Netflix Customer Reviews

Open Window

[1�17�09] Open Window was a really good movie. It was slow and had it's faults but overall good. Robin Tunney is great and she's still a beauty. After Izzy [Tunney] is raped, she takes a common but unusual approach in dealing with it. With anything so tragic there is plenty of room for anger but there are other (unknown) emotions involved, in this case a least. It is detailed in her discussions with the therapist which was interesting. It also shows the effect it had between her and her boyfriend. The brutal rape is given in bits & pieces which added a great touch. Not the easiest subject for the movie to revolve around but it does keep your attention. This gets an 'R' rating for rape sequences, nudity and language. Good acting, good storyline, Great if you can appreciate a good Indie Drama. Recommended. 3 � stars

Smart House

[1�17�09] Smart House is great family entertainment. Ben Cooper, played by Ryan Merriman(better known for his role in the Disney Channel Original movie "The Luck of the Irish") enters a contest and wins a house for his family. But this is no ordinary house. This house has a name and her name is PAT. She was designed as a Computerized Smart House. Very intelligent, she is able to detect the wishes of everyone in the house and as time goes on, she will know them better then they know themselves. PAT is able to cook, clean and satisfy the needs of everyone. Almost like a motherly figure, without being an actual person. PAT tries to help but turns into a over controlling hover mother. It's good clean fun the whole family will enjoy. It is always on the Disney channel if you are hesitant in renting. Recommended 3 � stars

Surfer, Dude

[1�17�09] Surfer, Dude was extremely laid back and a decent enough movie. There was a massive amount of topless women but well worth the wait to see Matthew McConaughey's contribution of "skin". This will probably only fly with the guys. There were some funny moments but nothing hilarious, like the preview lead you to believe. It was not really about surfing but the plot is still good. It was not the best acting from Matthew either. I don't know if I'm supposed to like this sort of movie but I'm a chick and I still found some enjoyment in it. I would not recommend this if you are the type that feels, you wasted hours of your life, after watching a bad flick. I would however recommend this if you enjoy the 'so bad it's good' type movies or if you can enjoy a short sport flick with lots of skin & drug usage. 3 stars

Brideshead Revisited

[1�17�09] I have no knowledge of the novel but Brideshead Revisited seemed to be very promising as entertainment but ultimately it ends up very boring and mildly entertaining. I'm sure it read much better. There was plenty of room for character development that might have saved it. Brideshead is a Catholic castle/home belonging to a very catholic family. Charles Ryder becomes fascinated with Sebastian and his sister Julia. Ryder first becomes involved with Sebastian, who is an outsider in his family with a tremendous drinking problem. Ryder then finds himself taken by Julia, who is soon to be Wed. The development between Ryder & Sebastian is the only part that interested me, and the only reason I kept watching. Ryder has this strange fascination with the house (Brideshead) before he could even link his lovers in memory with it. Emma Thompson had few parts but delivered with some great acting. She was the controlling catholic mother that seemed to smother her children with her views on how their lives should be. Michael Gambon had even fewer parts, playing the father and being on the opposite side of their religious beliefs. On the upside the scenery was beautiful and the casting for parts was right on the nose. The storyline is-what-it-is. Nothing more happens. It's slow and becomes UN-entertaining very quickly. I hated everything about this sad pathetic plot but if you are the patient type and love period pieces it would be worth checking out. Unfortunately I can not give my stamp of Recommendation. 2 stars

My Best Friend's Girl

[1�17�09] The previews were actually funnier than this whole movie combined. There is plenty of potty mouth humor if you're into that. I was expecting explicit nudity from some reviews here. There is nudity but nothing out of the ordinary. There is a night club scene with a total of two topless women but it's nothing we haven't seen before. I am a chick and I didn't find the humor degrading toward women,(it was all in good fun) it just wasn't very funny but is was pretty raunchy. It might be more the line of a guy flick than anything. Kate Hudson is beautiful but not really charming. Tank [Cook] is the guy that many men have hired to take their girlfriends on the worst night of their life, to ultimately drive them back into their men's arms. There is a possible love story but don't depend on that, it falls short of interesting. It was also the reason I had to round down to three stars. It gave me a few good laughs. It could have been funnier. I am picky with my humor and this was decent enough. Not that I was expecting it to be great. On the upside, it still surprised me. Check it out. 3 stars

Creature Comforts America: Season 1

[1�17�09] Creature Comforts America is truly a brilliant concept. Animated animals comedically answer random questions, asked by people. The animals are widely ranged and answer to the best of their own personal animal knowledge, which makes for some very funny comments. The animation is wonderful just as Wallace & Gromit. I have to agree with other reviewers, the British version is better. It is way funnier and managed to do it with less innuendos. Overall it was mostly funny. There were some dry parts and some potentially hilarious jokes that missed their mark. It is animated but probably not best for children, most jokes are over their heads, but it relies heavily on sexual innuendos. This disc (Season 1) has 2 � hours of footage. If you find that it starts to drag, I recommended splitting-up the watch time. It would be a shame to give this brilliant concept a bad rating because it gets slow. If you like this one, I would also recommend checking out the British version. Recommended 3 � stars

Red Riding Hood

[1�17�09] This is a live action musically upbeat version of the beloved tale, Little Red Riding Hood. When watching I was reminded of Lizzie McGuire. It had a quirky laughable feel. It is more-less the tale we are used to but with very modern additions. Such as Red having a cellular phone and grandma hangs out in online chat-rooms. Red even has a brother that helps her with an ATV. On her bike Red takes some chicken noodle soup to her sick grandmother, played by Lainie Kazan. In the woods she is tracked by the Big Bad 'Werewolf' played by Joey Fatone. Most of the music was very cute & catchy with an urban-pop vibe. It gave a great edition to the line "Grandma what big teeth you have" sung by Morgan Thompson, who had the perfect slight nasally voice, that went with the attitude of the beats. Lainie Kazan was a really great singer. And Yes, Joey Fatone sang. The PG shouldn't be taken lightly. The words jack@ss and sk@nk are tossed around. It is very funny, quick witted and could be entertaining for the whole family. It was mostly silly but highly entertaining, though I could have done without most of the animated effects. It is understandable why some viewers hated it, it requires an open taste for the genres. Recommend 4 stars

Taro the Dragon Boy

Taro the Dragon Boy is a beautiful classic anime. It is a heartwarming adventure & a true jem. The story begins with young Taro, who is slightly selfish. When he is given a gift. He has a fresh new outlook. With his new gift little Taro hopes to not be selfish and help people in need. Spoiler free, (It's in the title) his mother was cast under a spell that turned her into a dragon. Despite the excellence of this film, I can not necessarily recommended this for all families. Like many famous animes they tend to show naked children at play, which it has. Here the nudity might be more offensive. The scenes of nudity contain women's breasts and the private parts of little Taro. In my opinion it is very tasteful and harmless. More of a motherly nature. Though I did think the Mountain Witch could have done without showering part of her chest. Despite that, it was quite beautiful. The music was wonderful. There is a great message and it has depth. If this sounds like a movie for your family or you are a fan of children's animes it is worth checking out. Just remember to put it in English. Highly Recommended [1-17-09] 4 1/2 stars

Rumpelstiltskin

[1�17�09] Rumpelstiltskin was slightly bizarre and mildly entertaining. The 80's feel is so distracting you might be compelled to turn it off. For fans of fantasies, it might be worth sticking through it. The sets & costumes were petty nice. The beginning starts out slow along with the ending. The only part(s)that kept me interested involved Rumpelstiltskin. As far as the music goes it is pretty weak. The actors seem uninterested in what they are doing. Which makes the songs not fun, nothing worth remembering anyway. Amy Irving was not a very good singer either. I am a huge fan of musicals but I could barley stand it. On the upside, It does has a perfect G rating. There is nothing really objectionable about this movie, except for maybe Rumpelstiltskin scary face. It is more child oriented which might interest you. I tend to be a movie defender but for me this flick barley passed. For those reasons, I can not give my stamp of Recommendation. 3 stars

Wisegal

[12�28�08] The beautiful Alyssa Milano did a pretty good job playing a women in the mob. After her husbands death, she's in need of money to survive and support her two young boys. Patty [Milano] knowingly takes small jobs that get her further involved with these bad guys. Even falling in love with one of them. For the most part, she is a believable mother. It sometimes had the feel of a made-for-TV movie (which it is) but it was all pretty good. There wasn't a lot of background about the mobsters, which make them a little unconvincing. But if you have seen a lot of mob related movies, you might let it slide. It kept me entertained as time flew by. It was also very TV appropriate, especially for involving mobsters. It wasn't violent or flooded with language. Viewers here agree, it is good. If your not expecting high action and violence, you'll most likely be pleased. I love Alissa Milano so of course I really enjoyed it. 3 � stars

