Talking animal movies have been pretty common in recent years. But this talking animal movie is based on a comic strip character, which is a little different. It's good ol' Marmaduke.

For a change, Owen Wilson doesn't play the owner of a dog - instead he does the voice of Marmaduke, who is a teenage Great Dane who lives with a loving family and a cat named Carlos (who's voiced by George Lopez). The family decides to move from Kansas to California because Phil, the father, gets a new job.

Once in California, everyone tries to adjust to their new lives, including Marmaduke, who makes some new friends and some enemies, while trying to fit-in but still be himself.

From the trailers I thought "Marmaduke" was going to filled with slapstick gags and bad jokes and not have much of a story. But the film surprised me. There is a real story here and some light drama and very little corny humor. There are some funny scenes and cleaver dialogue, but not a lot of laugh-out-loud moments.

Wilson is perfectly cast as Marmaduke, and Lopez is good as well, but I wish he had a bigger role. Lee Pace plays Phil. William H. Macy, who is back in another family film, plays Phil's boss, the owner of a pet food company. He bounces-back nicely after being part of the dreadfully awful "Shorts" last summer. Fergie and Keifer Sutherland are among the rest of the voice cast.

"Maramadule" is rated PG for some very mild language. It's appropriate for all kids, even the little ones, who will enjoy all the talking dogs and an exciting action scene. Parents may have a tougher time enjoying it, unless they're real dog lovers.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, "Marmaduke" gets a C+

It's certainly not the greatest family film of all-time or even the greatest talking-dog movie of all-time, but it's entertaining enough for a younger audience and a heck of a lot more fun for everyone than "Furry Vengeance" or "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" or some of the other terrible live-action family comedies of 2010.

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anonymous
Posts: 3

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #1 on : Sun June 06, 2010, 15:02:53

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How come YNN cut your segment off w/ Tammy Palmer on their website? I was disappointed that YNN did that. :(

Over the past two years Brendan Fraser has starred in five family films, some clearly better than others. This one, sadly, may be the worst.

In "Furry Vengeance" Fraser plays Dan, a husband and father who works for what's supposed to be an eco-friendly land development company. Dan moves his family to a small town in the wilderness so he can be in charge of a construction project. However, he soon finds out that the project is bigger than he thought and that the entire forest will be destroyed to make room for hundreds of homes and a shopping mall.

When the animals that live in the forest find out what's happen they begin to attack Dan in many different ways, many of them involving his groin. Dan's wife (who's played by Brooke Shields) and his son think he's going crazy, because, for some reason, no one else can see the animal attacks.

But Dan realizes that the animals are simply trying to protect their own families and so when he learns that his company is going to kill all the animals, he has to try to save them.

The plot of "Furry Vengeance" is very simply and we've seen it before. This is sort of a live-action version of 2006's "Over The Hedge", except that movie was funny.

There's way too much slapstick, most of it involving scenes with animals pooping or peeing on the Fraser character, or Fraser dealing with human poop and pee when he gets attacked by a bear inside a Port-A-Potty. And, as I mentioned before, he gets hit in his private parts a lot, too. And sprayed in the face by skunks, over and over. I'm getting pretty tired of movies that think this stuff is funny.

Many of the scenes in "Furry Vengeance" are uncomfortable to watch, including seeing Fraser in a pink sweat suit with his gut hanging out.

This may be a good time to explain why I love my job, but sometimes don't like my job: I don't like my job when I have to sit through terrible movies like this one. I love my job because I get to tell people to save their hard-earned money and don't bother buy this movie on DVD or PPV.

The performances in "Furry Vengeance" are terrible, I think I laughed twice the entire movie and the special effects involving the animals are very poorly done.

One of the only things I liked was seeing Wallace Shawn, who plays a therapist. If I ever needed a therapist it would be cool to have one who does the voice of "Rex" in the "Toy Story" movies.

"Furry Vengeance" is rated PG for mild language, a brief smoking scene and the comedy violence. It's appropriate for kids 7 and up, but that doesn't mean they, or anyone else, should watch it.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, "Furry Vengeance" gets a D.

I read on-line a while back that Dick Van Dyke was originally going to be in this film. Thank goodness for his sake, and for his fans, that he isn't. 

Miley Cyrus used to be to best known for her role as Hannah Montana, and she played that TV character in her first major on-screen movie role, last year's "Hannah Montana: The Movie". In "The Last Song" she takes-on a much more dramatic role, and she doesn't even sing.

