For a little background information, Dracula (Sandler) is a widower with a grown-up daughter called Mavis (Gomez) who has decided they both need some R&R and more family time. So for a surprise, she has arranged for all of them to go on a trip, without telling them it will be a cruise—which Drac would never […]
With all the adult themes (such as the complexities in relationships, literary references, and details in the plot), it’s hard to see how Sherlock Gnomes is a film for children, despite its being animated. Following Sherlock’s (Depp) reasoning through problems and clues is way over the kids’ heads; observing the intricacies of relationships between Sherlock
The special effects, humor, and sheer imagination of the Despicable Me series continue to be refreshing and delightful for children. There were many chuckles from children (and adults, by the way) in the screening I attended, as well as sighs during the tender moments. Like its predecessors, 3 is mostly entertaining (as it’s meant to
This magical, musical animation from Disney incorporates folklore and myth to tell a story about identity with reverence for history and the preservation of the world. It’s a hero’s—actually, a heroine’s—journey where she must go out into the world far beyond her safe island and undergo many trials to save her people and their land.
The BFG seemed to capture children’s interest and attention in the screening I attended, and there was applause at the end. Noises I heard from kids during the film seemed more like they were engaged and involved rather than restless, despite the almost-2-hour production. I got the impression they were following the BFG’s malapropisms as
The film comically mentions that bestselling children’s book author R.L. Stine has sold more books than Stephen King, yet this is the first major motion picture based on his work. The Goosebumps movie project has been tossed around Hollywood for a while, but this particular script over reaches trying to shove all 62 original
Most ten year old boys have an early fascination with police cars, the flashing lights, the sound and the speed, likely all of us had a toy cop car at some point. Writer/director Jon Watts, before he was tapped to reboot Spider Man, takes that childhood notion and does a ‘what if’; inserting two ten
Writers/directors Mark Burton and Richard Starzak are masters at storytelling—even with no dialog to speak of! Shaun the Sheep plays on the numerous connotations of sheep (being easily led, counting sheep to go to sleep, and fluffy wool, for instance) for chuckles. But the theme running through this feature is weighty, such as how boring
The Minions are some of the most lovable creatures in children’s movies. Illumination Entertainment, directors Kyle Balda and Pierre Coffin, writer Brian Lynch, and musician Heitor Pereira deserve high praise for making a film that is truly entertaining, uplifting, and insightful about human beings, with all accompanied by delightful music from the sixties.
Paddington is an encouraging departure from the regular stupidity seen in family films. Based on the best-selling children’s book and filled with positive, reinforced family values, this star studded 90 minute adventure is fun for young eyes and grown up minds. Visually exciting, not only is the live action capture of the Paddington bear as