The Duchess

The Duchess of Devonshire is one of the more celebrated women of royalty from the late 17th-to-18th century, for her fashion and beauty. This true story deserves an Oscar itself. All too often Period Pieces get wrapped up in the glam and costumes, it looses the purpose or meaning of the film. "The Duchess" is all about the story, though you can still appreciate the beauty. I too was one of the skeptics that thought Keira Knightley might have trouble pulling this part off but she nailed it with admirable quality, even her role as a mother. Georgiana [Knightley] is vulnerable and feels imprisoned in her own home. Only what the world saw is Georgiana had an affair with a politician man, Charles Grey. But with any story there is more than what meets the eye, of her troubled marriage to The Duke of Devonshire (played by Ralph Fiennes). The part of The Duke was a more complicated role (even though The Duchess is the center of it all) To portray a man of his high-class station. Meeting the needs of his people along with his royal duties. But never really his wife's, (which is what the whole film is about) and therefore considered the villain. To play out all these actions and still be able to come-off as somewhat common or normal, is not easy. But Ralph Fiennes did it and it was amazing. In the extras it explains that he turned down the part many times before excepting. Visually Stunning and exquisite and in this rare case, does not distract from the film. The extras give some insight of how they got these details of Georgiana's life. Her personal diary entries actually inspired the novel. It also explains about those amazing Hair Pieces. Timelessly beautiful and more importantly it's a gut wrenchingly true story & history. Highly Recommended. [12-28-08] 5 stars

Make It Happen

[12�21�08] I thoroughly enjoy movies like this. Especially when they are based on my favorite thing in the world, dance. A simple storyline, mega predicable or even average acting, are all things I care nothing about when involving dance movies, it's all about the moves! I love the story of struggling to make your passion a profession. Lauryn is relatable and highly likable. The dancing (to me) was good not great but that is fine, it did a fine job entertaining. The music is cool, the story is sweet and sexy. Like most, it starts out with a small town girl, trying to get into that certain school. But what was slightly different was Lauryn is smart and manages not to have a big screw-up moment that will mess up her chances. It was more like small hits that came right after the other. Sounds boring right!? Where's the climax!? It was a good touch, makes it more relatable to real life. It also has a lot of heart. (In my opinion) It's not quite as good as Honey but still good. Recommended for fans of romantic dramas. 3 � stars

The House Bunny

House Bunny was a lot of fun. Anna Faris is goofy and adorable. She plays Shelley a Playboy bunny and it is past her time to live in the mansion. With no where to live she finds herself at a sorority house. It has its moments of trying to hard to be funny. I am particularly picky about my comedy. For it can go wrong very quickly. But I laughed more than I expected. And ended up really enjoying it. Overall cute, fun, sexy, girly humor. I was surprised with Katharine McPhee's performance, she did a pretty good job playing a pregnant misfit. Rumer Willis was good too. The rest of the acting could have been a lot better. For example Heff and his girls. It is cliche and predictable but it has a lot of heart. It's definitely worth checking out. A great popcorn flick. Recommended. [12-21-08] 4 stars

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea

[12�21�08] The Little Mermaid Return to the Sea is not a terrible movie. I loved it. It keeps the exact same feel of the original. It is even better than Ariel's New Beginning. Ariel and Eric's daughter Melody has the same ambition as her mother. This script is switched. Melody longs to live under the sea. Hid and protected from that world by a huge wall, she is unaware of her own grandpa, King Triton and the rest of her family in Atlantica. Quite like her mother she hides her desire and chooses to explore it. The villain this time is Ursula's younger sister Morgana, with a vengeful heart over what happened to her sister, she sets out after little Melody. The music is not highly original but it is cute. It shows what happened to all of Ariel's friends like Sebastian and Flounder. This along with the other two will be disappearing into the Disney Vault very soon. So rent them! Recommended. 5 stars

The Women

Once again another movie that will only be judged in comparison to the original classic. Of course it will fail because the original was great. But strictly as entertainment this film succeeds. All of these women have loads of wit & charm. I loved it. The acting was great. Aside from Eva Mendes, all these women are already on their way to be classic beloved actresses. My personal fave is Meg Ryan. She is still beautifully sassy and sexy. And did a wonderful job. Jada Pinkett Smith was rudely delightful with her slightly outsider/lesbian character. And I really enjoyed Bette Midlers appearance. The thought of one women sleeping with another woman's husband is tragic and it only stirred the pot more with Eva being so hot. We never see Mary's[Meg Ryan] husband, which gives a great touch. It made the audience more sympathetic toward her. Rather than hating the charactered husband. More of a drama than a comedy. It was witty enough and gave more than a few laughs. Equally likable for men and women. Recommended. [12-20-08] 4 1/2 stars

The Nutcracker Ballet

[12�20�08] One of the worst interpretations of The Nutcracker I have seen. There were many flaws, subtle but many. A common trick that most live theater arts use (that ultimately hurts the production rather than help.) Is replacing or rotating in characters with new people. It gets confusing to the audience. They replaced the main (young) characters (Clara, etc.) before the first act had even ended, for older more professional dancers. If only they danced like pros. If that were not confusing enough, there were moments between that captured the dancers in their dressing rooms putting on makeup and picking out outfits. It was a awkward technique. (But it was not meant to buy time, while the dancer moved to a different stage.) That happened very poorly on camera, with periods of nothing happening. Sloppy camera work. I'll give the second act some credit, it was better than the first. But I could barley enjoy that. Some of the dancers were so distractingly emaciated. The 'Snow Falling' scene was the only decent part out of all 71 minutes. And featured the best dancers. I wish there was a element that could save this but sadly there's not. I recommend "The Nutcracker (American Ballet Theatre)from (1977)" it's beautiful. Or even "George Balanchine's The Nutcracker" from (1993), with Macaulay Culkin , it's wonderful. I would only recommend this if you have a goal to see every version. By no-means a yuletide fantasy. 2 stars

Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day

[12�18�08] I was unaware that Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day was based on a novel but the story still interested me. Guinevere Pettigrew [Frances McDormand] gets caught up in the world of a star craven women, who will do just about anything to keep her luxurious life (played by Amy Adams.) The story itself is entertaining enough but very predictable. The humor was decent and managed to stay fun. I actually thought Amy Adams was a little dull, even though she had a highly entertaining character. The humor was a little flat aside from the innuendos. Frances McDormand actually provides most of the laughs, (well for me anyway) with her quirky demeanor. The acting was the only great part of the movie and the clothes. Overall it could have been better. It will do well in the category of a romantic chick flick for those rainy days. 3 � stars

The Tale of Despereaux

[12�19�08] Little Despereaux is not your ordinary mouse. He doesn't scurry or cower. He is brave from day one. Never scared and takes on mousetraps. The Tale of Despereaux is a sophisticated animated tale. Not typical or predictable, unless you've read the book. The casting for the voices are perfect. Emma Watson has a unique voice that fits well with her animated character. Slow paced but the adventure is through the roof. The music was fantastic, sounded much like Harry Potter. It is a tale of the heart and forgiveness. There is a great message, A heart of good and a heart of good, without realizing it's good! It had a Ratatouille feel to it. From an unfortunate event, rats are banished from the human world and forced to live in an underworld, the 'RatWorld' A dark and scavenger place. Adorable Despereaux lives among his fellow mice in the 'MouseWorld' A cute and trouble free place. He unexpectedly sets out on a fairytale type adventure. It is perfect for families. It was not necessarily a laugh out loud type but made me smile the whole time. Adults can appreciate the beautiful animation & depth of the story and kids will enjoy this wonderful fantasy adventure. Highly Recommended. 5 stars

The Nutcracker (American Ballet Theatre)

[12�19�08] Typically families are looking for a good production of The Nutcracker, that will not eventually put their kids to sleep. This is one of the best I have seen, possibly ever. It starts with a quick narration of the storyline. Portrayed by puppets. The stage and scenery are beautifully painted. The costumes are delightful. Along with the makeup, everyone looks like dolls. Seriously, this makes other stage productions look unprofessional. I loved it. By far it had the best interpretation of 'The Mouse King' scene. I usually admire the 'Snow Falling' scene. The dancers were great and really did mimic the motions of snow falling, swiftly then slowly dies down. Perfect! I also noticed the main ballet dancers (who are meant to be young) are too often switched with older professionals by the second act. Here each character stayed the same, which was a pleasant surprise. There was only one thing missing, in the 'Around the World' scene, the main SugarPlum Fairy's solo dance. Which I always look forward to. But that space is filled in nicely. Bravo to the choreographer(s). It's only 78 minutes so it's not an overkill of ballet thrown at you, though I wished it was longer. Definitely will be enjoyed by the family and any lover of ballets. I hope all this helped. So if you are looking for quality, I highly recommend this version. 4 � stars

The Longshots

[12�18�08] The Longshots is inspiring and entertaining. I usually avoid films containing sports, mainly football, for they all seem to be the same. This had a typical storyline but I really enjoyed it. Maybe because it was family oriented. As with all sport dramas there are touching moments, this was really no different but did have a unique added touch. I knew this was based on a true story but I certainly didn't expect so much fulfillment, especially after reading that Fred Durst directed it. Keke Palmer [who plays Jasmine] was pleasantly good and believable as a quarterback. I have a thing for Ice Cube's movies, He has a very sympathetic face that makes it easy to relate to his character, so maybe that helped me enjoy it more. He plays Jasmine's uncle. As they bond, he helps her discover an amazing hidden talent, she never would have found without his help. This is a great flick to watch with the family but it's probably better for older kids, it contains some language. Other than that it's all around clean fun. Recommended. 4 � stars

Mamma Mia!