The film is based on the book by Nicholas Sparks, who also wrote the screenplay. Cyrus plays Ronnie, an unhappy teenager who's sent by her mother to live with her father for the Summer. Her parents are divorced. Oh, and her little brother comes along with her as well.

At first Ronnie doesn't like being around her dad, who's played by Greg Kinnear, but then she meet a boy and the two get to like each other. But things do not go well in the lives of Ronnie or the boyfriend or the father. In fact, there are a lot of story lines in "The Last Song", too many in fact, and just about all of them involve bad things happening to people.

There's a lot of drama in "The Last Song". It's a big screen soap opera. There are medical issues, fights, tragedies, break-ups. There are a few nice scenes with the family, but not enough. There are just too many sub-plots and they take-away from the main story.

As for the acting, it's no surprise that Miley Cyrus is not the best actress in the world. Her performance ranges from o.k. to rough. Liam Hemsworth, who plays the boyfriend, is not very good either, but I liked Bobby Coleman, the younger brother. Kinnear is the best thing in the movie, while Kelly Preston, who plays the mom, is only in a few scenes.

Miley Cyrus fans will be surprised and maybe disappointed by just how serious, sad and, at times, depressing this movie is. And an attempt at an uplifting ending just doesn't work.

"The Last Song" is rated PG for the mature themes and some brief language. It appropriate for kids 10 and up, but because of the serious tone, no one's going home smiling.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, "The Last Song" gets a C. It certainly won't be remembered as "the feel good film of 2010."

As for Cyrus, she may want to stick to singing roles for awhile, or go back to voice-over work. I loved her in "Bolt".

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cate4444
Posts: 4

Miley isn't the best, but the book is better
Reply #3 on : Wed August 18, 2010, 10:58:24

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Miley flat out stinks at acting. She was awesome in Bolt, but a Nickolas Sparks movie isn't her. If there was another cast of characters, though, it would be much, much better.

anonymous
Posts: 4

Re: Movie Reviews
Reply #2 on : Sun July 25, 2010, 10:45:30

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I could understand why you gave The Last Song a C. It's kind of a depressing movie. :(

anonymous
Posts: 4

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #1 on : Sun April 11, 2010, 09:10:45

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I went to see The Last Song last night and I thought the movie was really good. My friends cried at the end though but I didn't really hear them because I was on the end. I'd give The Last Song a B, not a C.

Not many people got to see "Letters to God" when it was briefly in theaters back in April. I praised the film on TV and on-line, and actually heard from the film's producer, David Nixon, who thanked me for my review and for helping to spread the word about the film. It's now out on DVD, and so you have a chance to check it out. But first read this review:

"Letters to God" is inspired by the true story of a young boy named Tyler who is battling brain cancer. While his mother, brother, grandmother and best friend all hope and pray that Tyler will get better, Tyler starts a different type of praying: writing letters to God.

A substitute mailman named Brady starts collecting these letters and, at first, doesn't know what to do with them. But a pastor convinces Brady that these letters ended-up in his hands for a reason and that he'll figure it out. Brady has his own problems. He drinks too much and lost custody of his young son in a divorce.

Soon he and everyone else realize that because of these letters, God really does have a plan for Tyler and the people around him and they all start to believe.

"Letters to God" is a serious film, one that would never be made by a traditional Hollywood studio. There are several very sad scenes, but also uplifting ones. The film deals with a powerful topic: a kid with cancer, and deals with storylines that a true to life, including the jealousy of the brother, the hopelessness of the mother and the questioning of God. It's clear that the writing team knew this subject very well.

The acting is solid and even though this is a smaller film, the look of "Letters to God" is impressive. It's a movie that makes you think and believe that things happen for a reason and that everyone can make a difference. Personally, I know a family that has gone through a similar situation as the one in the movie. A lot of people do. This will really hit home for them.

"Letters to God" is rated PG for dramatic and emotional impact. It's appropriate for older kids, but parents need to be aware of the subject matter and so they don't simply take the family to this thinking it's a cute, fun film about kids and God. It is not. And for those who have dealt with this problem in their lives the story may be too emotional.

And if you don't enjoy religious films, this is not the movie for you either.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, "Letters to God" gets a B+. Have the tissues handy.

