, Teresa Palmer, Toby Kebbel Rated: PG for fantasy action violence, some mild rude humor and brief language.
Read more →Directed by: David Yates Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Jim Broadbent Rated: PG for scary images, some violence, language and mild sensuality. Parental Notes: This is a darker, scarier film than the previous ones, and may be too scary for youngsters. Teens and preteens should be fine.
Read more →Written for the screen and directed by: Henry Selick Starring: Dakota Fanning, Teri Hatcher, Keith David, John Hodgman, Jennifer Saunders, Dawn French, Robert Bailey Jr., Ian McShane Rated: PG for thematic elements, scary images, some language and suggestive humor. Parental Notes: This is essentially a horror movie for kids. Know your child’s limitations, there...
Read more →Directed by: Iain Softley Starring: Brendan Fraser, Eliza Hope Bennett, Paul Bettany, Helen Mirren, Andy Serkis, Rafi Gavron Rated: PG for fantasy adventure action, some scary moments, and brief language Parental Notes: Very young children may find the end sequence, which features a giant monster made of ash clouds and fire, too frightening, but...
Read more →Directed by: Larry and Andy Wachowski Starring: Emile Hirsch, Christina Ricci, John Goodman, Susan Sarandon Rated: PG for sequences of action, some violence and language. Parental Notes: This is a movie aimed squarely at kids. The racing scenes may be a bit intense for very young kids, but kids old enough to watch Saturday...
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