[12�18�08] I first have to say that I am a huge fan of musicals, so that may have helped my viewing pleasure. When I first heard of this I wasn't too excited and expected average. Boy-oh-boy was I wrong! Mamma Mia! is excellent. By no-means it will never become a classic, but nonetheless it is great. As with most contemporary musicals the storyline sometimes becomes predictable and a little cliche. It had its share of moments, let's say that but for the most part it all flowed very nicely. Stayed light & upbeat. Of course, I was expecting Meryl Streep to be fantastically � whimsically � goofy and she was. But what shocked me was the beautiful Amanda Seyfried. Her wonderful singing and elegance brought so much more life to the film. Do I even have to mention the music....it's fantastic. You may even find yourself singing it the next day. Some of the actors and actresses were not the best of singers but it all balances out. I have to disagree with the idea that this is ok for a 13 year old. There was a brief moment of man-skin and I don't mean his chest but his backside. Wildly entertaining for anyone who loves musicals. It's a Funny � Romantic � Gorgeous flick that I highly recommended. 4 � stars

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

[12�18�08] Kit Kittredge is a perfect family movie. A wonderful family drama and a hint of mystery, with a backdrop of the Great Depression. It moves at a slower pace than most family films, but would be perfect for a nine year old. The storyline is touching, interesting and sometimes fun, even for parents to enjoy. Abigail Breslin is becoming a better actress with each movie she does. Although she is not my favorite child actor, fans of her will definitely be pleased. Thanks to the Depression, Kit [Breslin] and her family find themselves having hardships just like everyone around them. But instead of Kit feeling sorry for herself and complaining, she deals with the tuff circumstances and always looks to the brighter side. Everything that happens to Kit keeps her consistent in her passion for journalism. It has a wonderful message of heart. Recommended. 4 stars

Twilight

Twilight masters the essence of the books, no question about it. Though I rarely compare the two worlds of book & film, each create something new. This film was superb. If you have not read the book, I think it will still be equally enjoyable. The actors do an amazing job delivering what was left out from the book. I haven't enjoyed a movie on the big screen so much, not even the superhero blockbusters that recently came out. Robert Pattinson did a phenomenal job. He is definitely winning hearts over, apart from his previous title as Cedric Diggory (in Harry Potter.) I never realized what a great actress Kristen Stewart was. Her character, Bella, captures and expresses to the audience, her deep attraction to Edward [Pattinson] just by looking at him. It brings new meaning to "Hopelessly in Love". This is not your typical vampire tale that's for sure. Many will certainly be disappointed with the visual effects, they were nothing spectacular But personally I appreciated that, rather than the overly-done CGI we are used to. The cinematography was simple yet beautiful. A movie that captures emotions, so much that it took my breath away, it may not do the same for you (this is just my opinion.) I truly feel that you will absolutely be disappointed in this movie if you are comparing it to the books. Nonetheless this film was Spectacular. Even my husband loved it. Go see Twilight if possible. Highly recommended.[12-13-08] 5 stars

Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer

[12�13�08] At first I didn't know what to expect, mainly from the cover. And I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer. It had a likable feel throughout the whole flick. The acting was surprisingly great as well. Poor Jack is haunted by his past, which gives him an unbelievably bad anger problem, It made for some great humor. Is there a better way to get ride of your frustrations, than monster bashing!? To me this movie was not cheesy, just a little old-school and definitely fun. So if you are not too easily grossed out grab the popcorn and watch this. 4 stars

The Day the Earth Stood Still

[12�12�08] Having never seen the original and never reading any versions of the book, I went into this movie pretty fresh. So having nothing to compare it to, I took it for all that it was. As a fan of Jennifer Connelly, it was really the only reason I was interested in seeing it. Not to mention I like almost all Sci-Fi flicks. Keanu is an alien sent to earth to warn of the dangers and damage that people have created throughout the years. The special effects were pretty good. I will admit the first thirty minutes were so intense and fascinating that I couldn't even eat my popcorn. But shortly after it falls flat. I honestly felt like it was missing a middle. Powerful acting from Connelly, Reeves, Bates and little Smith [Jaden, who did a fantastic job] was the only thing that kept it together. The concept of the earth falling apart at the hand of mankind is a hot-button topic, so this flick will be a hit or miss. I blew over that fact, to get the most enjoyment as possible. If the film nailed the parts that were sorely lacking, it would be well worth seeing on the big screen. Suspenseful but it could have been a lot better. I should also mention that I was not the only person that walked out of the theater with my expression, [not impressed]though my husband really liked it. With that said I recommend waiting and renting, it might be better enjoyed. 2 � stars

Step Brothers

[12�13�08] Well it is safe to say this movie will upset a lot of people, it already has. It's filled with offensive language, rude comments referring sex and potty jokes. I couldn't help but find it very funny. The storyline of two step-brothers still living at home in their forties is hilarious which is probably the only reason I tolerate such rude behavior. Even though Brennan and Dale are forty-somethings they act like they are twelve, which provides more of the laughs than the crude jokes. Not to mention Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly make a great team. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it twice. If you can take a lot of somewhat offensive humor then this is a great flick to catch. 4 stars

Horton Hears a Who!

Horton Hears a Who! is one of my favorite children's books. I also loved the original animated adaption, songs & all, but this was much better and took it to a whole new level. It is a fantastic family film that will certainly please. It stays true to the book with some extra added fun. The casting for the voices are perfect. Their voice fit perfectly with the characters expressions. Horton's devotion to that spec sets the tone and the rest follows. The message, length, laughter and visuals come together very nicely. I Highly recommend this wonderful piece of work! [12-13-08] 5 stars

Zebraman

[12�13�08] Zebraman is a foreign superhero/dark comedy. It is not your typical comic superhero movie. Which is why it surprised me each moment. There was an old television show of Zebraman that got canceled. It soon comes back to the memory of Shin'ichi. Imitating Zebraman, he puts on the getup and tries to protect his city. This also falls under the Sci-Fi category for aliens, which were the best parts. The humor was a cross between Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ghostbusters. It wasn't necessarily cheesy but it was definitely out of the ballpark. It is unrated but for language and man-butt it deserves an R rating. Fans of foreign adventures will definitely appreciate it. Check it out! 3 � stars

Fred Claus

[12�13�08] For me this was rather a tale of brotherly love, than a holiday movie (even though one of the brothers is Santa Claus) But still the storyline was highly original. The humor was decent toward the end. Which gave more of a holiday feel. Off-the wall comedy are the best words to describe it. Though I did not find the humor in the beginning very funny. I hardly ever find jokes involving 'little people' to be funny, even if they are elves. It all feels too cheap and an obvious way to get laughs. Not even the tiny Ludacris could make me laugh. It also failed to hold my interest. Rachel Weisz was a pleasant surprise and for me she was the one that provided most of the laughs. Despite all this negative talk, I can see why some really liked it. You're guaranteed fun and heartwarming moments, which were (to me) the best parts and the snowball fight! If you are a fan of not so typical holiday tales, then you're sure to enjoy it. Overall it was still a fun & decent seasonal flick. 3 stars

A Christmas Carol

[12�13�08] Wow, Patrick Stewart made a wonderful Scrooge. Clearly no where near as good as the classic versions but still very good. It surely didn't feel like a made-for-TV movie, especially with Stewart, who in my opinion has a stage like quality to his acting, which is not easy or common to come by. I absolutely love the story of A Christmas Carol and this was a good addition that will fit in well with the rest. The other actors and visual effects were good as well. There was only one problem for me, it slightly lacked the feel of 'Classic Dickens' Nonetheless it dose have its certain quality that others have missed and might become your favorite. Check it out! 3 � stars

The Phantom of the Opera

[12�07�08] An interesting version of The Phantom of the Opera. I knew it was a horror flick, I just didn't expect it to be so gory. There are elements that were not explored in other versions. And it added a great touch that fit in well with the evil theme. Darker interpretation of how he became, the Phantom. Including every creepy thing about him, is expanded in detail. There is no romantic attraction between the Phantom and Christine, which threw it off a bit. It gets violent pretty quickly. There are a few decapitations and a good amount of blood, with a lot of disturbing images. The singing is about average and Christine was the only one that sang but that's not so important in a horror flick, I guess. If the story of The Phantom of the Opera dose not Bore you and you're into horror films, then this is worth checking out. 3 stars

Fly Me to the Moon

Having not seen Fly Me to the Moon in 3D, probably ruined most of the enjoyment the movie could have delivered, though I was still disappointed. I admit it's nothing compared to the animation that we are spoiled with nowadays. Once you get over that and the somewhat implausible plot, depending on your taste (some being more spoiled than others) it can be, not so bad. Friends Nat, IQ and Scooter take an incredible journey to the moon, alongside Armstrong of course. Clearly viewers here did not like it, and that is understandable. The feel of the movie is Mega 'G'. Young humor and moves at a slow pace. There is a lot of history here, which were (in my opinion) the best parts. It might be better enjoyed when aired on TV. Though I can not recommend this will bring fulfilment to everyone, it will maybe please the really young crowd. [12-04-08] 3 stars

Edgar & Ellen: Season 1

[12�02�08] Edgar & Ellen is a pretty good cartoon based on the books by Charles Ogden. It reminds me of the Adams Family. Edgar and Ellen are brother & sister that live in a huge 13-story, dark and eerie house. They find joy in creepy lab experiments and like to play pranks on their fellow classmates. As far as the comedy goes, it is very comparable to The Fairly Odd Parents. There is even short breaks that have cute questions that come from the viewers. Where Poe, as in Edger Allen Poe, [the king of eerie] takes time to explain some fun facts. The episodes are fun and a little gross. Some move a little slower than others but can be an enjoyable treat for Halloween. It's target audience is 7 and up. Originally great! 3 � stars

Grace Is Gone

[12�02�08] What a great emotional Indie drama. Powerfully acted by John Cusack and very well could be his greatest performance yet. No spoilers here, Grace is in fact Gone. Grace, the wife of Stanley Phillips, an ex-military man, died while serving in Iraq. Leaving behind her husband and two daughters. Stanley brings emotions that make the viewer very sympathetic toward his character. Having to deal with the realization of telling his daughters (about their mother) at the right time, while several frustrations fester in his mind. The film surrounds this subject and moves at a fare pace. The music made it more touching. Though this film is extremely sad it has some lighthearted moments. There are very few actors but that doesn't matter, Cusack carries it beautifully. I wouldn't recommend this if you are too impatient for a slow moving drama. I would however recommend you to watch this if you can understand and fully grasp the beauty in independent films. 4 stars

Shinobi: Heart Under Blade

[12�02�08] Shinobi: Heart Under Blade really is a cross between X-Men and Romeo & Juliet. An amazing tale of courage and peace. For years the Koga clan and the Iga clan were rivaling families. Cast away to the mountains to live in exile. The clans posses supernatural powers, that make them comparable to X-Men. Gennosuke and Oboro are lovers from the opposite tribes, making the Romeo & Juliet tale. The stylized fighting was a bit over the top but very thrilling to watch. The level of violence isn't extreme but there is a decapitation (for the easily offended)but nothing too graphic. The message this film delivers is beyond beautiful. Stunning cinematography that will certainly please the eye. If you are a fan of foreign martial arts then you will be entertained. 4 stars.