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jeffrey
Posts: 3

Letters to God.
Reply #3 on : Wed August 18, 2010, 12:39:50

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This is one of the most cliched movies I have ever seen. The plot and script was predictable. The only real "message" in this movie was the belief in christianty. Which shows how little depth this movie had.

Sue London
Posts: 3

Sounds better than "Dear God"
Reply #2 on : Sat April 10, 2010, 19:38:29

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Thanks for the review. Most films that try to approach this topic are about a D+ so it's good to hear that this one is better.

anonymous
Posts: 3

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #1 on : Sat April 10, 2010, 18:38:37

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Sorry to be a downer but i dont go for sad movies...and this is one i wood never want to see. I like the concept but i could'nt handle it.

Most people, after seeing a movie based on a book they‘ve read, usually say “I liked the book better.” I, on the other hand, as a movie guy, usually enjoy the movies more than the books.

But not this time.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is based on the very popular book series by Jeff Kinney. I’ve read all 5 of the books and liked them all. They follow the life of Greg Heffley, who in the first book, as in the movie, is just starting middle school.

Greg has a mom and dad and an older brother, who picks on him a lot, and a baby brother as well. He also has a best friend named Rowley, who embarrasses him sometimes but they’re still great pals.

At least in the books. One of the main problems with this movie (and there are plenty) is the relationship between Greg and Rowley. For the first half of the film, Greg is mean to Rowley, trying to change him and make him be cool. And then they stop being friends and the second half is about Greg’s life without his best friend.

This isn’t fun or funny. In fact this entire movie isn’t fun or enjoyable to watch. There’s no clever dialogue. None of the creativity of the books. The entire tone of the film is MEAN - classmates being mean to each other, older kids being mean to the middle school kids. There’s even a scene in which Greg is unbelievably mean to a group of kindergarten students.

If the books had this tone no one would have read any of them.

There are no laughs in “Wimpy Kid“. Everyone in the packed theater I was at when I saw it back in March sat through the movie in stunned silence except for a few gross scenes.

Also, the acting is not good. At times “Wimpy Kid” reminded me of the worst family movie of 2009 - “Shorts”. That’s not a place I ever wanted to go again.

All of this is very surprising because Kinney was both a writer and executive producer of the film. He’s got no one to blame but himself for they way this movie turned-out.

The best thing about “Wimpy Kid” is the occasional use of the simple, pencil-drawn animation of the actual cartoons taken from the book. They should have done the entire movie this way.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is rated PG for a few disgusting scenes. It’s appropriate for kids 7 and up, and fans of the books are going to want to see it. But I beg you to save your money for the next book instead.

On “The Official Kid Critic Report Card”, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” gets a D.

And as a tribute to clearly one of the worst family films of 2010, all I can say is: “Zoo-Wee-Mama”.

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anonymous
Posts: 2

Is this a joke?
Reply #1 on : Sun April 11, 2010, 11:20:22

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i agree that the books were better than the movie, but the movie isn't as bad as you say it is

It was shot in 2D, then converted to 3D. But "Clash of the Titans" can be summed-up with just 1D, and that stands for DISASTER.

When released in theaters earlier this year the movie had the 3-D worst of any film I've ever seen. And here's why: the studio decided AFTER the movie was shot that they wanted a 3D version, so they converted it in post production and proved that this can't be done, at least not well. Most of the scenes looked either cheap or cheesy - some of the characters in focus, others very blurry. In fact the Zeus character, played by Liam Neeson, wasn't in focus the entire movie. And a couple of times, just to stay awake, I took my glasses off, and the screen looked pretty normal.

The good news is, in the DVD version, the bad 3-D isn't an issue. But all the other things wrong with this movie still are.

The story is based on Greek Mythology,and the battle between the gods and the humans. The main character is Perseus, the demigod played by Sam Worthington of "Avatar" fame. The plot is basically the same one as in "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief", though that's a much better film.

"Clash" is all about the action. There are way too many fighting scenes and the effects just aren't that special. And even if you didn't see the original 1981 version (which I haven't seen but have been told was also cheesy - but in as fun way) you know these characters and you know what's going to happen in the end when the big, evil monster - The Kracken - shows-up. And that scene is also disappointing because we've already seen The Kracken in the trailer.

Overall, "Clash of the Titans" is a boring mess. Worthington barely has any lines. There are just a lot of close-ups of his facial expressions, that is, when he isn't fighting. Ralph Fiennes plays Hades and he's pretty creepy looking, but other that that the rest of the characters are bland.