Australia

The viewers here are right, Australia was a purely beautiful 20th Century Period Piece. I would have loved it, if it were not for a slightly weak storyline. It was shy of three hours (though I hardly noticed) and did give a lot, in order for the long awaited ending, to smooth over wonderfully. Hugh Jackman's performance actually outshines Kidman's and he is definitely safe with his "Sexiest Man Alive!" title, that's for sure. Nicole Kidman has always been a delightful actress so there's nothing different here. She plays Lady Sarah Ashley, powerfully yet charming. There were also a few new-timers to the big screen that gave amazing performances. I was honestly split between the first-half of the film and the second-half. While the first-half, that felt like a western, was merely average; the intense second half won me over and would give it five stars. Overall it was still a great film. This is just my opinion. I did hear more than a few comments, out of a crowded theater, say "Wow that was great!" and a few said "I loved it" So in theaters or not, this drama flick is definitely worth checking out. [11-29-08] 4 stars

The Perfect Holiday

[11�27�08] The Perfect Holiday really put me in the Christmas spirit. The whole cast is lovable and brings warmth to the audience, even the obnoxious rap star, J-Jizzy. The premise of the film seems typical, like the department store Santa and the whole romance theme but it sort-of surprised me with some twists I didn't expect. There are very few things I can give away without spoiling it. What I can say is the children had big roles, which is not common in a romance flick. Gabrielle Union is charming as usual. And I did wish Queen Latifah and Terrence Howard had more appearances because they were great. All things end up beautifully. So rent this new � upbeat � romantic � refreshing � Christmas flick. 5 stars

Hancock

[11�25�08] When Hancock came out in theaters I had no intention to go see it or even rent it for that matter. Time got closer for the release and decided to try it, but still skeptical of course. I have to say that, I am glad I seen it. Hancock, a not so lovable and reckless superhero that slowly becomes lovable with every passing minute of the film. I have always had a soft spot for Will Smith, which may have aided in my enjoyment of the movie. Charlize Theron is strong, beautiful and gave a surprisingly good performance as always. It was just what I expected. What I didn't expect is to enjoy it as much as I did. The storyline gave me an unexpected spin. Point is, Smith knows exactly how to carry this movie and just can't imagine what a disaster this could have been, if there was another actor. Hancock is thrilling fun. Check it out! 4 � stars

Bolt

Bolt was a fun adorable tale of love, courage and true loyalty of being a dog. Poor little Bolt is raised on a television set and thinks the shows story-lines are reality. He even believes he has amazing superpowers. Bolt [Travolta] is accidentally separated from his companion, Penny [Cyrus] a twelve-year-old girl and travels across the US to find his way back to her. Along his journey Bolt finds Mittens, a lovable stray cat, who becomes his arguable companion. The both of them discover Rhino, a funny pint-size hamster, that idolizes Bolt, he also provides a lot of the humor. A fun filled journey that will be adored by the whole family. This Disney flick has heart. Though it's no Pixar, is it well worth watching, in 3D or not. Check it out! 4 1/2 stars

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2

It's true this one follows the same roots as the first. It picks up right where Sisterhood left off. There is minimal character development, which is neither important or unimportant to me. Only because it did a fine job entertaining. More importantly the girls are back and were very charming. Carmen [Ferrera] and Lena [Bledel] are my favorites and I disagree with the others that said their characters were dull. Their characters actually held my interest more. They had new love interests and broke out of any shells they had. I actually thought that, Tibby [Tamblyn] had a good complicated situation but she was a little out of character. Bridget [Lively] sort of shines in her part this time around. The girls have trouble keeping their bond with being so far away from each other. It's a bit sappier than the first but packs more power. The ending is beautiful and is further explained in the extras. It was my favorite part! The extras also have some funny outtakes. So if you loved or really liked the first Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, This is worth checking out. 4 1/2 stars

The Ruins

The Ruins was a bit of a disappointment from the awesome trailer I saw in theaters. The plot was interesting and odd which makes for a great horror flick but it was also weak. I also could have done without the first twenty minutes of the film, it had a typical horror film beginning. I let all that go and just enjoyed, probably the best thing to do if you loose interest because it is well worth getting further into the movie. It entertained me and gave me a thrill. The acting was surprisingly very good. I would give it an R rating for strong language, nudity and graphic scenes. Definitely not for you, if you are squeamish. I would recommend for horror fans. 3 1/2 stars

WALL-E

By far my favorite Pixar film was Ratatouille, WALL-E may have won over that very special place in my heart. This wonderful piece of work has quality like no other Disney Pixar film. It hit every one of my emotions and warmed my heart. Everyone should see this excellent movie at least once. Sweet Wall-E and his cute companion [a roach] are by them selves on polluted earth. Each day cleaning up the mess that earthlings have left behind. WALL-E later falls in love with a robot named EVE. All on his mind seemed to be love but WALL-E has a bigger part in changing the world than he could ever imagine. Anything more is giving too much away. A true gem the whole family needs to see. This may bring some intense emotions especially the beginning, so maybe not for sensitive children. All I can say is that I highly recommend you to watch WALL-E! Deserves nothing less than 5 stars

Shotgun Stories

This independent drama was depressing and slow paced but captivating. A tale of a set of feuding half- brothers. Powerful script and powerfully acted. The thing that made this film so impactful, is there was not the usual flow of violence that would typically come from feuding families. It was simple and in a strange way almost peaceful. You can really feel the emotions of the characters and the immensely heavy loads they had to carry. Not so much from the pain but the empty and loneliness from having lousy parents, that lead them to have a sad life. The small town they lived in looked country-like and run down but it was captured beautifully. This may not be for you, if you are impatient. Definitely worth checking out. 4 stars

The Clique

The Clique is based on the book series by Lisi Harrison. Massie, Dylan, Alicia, and Kristen are upper-class privileged girls that take their fashion seriously. They call themselves "The Pretty Committee." It's Mean Girls meets Clueless, for tweens. Massie Block is self absorbed but insecure. The Block's have friends of middle-class move into their guest house. That is were Massie meets, shy but confident, Claire. Massie is less than thrilled to have Claire as a house guest but when she tries to befriend Massie's friends, this is were all the trouble starts. Poor Claire will have to put up with some harsh situations these girls give her. The acting was fair on everyone's part, except Massie's it was a little poor, maybe because these girls were having too much fun. The humor was mostly teen related. The PG shouldn't be taken lightly, the 'B' word is tossed around a few times, even in the extras. The plot may sound shallow but lovers of the series, I think you will be pleased. The message still gets across, no one is perfect and be comfortable with yourself. The extras on the DVD are pretty good. It gives a little insight from the cast and how they felt about the project. Comparisons in fashion from the book to the movie. The author gives her input and her thoughts on the film. And why Tyra Banks decided to become executive producer and some goofy outtakes. 4 stars

Casper: Trick or Treat

Casper: Trick or Treat is a collection of different years. It contains 12 episodes; ten from the 1950's and two from the 60's. Those two are quite different from the rest. Casper has a blue outlining and it was animated much like Scooby-Doo. These tales of Casper, were unfamiliar to me and I'm glad I seen them. It is only 65 minutes long so it is short but sweet. Casper is always adorable so your in for a treat. It did contain one of my favorites, 'Hooky Spooky' Where Casper & Spooky play "Hooky" at the zoo. The description of this this movie is slightly off. Sadly there is no adorable Wendy. If you or your children are Casper fans then this will be a fun rent. 3 � stars

Keeping Up with the Kardashians: Season 1

Keeping Up with the Kardashians is one of my favorite reality TV programs. At first I was not interested, only because Kim's sex-tape scandal, it's almost like instant reputation repair. But I admit every moment had me fascinated. Obviously Kim is generous and so are her other sisters, Kourtney & Khloe but that's the not the only reason to keep watching. In a strange way it may have some substance. Every one cries more than once and you feel the love they have for each other, it doesn't feel scripted. It dose have it's fair share of these girls being spoiled brats. But it's mainly about their business ventures. Their family is so large, it's mother Kris, daughters; Kim, Kourtney & Khloe, then son Robert, the children of Kris & first husband Robert Kardashian, who is no longer with them. And new hubby Bruce Jenner, an Olympic decathlete, their two youngest girls Kylie & Kendell. Interesting to see how his father/stepfather role fits in the big family circle. Not to mention the rest of the family members not included in the show. I'm hooked on Robert's, interaction with all the women in the household and his developing relationship with Adrienne Bailon from 'The Cheetah Girls' (in season 3). I always wanted a sister so seeing their sisterly bond, even though they can be down right mean to each other, it almost fills in that space in me of me longing for one. Check it out! 4 stars

Barbie: A Christmas Carol

The classic story from Charles Dickens brought to life by Barbie. All the previous Barbie movies I have seen were wonderful but this one in particular easily and instantly became my favorite. Reason one:) I love Christmas movies. Reason two:) I love the tale of "A Christmas Carol", so obviously I loved it. But what really surprised me is that my husband loved it almost as much as I did. Eden being visited by the three spirits were my favorite parts. The colors were very pleasing to the eyes and had some funny moments. The music was absolutely charming. It will get you into the Holiday spirit. Great message, great story, great movie. Everyone loves Christmas and this is a treasure the whole family should enjoy! 5 stars all the way!!