As for the dialogue, Pegasus, the flying horse, has some of the best lines, and all he does in whinny. And all the action scenes are dull.

"Clash of the Titans" is rated PG-13 for fantasy action violence and some scary images. I guess it's appropriate for kids 10 and up, but, trust me, it's not worth your time or money. There's a new, alternate ending on the DVD. It doesn't matter.

The Official Kid Critic Report Card, "Clash of the Titans" gets an F. It's the worst film of 2010 so far.

I really wanted to come-up with a way to give it a D, to go along with the theme of this review, but this movie is just so bad I couldn't.

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Showing comments 1 to 10 of 21 | Next | Last

ender
Posts: 23

You'll be wild about Harry
Reply #21 on : Mon July 26, 2010, 23:53:25

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Don't knock the 1981 version unseen. Go rent it and give it a chance. It's a delightful film, distinguished by the amazing stop-motion animation of Ray Harryhousen who worked his marvels in _real_ 3D :-)

After you have seen it please write a review. I'm sure that many kids and adults today would find it a welcome alternative to overblown, overbudgeted, overhyped but under-realized monstrosities such as this quite unnecessary remake.

Amy
Posts: 23

Re: Clash of the Titans (PG-13) F
Reply #20 on : Sat July 10, 2010, 03:41:49

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I thought the movie was great maybe cause i mainly watched it for the cast that i adored the ending for me was cheesy but the movie itself i thought was solid and had way better effects/setting than percy jackson was it as good as i expected no but i still thought that the directing and humor moments were solid you cant put the whole movie down due to screenwriting

anonymous
Posts: 23

Re: Movie Reviews
Reply #19 on : Wed May 26, 2010, 15:06:39

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I saw it in 2D because I heard about the bad post-production 3D well in advance. I have a bias for sword-and-sandal movies, but correcting for that, I thought it was a pretty solid C/C-. Not a great film, but entertaining enough, with some good action setpieces.

brittney
Posts: 23

your review on clash of the titans
Reply #18 on : Sat April 24, 2010, 12:27:18

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was great! i totally agree. my friends saw the film and raved about how i "must see it!" so i took their words and ended up horribly disappointed. i need to look foy your word!

adam
Posts: 23

P.S.
Reply #17 on : Sun April 11, 2010, 08:54:25

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Also the action and visuals were amazing!!!!!! The movie was action packed!!

adam
Posts: 23

F!!!!
Reply #16 on : Sun April 11, 2010, 08:52:31

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No offence but i thought the movie was really good!! I admit it didnt need to be in 3D but i dont get why you said the 3D was blurry, mabye it was just like that at your theater. I always think you are a great critic but with this review it feels like i was watching another movie compared to you!

anonymous
Posts: 23

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #15 on : Sat April 10, 2010, 18:42:41

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if it's possible, could you post the "clash of the titans" trailor...i would like to see it.

Josh
Posts: 23

Clash of the Titans
Reply #14 on : Fri April 09, 2010, 06:18:37

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What Are You talking about!!!! That is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen!!!!! When you say the effects aren't special, just look at the Kraken!!!!! I cant explain how WRONG you are!!!!!!!!!

HAILEY
Posts: 23

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #13 on : Wed April 07, 2010, 09:02:25

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I agree with u for one of the first times in my life...clash of the titans is one of the worst movies i have ever seen. The original was MUCH better.

anonymous
Posts: 23

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #12 on : Wed April 07, 2010, 08:57:23

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I must say that the original 1980 "Clash of the Titans" was much better than this, even though some of the scenes were cheesy;so good rating.

Showing comments 1 to 10 of 21 | Next | Last

Chris Columbus, the director of the first two “Harry Potter” films - the man who developed one of the biggest movie franchises of all-time - is hoping to get “lightning” to strike twice.

 “Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” is based on the first installment of the popular book series of the same name.

At the start of the film, Percy thinks he’s just a regular high school student, even though he can breathe underwater for long periods of time, he can read Greek writing and he hears a voice giving him advice.

But on a field trip to a museum, Percy learns that, not only isn’t he a normal teen, but he’s actually a “demigod” - his mother is human but his father is the Greek god Poseidon. Percy is accused by Zeus, the King of the gods, of stealing Zeus’s lightning bolt…which he didn’t do. And so Percy and two friends (NOT named Ron and Hermione) go on an adventure, around the United States and to the underworld, to try to straighten out the situation and prevent Zeus from waging all-out war against his brothers Poseidon and Hades.