Android Apocalypse

Android Apocalypse was not a terrible movie. I read all the reviews and almost stayed away from it. I decided to give it a chance. Yes, it has the look and feel of a directly to DVD movie. The plot freaked me out but kept my attention. The acting was only so-so. Laugh if you must, but Ive always been a fan of Joseph Lawrence. I think he has more acting potential than people give him credit for. He actually did a great job. Androids are basically robots. The human race is almost no more. Jute a displaced soldier is sent to prison. The same prison, Deecee[Lawrence]an Android soldier, is sent to. They help each other along the way. There is a consistent amount of action and fight scenes all the way through. Not the worst Sci-Fi channel movie Ive ever seen but certainly not the best. I would have rather seen it on TV though. 3 1/2 stars

Jack the Giant Killer

Jack the Giant Killer was a great adventure. I almost enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed 'The 7th Voyage of Sinbad' which was also directed by Nathan Juran. Heroic Jack saves a princess from a vicious cyclops. All the plot of an evil wizard who wants to become the new king of Cornwall. The leprechaun gave some great humor and was my favorite part. This is good family fun. For 1962 the G rating would fly but for action violence and frightening images I would give it a PG. This movie was suggested to me by a good friend. This is a unique find and I was very entertained. Thanks Massimo! Check it out! 4 stars

Cyborg Soldier

Rich Franklin is pretty hot stuff and did a good job for his acting debut. The beautiful Tiffani Thiessen did a fine job as well. A genetically enhanced human, Isaac, was a cyborg experiment. The name I.S.S.A.C stands for Intuitive. Synthetic. Autonomous. Assault. Commando. Basically meaning his genetic makeup is perfect. His brain was modified and his bloodstream is flowing with nanobots. All this enables him to work out every situation possible and if needed, he can also regenerate. He is an escaped inmate who is on the run with Deputy Lindsay. The action was good and really kept me interested. The film had a made-for-TV feel about it but it had an intelligent storyline. It was refreshing to see there was not an overload of language or blood. It maintained the right balance. Entertained from start to finish. Check it out! 3 � stars

Sea People

Sea People is better than an average made-for-TV movie. As you can probably guess, it has to do with mermaids or sea people as they like to be referred. It's rumored there was a man from town, who was believed to have been a mermaid. But Amanda's adventure starts when she tries to save an elderly man, Mr.McRae, from jumping over a bridge. What Amanda finds is that it's one of his routines. To smooth over the uncomfortable situation, Mr.McRae takes Amanda to his home to dry off and meet his wife. There she discovers a few more unusual customs they have. Once scared of the McRaes, they become Amanda's close friends. A heart tale of friendship formed from a very unexpected place. The acting is better than decent and moves at a fare pace. A delightfully well made movie. I enjoyed it probably more than I should have but I am a sucker for a good fantasy tale. For a few choice words, I would give this a PG rating. Preferably for tween girls into fantasies. Also a fun family watch. I would recommend for a heartwarming trip. 4 stars

Full Metal Panic!

Full Metal Panic is an excellent anime. Everything was stunning, rich in color and completely vibrant. The story-lines were pretty good, that involved everything from gun action to cute girlie humor. Every character is lovable, except the bad guys of course. A young man named Sousuke, one of the best, is sent from a secret organization to protect a young girl named Kaname. Kaname is a target because she holds a very special power. There is action in most of the episodes but it is action that leads to humor not really fighting. The action is better toward the end of the series. The fourth disc was a bit of a disappointment, the storyline sexed-up and didn't really have anything thing to do with the shows direction. The fifth disc was almost the same thing but the last episode had more action than the whole series combined. I was astonished to see the level technology. It boggles the mind to think of the impact, if we used that kind of technology in a war. It's Unrated but definitely deserves higher than a PG 13 rating for language and sexuality. I would actually say it would be OK for a 15 or 16 year old. All around great anime with very little complaints. 4 � stars

Turok: Son of Stone

Turok: Son of Stone is definitely an animation for grownups. There is tons of blood flying all over the place, so probably not the best choice if your easily offended, especially if you're extremely sympathetic toward animals. I loved the Native American culture featured in this film. Turok, from what seems like day one, is hunted by Chichak, when you watch you'll understand why. Turok finds a hidden land where there are many creatures. He battles just about everything including my favorite part, dinosaurs. It was very entertaining and would watch it again in heartbeat. If you love action and loads of violence, I highly recommend watching this. 4 1/2 stars

Ringers: Lord of the Fans

Ringers: Lord of the Fans, is good documentary that starts at the very beginning, J. R. R. Tolkien's marvelous trilogy and how it all came to our viewing pleasure. From the animated interpretation and how it might have failed for Tolkien himself. From first published to it's growing popularity even through people calling it terrible. Grew particularly popular in the 60's with the "Hippie Era" Coming together for a better world & we are better as one. So it makes a lot of sense that they connected with the world of LOTR. That is exactly what Tolkien's tale is all about; Man, Halflings, Elves, and Dwarves coming together for a greater good. Though I could have done without the cheesy part cutesy reenactments of the 60s. It's good footage that dose not lean so heavily on the movie franchise. Rather it features the enormity of the fan base. Fans had a bigger hope to keep Tolkien's dream alive, one of those fans happened to be Peter Jackson and we all know what happened from there. It touches on Rock bands of the 1970s that were musically and lyrically inspired by it from David Bowie to Led Zeppelin. There is input from the star cast and of course the fans or "Ringers." If you share the passion for the Lord of the Rings or you are a "Ringer" yourself, I suggest this wonderful documentary. Being a huge fan of the books and movies it left a smile in my heart. 4 stars

Abel's Island / The Story of the Dancing Frog

'Abel's Island' is a wonderful children's book by William Steig. This is a great adaption to that book. Able, a luxurious mouse is whisked away in the wind, away from his love, Amanda. He finds himself on a Island with no way to return home. Poor Abel will try everything in his power to find some way to get home. Next is, 'The Story of the Dancing Frog' written by Quentin Blake. It also is a good adaption to the book. A women named Gertrude finds a dancing frog named George. With the help of Gertrude, little George will rise to fame. It looks exactly like the illustrations from the books. The pace is slow, mellow and may be a tad serious but has beautiful endings. 3 stars

Tinker Bell

Tinker Bell really surprised me. It was about time Tink got her own movie. It is an uplifting and delightful film. TinkerBell finds that she has to trust and believe in who she truly is and also trust in her fellow fairy friends. With the help of some pixie dust, the tiny fairies in Pixie Hollow, lend their helpful hands to help the seasons come. It gave me more than a few laughs. I loved the fact that there wasn't really a villain. Everything is overwhelmingly adorable to look at. Excellent family fun, that your kids are bound to love. Magically delightful! 5 stars

Happily N'Ever After

Happily N'Ever After is a twisted spin of Cinderella and a few other classic storybook tales. The animation and interest level are pretty average. The storyline is what will probably keep you interested. I really liked the message in this film. You create your own happiness. It makes you think about the famous classic ending, "And they Lived Happily Ever After," Is it really Happily Ever After? It gave me a few good laughs. Patrick Warburton's voice always cracks me up. If your not expecting to be bedazzled, it can be a fun view. 3 stars

The Trumpet of the Swan

The Trumpet of the Swan by E.B White, was one of my favorite books. A young trumpeter swan named Louie was born without the ability to trumpet, and is unable to communicate with other swans or "Ko-hoh" as they call it. Louie desperately wants to express his love for a fellow swan named Serena. He tries everything he can possibly do but has no luck. Louie's father sees his struggles and finds a way for him to communicate, a trumpet. Though it is quite different from the book, for kids, it is still a fun tale of love and self belief. 3 � stars

Sons of Anarchy: Season 1

Sons of Anarchy is a great show to come out of FX, which I'm usually not very fond of. These violent bikers and their families are keeping me very entertained. When death is thrown into the mix, it always keeps me interested and coming back for more. These stories are gritty and never get dull and that's the best reason to watch these guys in action. It is sexy but delighted to see that, it's not the main focus in the story-lines. Exceptional cast. Katey Sagal is always great but It's good to finally see her doing a television series that actually complements her acting abilities. I'm hooked.