After seeing the trailer for months before the film came out earlier this year I thought “Percy Jackson” to be much more exciting that it turns out to be. There’s much too much dialogue from the characters explaining the story, though the movie does supply you with a nice lesson on Greek mythology, even though that’s wasn’t something I was looking for when I saw it in the theater on the first night of winter vacation.

Overall the performances are not that strong. Logan Lerman, who plays Percy, sounds and acts a lot like Zac Efron. I’m not sure if that’s good or bad. The other young actors are pretty bland.

Pierce Brosnan, Catherine Keener and Uma Thurman are also in the cast. Thurman is way over the top as Medusa, but I guess when you’re playing a Greek goddess with dozens of snakes coming-out of your head, that’s o.k.

The effects in the film are very well done, but a lot of the action scenes reminded me of other fantasy-action movies, including “Narnia: Prince Caspian”, “The Mummy” and, of course, the “Harry Potter” movies. Plus, there’s more than a touch of “Star Wars” here as well.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief” is rated PG for typical action violence and some mild language. It’s appropriate for kids 8 and up, but you fans of the series will be disappointed that Percy is much older here than in the book, where he’s only 12.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Percy Jackson” only gets a C. It's one of the biggest disappointment of the year for me so far.

There are four more books and, therefore, four more “Percy Jackson” movies could be on the way. But don't expect the “Percy” series to come close to the success of the “Harry Potter” films.

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mike
Posts: 12

Re: Movie Reviews
Reply #3 on : Sat May 08, 2010, 12:33:27

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sorry jackson but this was the best movie i ever saw

Me
Posts: 12

Re: Percy Jackson and the Olympians:The Lightning Thief (PG) C
Reply #2 on : Fri March 26, 2010, 14:12:06

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Yeah i agree with anonymous. The movie gas good and it had excitement.

anonymous
Posts: 12

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #1 on : Fri February 19, 2010, 14:46:24

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What!?! That was the BEST movie to watch and it had a TON of excitment!!!

Johnny Depp and Tim Burton have done several movies together, including "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Edward Scissorhands". However, their latest collaboration has me as mad as a hatter, because it's just not very good.

"Alice in Wonderland" is based on the two, classic Lewis Carroll books, but it's isn't a remake of the familiar story, it's actually a sequel.

Alice (who's played by Mia Wasikowska), is now 19, and once again she falls into the rabbit hole and enters Wonderland (or in this case "Underland"). And, again, she meets-up with The Mad Hatter (played by Depp) and gets in trouble with the Red Queen (who has the huge head and voice of Helena Bonham Carter). Her sister, the White Queen (played by Anne Hathaway), helps Alice throughout the story but it's Alice who must, in the end, fight the evil Jabberwocky and save the kingdom.

If you think this sounds a lot less like "Alice in Wonderland" and a lot more like the next installment of the "Narnia" series, well, as Alice says several times in the film: "I'm afraid so." Frankly, I like Alice better in her little blue and white dress and not in battle armor carrying a sword and shield.

Yes, the Cheshire Cat, the White Rabbit and Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are involved in the story, but not that much. However, the one thing that is missing completely from this version of "Alice" is fun. Burton has made a serious film, that, at times, is even a bit depressing. And the movie gets off to a dreadfully slow start, as the first 20-minutes: Alice's life prior to falling into the hole, are completely unnecessary.

Instead of the joy and wonder of the original stories (and Disney's own 1951 animated classic) we get fighting and arguing and sadness. When the most popular line in a film is "Off With His Head", you know it's not going to be a lot of fun.

On the plus side "Alice" is great to look at. The animated characters blend perfectly with the actors and the make-up and costumed design is fantastic. And some of the characters, such as the Cheshire Cat and Hookah-Smoking Caterpillar are quite likeable. But that's it.

"Alice in Wonderland" is rated PG, for the action-violence and the smoking. It's appropriate for kids 7 and up and they'll want to see it, but be ready for them to get bored in a hurry.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, "Alice in Wonderland" only gets a D+, a HUGE disappointment. After all the incredible hype, and the $billion box office worldwide, I have to say that this is one tea party that you can skip.