Goosebumps: The Ghost Next Door

The Ghost Next Door is one of my favorite Goosebumps. A young girl named Hannah has a recurrence of strange things happen around her, especially when she's around the new kid on the block. All these clues lead her to believe that her neighbor Danny, is a ghost. Hannah tries everything to prove to Danny that his whole family, are ghosts. Goosebumps is hardly ever scary and can be enjoyed by anyone, especially the young at heart. This particular episode however may require some explaining, to the young ones, about death. This is the creepiest one by far and will keep you guessing. 4 stars

The Blue Elephant

Simply beautiful! A unique animated film about a precious blue elephant named Khan Kluay. He is determined to reunite his family. In his quest he finds love, friendship and even bravery within himself. Everything in this movie was overwhelmingly adorable to look at, piggies, frogs , a funny little bird and of course elephants. There is mild battle action but still suitable for the whole family. This cutely creative movie not only has heart, it has depth. 5 stars

Beatrix Potter: The Tale of Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle and Mr. Jeremy Fisher and Other Stories

Here are three timeless stories from author Beatrix Potter.(1)The Tales of Mrs.Tiggy-Winkle and Mr.Jeremy Fisher,(2) The Tale of Mr.Tod: The Further Adventures of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, and my personal fave,(3)The Tale of the Two Bad Mice and Johnny Town-Mouse. The first is about a little girl named Lucie and a laundress hedgehog, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle. She and the girl bring Mr.Jeremy Fisher, his laundry and he begins his adventure of a time he went fishing. The second is a tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, who rescue baby bunnies that are stolen by Mr.Brock. Last one is about two mice, Hunca Munca & Tom Thumb. Their family meets a unusual mouse named Timmie Willie and his adventures in the country. It's slow pace and only 60 minutes but it is beautiful to watch with the whole family. 4 stars

Pinocchio

If you were to truly list the best animated Disney classic films, that list would begin with Pinocchio [and not just because it was one of the firsts] It is the best Disney animated movie ever. A spectacular tale of a little wooden puppet that longs to be a real boy. Geppetto carves a wooden boy and names him Pinocchio. Geppetto makes a wish upon a star and Pinocchio comes to life. In order to become a real boy, he will have to prove himself worthy to the beautiful Blue Fairy. Along side Pinocchio will be Jiminy Cricket, his conscience, to make sure he succeeds. He will have many adventures, even one with a huge whale named Monstro. There has never been a more perfect time for you and your family to watch this magical film. It is Disney at it's best. I highly recommend you to watch Pinocchio. Trust me, you will not be disappointed. It will surely leave a smile in your heart. So as the song goes, "When you wish upon a star, Makes no difference who you are, Anything your heart desires, Will come to you!" Catch it when it releases March 10th 2009. I you buy the *Blu-ray 2-Disc* set, It includes a bonus standard DVD of the movie. Hope this Helps! 5 stars

Romeo & Juliet: Sealed with a Kiss

Romeo & Juliet Sealed with a Kiss is a delightful tale. It's not your typical animated film, so if you are expecting something visually stunning that will blow you away, you might be disappointed. The animation was merely decent but it doesn't take away from the wonderful feel. Every tragedy that happens in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, has a nice spin that keeps it family friendly. The feuding families are portrayed by little brown and white seals that live on separate sides of the beach. This is a great underwater version that will warm your heart. There's even a Titanic spoof. Children under 7 might get board, kids younger than that will definitely enjoy it. Good family watch. 3 � stars

Count Duckula: Season 1

In my opinion Count Duckula is one of the best cartoons from the 80's. A duck that is supposed to be a vampire but from an accidental transfusion of ketchup, he only has a taste for veggies. He lives in a huge dark castle with his butler, Igor and his maid, Nanny. Igor is always trying to bring out some supposed, vampire instinct in Duckula. Igor presents him with many opportunities to be a true vampire but it never works. Nanny is hilarious, she's always protecting Duckula even if that means she has to bust through a wall. The three have many adventures as their castle travels to many places. Duckula has a thirst for vegetables not blood, making this great family entertainment. It will keep you laughing from beginning to end. 5 stars

Origin: Spirits of the Past

Visually dazzling with a beyond beautiful storyline. It is enjoyable, given you don't compare it to some previously famous animes. After a research plant experiment had gone awry, the earth and moon were nearly destroyed. This somehow made plants the dominate life form on earth. Hundreds of years later a young boy named Agito, finds a girl named Toola, in a suspended state; Who is actually from, the time of the disaster. Agito's father had sacrificed a lot to help change their new world but with the help of Toola, young Agito makes a world of difference. I really enjoyed the whole spirit of this movie, literally. It kept me interested from start to finish. So if you are a lover of beautiful stories, this is the anime for you. 4 stars

Alice in Wonderland

This was a very poor adaption of the great Lewis Carroll's Novel, Alice in Wonderland. I admit I didn't expect a lot to get accomplished form this 72 minute piece but at the least, I was expecting more. The look of the movie was like a silent film which was great. It was in black & white which was visually appealing, with big empty spaces that helped create a dark feel. Though it was interesting to the eye, in comparison to others it failed. I usually don't compare movies and give them a fair chance but when you base it on a beloved classic novel it's inevitable. I have seen half of the twenty-three well know screen adaptions. Though I'm no expert, it does make me a fan and I was not impressed. Most leave out characters and phrases but still manage to remain whimsically entertaining. I understand this was meant to be dark but it lacked effort to stay true to the general idea of Alice in Wonderland. To all basic knowledge, even for those who have not read the novel, Is in fact that Alice follows a rabbit and stumbles down a hole. Finds herself in the place called Wonderland. There she meets anthropomorphic creatures; non-human creatures with human characteristics, supernatural you could say. Which lets face it, makes it Wonderland. This adaption does not stay true to that. At first Alice wonders off then is awkwardly ousted from scene to scene. The characters including the rabbit are hard to identify. They have the character's names but appeared only as humans. Obviously this didn't bother most, but it really upset me. It's not Alice in Ordinary Land. Many directors have mastered and keep that originality, without coming off cheesy. Despite the lack of creativeness and to not completely trash this movie, I did notice a few elements that I have not seen in a TV version before, characters and some phrases. All this is trying to explain that this failed attempt of Alice in Wonderland is so far-fetched, Even for an out of the ordinary fan. 2 1/2 stars

Porco Rosso

This is the first Hayao Miyazaki film I would highly recommend. Porco Rosso is a adventurous tale of a man that mysteriously gets put under a spell that turns him part pig, part man. This movie has a very masculine feel but manages to continuously remain charming. Every character is lovable and the humor is nonstop, with phrases like,"Don't be such a pig!" The description of this movie sounds a little mature, when in fact it's not. That's because everything is implied but never really shown. It has minimal disturbances for the parents. The violence is very cartoon like and as far as the language goes, it's completely harmless. The only thing that may be a bothersome, is Porco Rosso constantly has a cigarette in his mouth. It really is a great family film. So with that being said, I highly recommend you to watch Porco Rosso. Brilliant. 5 stars

Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre: The Complete Series

Shelley Duvall's Faerie Tale Theatre is a delightful series. The joy this show will bring you. It's fun and very entertaining on those rainy days. Actors and actresses appear and preform from Robin Williams, Susan Sarandon, Paul Reubens and Christopher Reeve, even Shelley Duvall herself. I vividly remember Jack and the Beanstalk, Pinocchio and The Little Mermaid being my favorites. If you love theatre-art and faerie tales this is the show for you. It's not rated but I would give it a PG for slightly scary images and mild innuendo. Enjoyable fantasy family entertainment.5 stars

Made of Honor

I had high hopes for this. It frustrates me to read so many comparing it to My Best Friend's Wedding, what was at least a decent romantic comedy. This however was a train wreck. Cheap shoddy jokes that made for unbelievably dry humor. The script did not support what seemed to be a decent storyline. The emotions between them were hardly noticeable. For example, when he was with other women, it was obvious he was thinking, "This is not the same as, when I am with her", but why? No cute little habits or fun humor only they understand. Nothing distinguished to the audience, of their connection. We only know that they new each other in college. It left the viewer in the dark, so basically there is nothing to root for. It dragged through and it was completely unorganized, which made it sloppy and unconvincing. Just like a crumbled cake will not hold the icing.

The Garbage Pail Kids Movie

I really enjoyed this movie when I was little but seeing it now it stays true to its name, Garbage. This is coming from someone who loved Howard the Duck. The terrible acting isn't what threw me. It was the "Institute for the Ugly". The poor Santa that was "too fat" and one guy was "too crippled", that was awful. It almost had a great premise, minus the fact that the garbage pail kids designed clothes to help out the young boy. What was that about? This was way inappropriate for children, it will give them nightmares for weeks. I would not recommend this to anyone. yuck, watch the cartoon instead. 2 stars

CJ7

This was a charming movie. Besides the CGI most of the film didn't feel childlike. Dicky and his father are very poor and try their best to get by. With the help of a new friend life gets a little bit better. It's a delightful film but WARNING to parents with sensitive children, it's very intense from start to finish. I admit I teared up more than once. There is plenty of poo humor and a lot of sympathy on the part of the animal. Great over the top silliness. Fighting between the youngsters might be inappropriate. Great heartfelt entertainment with strong morals. A must see, at least once. Don't forget to put it in English. Helpful hint to parents, there is some language in the subtitles. The English version is clean to hear, just not clean to read. Hope this helps. 4 stars

Snow Angels

No doubt this movie was powerful. It also lacked a lot of the basics. Exceptional performances from the actors did not fill in all those gaps. Kate Beckinsale had a very complex roll that made her completely unlovable to the viewer and she did an excellent job. Everyone's backgrounds were sort of unclear, and I thought that was important to truly understand the whole picture. The point of the movie could have been said in a short paragraph. This film however was stretched out into 107 minutes of unnecessary! Great storyline but the rest doesn't keep your interest. 2 stars

Chowder: Vol. 1

Somethings always cooking in the kitchen with annoying little Chowder. A bear-rat thing is what they call him. It's hard to tell what kind of creature he is but he's still cute. The world he lives in is made up of marzipan. Definitely trouble will always find poor little Chowder. Fun and full of laughs no matter your age and it's always fun to see what will come out of his mouth, physically, all sorts of objects. Chowder is grossly adorable. Good entertainment for the family. 5 stars

Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: Season 4

Children imagine pretend friends all the time. Well, they have to live somewhere and that's why Foster's Home was created to adopt imaginary friends. Even at season four this show continues to be charming. With Mac, Bloo and the whole house of imaginary friends. One of the best cartoons on Cartoon Network in long time. What an extremely brilliant idea to make a show like this. The stories never get dull. All around silly fun. This is a great show that the whole family will enjoy. 4 1/2 stars

The Cheetah Girls: One World

Of course not as good as the first but it is still a enjoyable watch. The Bollywood theme was interesting, maybe even a little overdone but made the movie really vibrant. The story moved a little slow pace and the acting along with the development of each character was not so interesting, except Adrienne Bailon's roll, as always. Kids will enjoy it. In the end the singing and dancing will make up for those downfalls. 3 1/2 stars

Lincoln Heights: Season 3

This show is completely addicting. A father, who is also a cop, moves his family to Lincoln Heights, a place that's over crowded with gang-bangers who are addicted to their ways of the streets. He and his wife, along with their two daughters and son, will all have to deal with the ramifications. In hopes of changing the place they now call home, they will have many hardships that effect the entire family. A impactful, compelling, riveting, action pact, family drama. What more could you want?!TV14,Catch it on ABC Family. 5 stars

Doogal

There are a great deal of bad movies in this world but this is not one of them. Of course it's not the best but it's good for kids. Stays true to it's rating. There's nothing you have to worry about besides a non scary wizard that turns everything to ice. There are small movie line spoofs from Lord of the Rings to Indiana Jones and Harry Potter, for the adults. The animation is decent along with the plot. Short but simple for the really young ones. Good movie. 3 stars

The Fall

I am not sure if I can put into words of what to say about this film but I will try. I want to say it reminded me of The Cell, but it is really nothing like Ive ever seen. I desperately want to recommend you to watch this movie and maybe I am, but this film is not for everyone. You'll either really like it or hate it. At first it will seem only like a deep and powerful storyline, which in fact it is but will quickly lighten up with some light humor. Visually It leans more on the fantasy side than any other genre it falls under. In an infirmary injured Roy tells stories of hero's to little girl named Alexandria. Fascinated she keeps returning to hear the end of the story. Roy being suicidal sometimes shows it through his story. What is truly amazing about this film is how Alexandria envisioned the story in her mind. It's visually stunning and powerfully acted. Keeps you hooked on the story just as Alexandria was. Truly captivating movie. 5 stars.

Star Wars: Ewok Adventures: Caravan of Courage / The Battle for Endor

Despite the harsh criticism this film gets, It's really quite enjoyable. Ive seen it twenty times and it never gets old. I can see why people trash it. It's not in anyway similar to the Star Wars trilogies and the special effect are comparable to Willow but it is still worth a watch. It's a heartwarming story of a little girl and her family that crash land in a strange place. The young girl finds love and comfort, when she befriends a slightly scary but Adorable Ewok, that helps her along her journey. It gets a little sad but has a satisfying ending. Perfect for 7 years and up. Watch side B first not A, you'll ruin the movie for yourself. 4 stars all the way.

101 Dalmatians

Completely enjoyable movie. This is just like the animated version. Pongo and Perdita set off to save their puppies when Cruella kidnaps them. I cant think of a better person to play Cruella, than Glenn Close. Simply perfection. Adorable family fun. This versions not available at Netfl!x but will release everywhere to buy September 16, 2008. Excellent G rating. 4 stars

The Secret Life of the American Teenager: Season 1

Fifteen year old Amy finds herself pregnant from a jerk at school and holds off as long as she can before telling her parents. This looked like a very promising show with strong morals and a guidance for young girls. They even went as far to compare it to Seventh Heaven and Juno but in fact reminds me of a filthy version of Juno and no where near Seventh Heaven, shame. The Father from Seventh Heaven, fathers a family with a challenged son and a young (virginal) cheerleader, [promise ring & all] though I do sometimes question her actions. [I guess it's supposed to make up for the christian side of the show] This show is probably not for the whole family. Every other word is sex and condoms, even teenagers in bed. This might be the wrong message to send to the youth. We were extremely disappointed with the representation but with all that aside. It is still a decent watch, for the appropriate age. Of course Molly Ringwald is charming. It truly has some heart touching moments. Amy is adorable and easy to sympathise. Watch out it can be addicting! Check out Season Two on ABC Family. Hope this helps. 2 1/2 stars

Thumbelina

This is a classic fairytale love story. A magical tale of a young girl no bigger than your thumb. Filled with fairies, singing birds and adorable little bugs. Thumbelina was born from a flowered pot and has a human for a mother. She falls in love with a fairy prince and wants to marry him. The only problem is she gets kidnapped by a Miss.Toad (voiced by Charo) and Thumbalina will do anything to find her way back home and into the arms of her fairy prince. Plenty of fun with lots of music and has the most beautiful ending. Great family movie. 5 stars

Ben 10: Alien Force: Vol. 1

In my opinion Alien Force is the greatest so far in the Ben 10 series. Ben is older, a little wiser and has a better handle on his aliens. Gwen also has a better handle on her powers. This series is slightly mature but fun for the whole family. 4 stars

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

We just bought this and loved it. It was a wonderful little tale. It keeps most of the original themes and characters of the original Little Mermaid. A lot of the creatures reminded me of the Disney channel series of The Little Mermaid,if you've ever seen it. I admit it's not as good as the first but if you love animated movies you are more than likely to enjoy it, and there's a good chance your kids will love it. The story finally shows what happened to Ariel's mother. A sad topic but a completely heartwarming story. Filled with music and fun. The villain factor was mild for kids who were scared of the original with Ursula and the eels. This was tamer but there were still eels. This is a great family movie, especially if you like the first one. Don't wait to long, it will soon be going into the Disney Vault. 5 stars

Prehistoric Park: The Complete Television Event

I really wanted to like this. Probably not the best idea but brilliant concept of traveling into the past to save extinct species. Visually it was stunning. It was even a great fictional documentary. But it took forever before it stared to get almost believable, mainly the parts where he was dealing with the dinosaurs. It was really unbelievable that he didn't get eaten. Had decent acting. It was unique which is why I gave it a three. For me it was factually inaccurate of how old the earth really is. A bit scary for a family watch, for those who suggested it. 3 stars

The Little Mermaid

This is my absolute favorite movie. It's a delightful fantasy tale of a young mermaid who is fascinated with the world above the surface and longs to live on land. Best original music ever written. Apart of the Disney movie club this beautiful movie will be going back into the Disney vault January 31st,09. If you love animated movies your guaranteed to fall in love with this one. Go buy it, you won't be disappointed. 5 stars

Toy Story

This movie is fantastic. A great magical story of toys that come to life. Devoted to a little boy named Andy, Woody and Buzz will work together to make their way back home after getting lost, creating moments that will build their not so perfect friendship. Great family Fun with loads of laughs. This movie along with Toy Story 2, will be going in to the Disney vault very soon. So if you've never seen them, there's never been a better time. 5 stars

Peter Pan

One of my favorite Disney classics. A fantastic adventure family film. Apart of the Disney movie club this movie and Peter Pan Return to Never Land will again go back in to the Disney vault January 31st, 09. So if you've never experienced this great classic now's the perfect time. 4 1/2 stars

3 Ninjas

One of my all time favorite movies. Mindless entertainment and full of laughs. Three brothers try to master being true ninjas taught by their grandfather. Along the way they kick some bad guy butts. This movie is incredibly young and perfect for young boys, if you don't mind mild gun usage. 5 stars

The Batman: Season 2

This series is seriously overlooked. Don't be fooled by the year and think it's probably not good.I thought it was amazing. Every episode was entertaining and well thought out. I enjoyed it much more than the 90's episodes. It was unbelievable how similar it was to The Dark Night. Definitely for Batman fans. Even the family, though its slightly mature. 5 stars

Chasing Papi

This film pushes some boundaries because it was originally rated R but the director made changes just for Jaci Velasquez (a singer) because of her christian faith. And it's a good thing because she was perfect for her role.It's a fun and super girlie movie that makes you love it for it's charm. 3 1/2 stars

Yoga Booty Ballet: Master Series

I own this series and it works. Keeps everything nice and firm. It's a bit silly but fun. Combines light yoga, ballet and pilates. When you first see it, It will look daunting but try it. It took me a while to balance but even if you don't do the hard parts you'll still get results. It targets those really difficult areas like your back and buns. There's a stretch that will make your back look incredible. If you've never tried regular pilates this might be a bit much for you to handle. I recommend trying pilates first to build up your core(stomach) muscles. 4 stars

Man of the House

Even though he hates to be called this, I was a huge J.T.T fan. I've seen this movie so many times. It's fun and witty with a little bit of cheesiness. Can relate to some kids dealing with their parents divorce, its never easy and I'm sure that they would like to attempt the stunts that Ben (Jonathan) tried, so there is a flip side and a great message. Fun for the family, if you don't mind the mild use of guns. 4 1/2 stars

Godzilla: The Series: Monster Mayhem

This series was very entertaining. I remember watching it all the time and enjoying it a little more than all the other (superhero) cartoons. I loved that Godzilla was there to protect. The music and sound effects fit perfectly. And who doesn't want to see an over sized lizard saving the day?! OK, maybe not everyone but I sure do. I hope they put the rest on DVD because three episodes on a disc is insane. 4 1/2 stars

The Karate Kid Part III / The Next Karate Kid

This review is referring to, The Next Karate Kid with Hilary Swank. I think she did an excellent job. Seeing this movie many times. I found it to be more entertaining and a lot more humorous than the others because a teenage girl is very different than a teenage boy. And that makes for some very funny moments. If you don't mind some mild violence it can be a fun family watch. The other movies were good, but to me this one is great. I can't believe people didn't like it. 4 1/2 stars

Hide and Seek

Be careful how much you read of some reviews here. Some contain potential spoilers. With the information given, it ruined the entire movie for me. When the storyline was obvious(to me), I kept expecting something more and it kept me from fully enjoying the film. Even though the plot didn't always match up with the storyline, Knowing only the description of the movie, it will entertain, rap you in and keep you guessing. In my opinion this movie depicts true horror. 3 1/2 stars

The 10th Kingdom

The 10th Kingdom was a fantastic series. I admit the first 60 minutes were almost to bizarre for me but it kept me fascinated. You might be compelled to turn it off but give it a chance. If you read the series description and were interested, then you're more than likely to love it! Without giving to much away, fantasy creatures(trolls) pass through a mirror to the tenth kingdom, which is our world. Taken is a father and his daughter back to the creatures kingdoms. The fantasy is through the roof. An amazing use of storybook fairy tales and it's filled with funny moments. Don't take the TV14 lightly it has plenty of innuendo. For the 14 and up, it makes a great family watch. If you like fantasies then you'll really enjoy this series. 5 stars

Star Kid

This is a good family movie. It's perfect for 10 year old boys, rather than girls, only because it has young boy humor. It has some fighting, action and great alien creatures. Might be to scary for young kids (similar to power rangers). 3 1/2 stars

Castle in the Sky

(Might be a spoiler) I did not enjoy this movie as much as everyone else has. The beginning was great. It was funny and I thought it was going to be another one of my favorites. Toward the end it stared to lose it's touch of greatness. Though it was action pact. There was still so much unnecessary violence that took away from the childlike warmth of this film. I hated the ending. It was intended to bring joy but failed (for me). Why does Hayao Miyazaki think that in order to bring glory to his film, something has to end or be destroyed?! It stops me from recommending his movies. I know it's his own flow but it's what keeps me from fully enjoying his great work. Overall, it's still a fun watch for 7 and up. 3 stars

Classic Cartoon Favorites: Starring Donald

In my opinion this is the best DVD starring Donald. The other ones are good as well. They just contain a lot of the same cartoons. This one has almost all of my favorites that I remember. It's short but still a Great family watch. 4 1/2 stars

Hellboy: Animated: Sword of Storms

I admit this was as good as Blood & Iron, but it's still really enjoyable. The storyline was good and there was better action in this one. I guess I enjoyed the team effort in Blood & Iron, Rather than this one, where Hellboy kind of works by himself the whole movie. Maybe I should have watched this one first. Still a great movie. 4 1/2 stars

Peter Pan

I went to see this movie when it came out and I couldn't decide if I liked it or not. Now that I've seen it again I made up my mind that I didn't like it. The main special effects were not good. For example Peter Pans flying. They should have focused on that, since that's all Peter Pan does(FLY).Some of the smaller effects like the fairies were not so bad. I thought the costume designs of Peter Pan and Hook were good, along with their acting. I love young and fun movies but this was just young and not so fun. But for some, visually it might make up for being slow and dull. 2 stars

An American Tail: The Mystery of the Night Monster

Kept the same uniqueness of the original American Tales. I enjoyed this movie. Although the little timid Fievel was cute, I sure missed the brave and fearless little Fievel running around helping Wylie Burp. Pure family fun. 3 1/2 stars

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

Really enjoyed this movie just as much as I enjoyed the animated Hellboys. The imagination was through the roof. It was action pact and visually stunning. The effects were incredible. Truly entertaining, especially if you liked the first one. 4 1/2 stars

The Cat Returns

I thought this movie was adorable and very creative. I've only liked a few animes and this was one of them. I did wish it was longer, only because it was a wonderful story. Great wholesome entertainment. 4 stars

Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat

Don't waste your time with this stinker. I should have figured that out when I read the cast. The colorful set was cool. Didn't resembled the book and that would have been fine if it wasn't so terrible. Its way inappropriate for kids. Maybe they should have gotten Jim Carrey.

Grave of the Fireflies

I rate this movie a five not because I loved it or because I want to watch it again, But because it's incredibly powerful and beautifully done. In fact, I've never been so deeply affected by a movie before. This movie is definitely not for kids. Deserves 5 stars

Alice Through the Looking Glass

At the starting of the movie I got the impression that it was going to be better than other TV versions I've rated. Toward the end it started to lose me. The whole movie felt rushed and didn't include a lot of original ideas. It was a great attempt though. 3 stars

Penelope

Sweet fairy tale with a happy ending. I Love Christina Ricci since always and James McAvoy was very handsome. This movie was well acted, very different and entertaining. Pure family fun. 4 stars

Dinosaurs: The Complete First and Second Seasons

Amazing series. A family of talking dinosaurs. I used to watch this on TV when I was five. I love it just as much today as I did back then. Though it's not rated I would give it a PG for adult situations. 4 1/2 stars

Jim Henson's the Storyteller: Greek Myths

This movie had a good concept. Michael Gambon and his cute dog companion, narrate what will happen, as they lead into each story. The stories are short and the acting was decent. The Jim Henson creatures were pretty interesting but not the best. The Greek stories might be over the heads of the little ones. With most Jim Henson's creature, it will be enjoyable for an adult but questionable for kids. The frightening level is comparable to "The Dark Crystal" There was a Medusa type creature who's face could be quite frightening for small children. I honestly didn't care for the movie but my husband really enjoyed it. This was way too original to give two stars,so it will pass with 3 stars!

Whale Rider

This might not be suitable for young kids, like the cover would lead you to believe. For some it still may be inappropriate for the age it suggests. It was very beautiful. Intriguing story of love, respect, rejection and self acceptance. Beautiful plot and powerfully acted. Definitely a must see. Highly Recommended 4.5 stars

Firehouse Dog

I knew that Josh Hutcherson was going to be good in this movie because he's a good actor. But I didn't think that the rest of the movie would match up. I assumed that the special effects would be terrible but they were actually pretty good. The movie had a good storyline and kept me interested. I enjoyed the film so much I'm thinking of buying it. Kids will love it. 4 stars

Pathfinder

Majority said this movie was not good but I really enjoyed it. It was incredibly violent which I loved. The storyline was beyond decent and the special effects were really good. So good in fact that I actually regret ever doubting it. 4 stars

Willow

When I watched this movie I felt stupid. This used to be one of my favorite movies growing up. I couldn't remember the name of it and didn't recognize the cover. But years later it still one of my favorites. Dragons, a cute baby, of course Willow and Val Kilmer, what more could you want? Truly a fantastic movie. Definitely a must see no matter your age. 4 1/2 stars

Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken

A heartwarming tale and a perfect example of what fighting for your dreams actually means. This movie really surprised me. I heard it was good but I thought that meant Disney magical good or maybe even Fantasy good. But this film was very moving and can easily become one of my favorites. The perfect family movie. 4 stars

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

What can I say but BORING, BORING, BORING. There was nothing exciting happening which made it to long. The acting was terrible, with long awkward pauses between their lines. It was painful to watch. What was up with the animation?Cheap animation was used instead of the costumes theme it had throughout the film. Simple changes would have made the movie better. The only enjoyable part of the movie was the lion, he was adorable. I understand this movie was meant to be young but it was unbelievable how dumb it was. 1 star

Chicken Run

Chicken Run is completely original. Ive seen it 5 times and but I still feel like there is something missing and I can't quite figure it out. Overall its Incredibly unique and with a lovable storyline. Good family fun. 2 1/2 stars

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and the Voyage of the Dawn Treader

I almost didn't watch this movie after watching the first one but I thought I would give it a chance. I was hoping they would get away from the terrible animation but I was wrong. It was slower than the first. And after seeing the second one I won't be seeing the third. 1 star

Evita

Extremely long but worth the watch. This movie was very different and very beautiful. Madonna and Antonio were perfect for their roles. 5 stars

No Reservations

I thought this movie was going to be bad but it turned out to be really good. I forgot how good of an actress Catherine Zeta-Jones really is. Great entertainment. 4 stars

Beowulf: Director's Cut

This movie was good. If you never read the poem then you probably won't think much of the movie. It helps rap your mind around this unique film, also it gives you something to compare it to, good or bad. In some way the movie gives the long poem justice. A bit inaccurate but still entertaining. If you don't think to much of how they made the film you can really get into it. It's not rated but I would give it a R for graphic violence and some nudity. 3 stars