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M&M
Posts: 14

A BIG Disagreement!
Reply #9 on : Sat June 26, 2010, 17:49:21

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Why did you give this movie a D+ I personally think this movie deserves an A!

anonymous
Posts: 14

Re: Movie Reviews
Reply #8 on : Wed May 26, 2010, 15:13:45

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I could have watched an entire movie about the first 20 minutes, actually. That was the only time in the movie where I felt like the performances weren't being phoned in. I started getting interested in those characters, who were funnier and stranger than the contrived versions of Wonderland characters. Everyone seemed bored and overtaxing themselves once they got into Wonderland.

HAILEY
Posts: 14

:( SO DISAPPOINTED
Reply #7 on : Sun April 11, 2010, 11:16:22

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I am soooooo sad to hear this...i was going to see it over spring break but I had the idea to look at your review of it first; and I decided to see another movie instead. I LOVE the original disney version and I don't know anybody who doesn't. So i guess when it comes to newer version of old classics... I'll stick to the classics.

Megan McKinney
Posts: 14

Clever review but perhaps the wrong audience
Reply #6 on : Sat April 10, 2010, 19:39:17

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I don't know that this movie is for kids at all. The themes certainly are not about the clear divides between the good guy and the bad guy or about winning the day, though those are certainly ideas that the film bounces around. Burton has made the film into an allegory about growing into adulthood and coming to terms with what kind of adult you're going to be. I don't think taking a child to see it is going to be fun for them but perhaps once they hit 12 or 13 and start questioning who they're going to be as teenage years and adulthood approach.

You are of course a good reviewer with incisive comments and I hope to see you grow into an excellent film critic and theorist as the years go by.

SakuraBlossom
Posts: 14

I disagree with you- but you review very well.
Reply #5 on : Sat April 03, 2010, 09:26:30

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First I want to say that I think you are a PRODIGY of movie reviews (next Roger Ebert even?). As a teenager, I highly respect your viewpoint.

However, I disagree with you on Alice. While I agree the battle scene was unnecessary, it added an intensity to the story that the original Alice didn't. The quirkiness of the Wonderlanders was fully explored, and the opening scenes established Alice as a fantastic heroine- strong-willed, strong, and independant. Depp and the Red Queen particularly blew me away. I would call this movie "weird, but in a good way". Minus the battle sequence, it would have made Lewis Carroll proud. I think it at least deserved a B-.
Keep up the good work!

Will Crotty
Posts: 14

I like your thoughts
Reply #4 on : Thu March 18, 2010, 12:38:39

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I agree yet to a certain extent. There were some more elements of the film that did fill me with joy such as Depp's performance as the mad hatter or tweedle dee and tweedle dum's goofy chemistry. So there was some comedy here, I think.

I am very intrigued by your reviews so far and will continue reading them. Bravo!

p.s. have you seen Shutter Island?

Johnnie P
Posts: 14

Re: The Kid Critic
Reply #3 on : Tue March 09, 2010, 21:41:28

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I can understand some of your points made in this review, but I would also have to disagree with you. It seems the general public just really didn't "get" this movie. I think that is a shame. People wanted this soft and fluffy Alice In Wonderland and it wasn't that at all. Come on, Tim Burton was making it, what did you expect?

The sad thing is people are so consumed with the original movie and what it was that they can't seem to appreciate how great of a movie this really turned out to be.

anonymous
Posts: 14

Re: Alice in Wonderland (PG) D+
Reply #2 on : Mon March 08, 2010, 17:48:18

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agreee

Angela
Posts: 14

Completely Wrong.
Reply #1 on : Sat March 06, 2010, 12:27:01

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You are completely wrong about this movie. Yes, it takes Alice to a whole new level and it's much better than the first. If you think you are remotely right about giving this movie a "D+," you are crazy. It has all of the action and adventure for a more than amazing movie. Alice is back and better than before. I'm sorry you cant open your eyes up to see this.

Hollywood heavyweights Brendan Fraser and Harrison Ford are best known for their action roles. But in "Extraordinary Measures" they get to show-off their dramatic acting skills.

The film is based on the true story of the Crowley family, which includes two children who suffer from Pompe disease, which causes their muscles to weaken and their hearts, livers and other organs to grow larger than they should. We learn at the start of the film that kids with Pompe disease usually only live until they are 9 years old.

John Crowley, the children's father (played by Fraser),  reads about a scientist who thinks he's coming close to finding a treatment for Pompe. Ford plays the scientist - Dr. Bob Stonehill. The two come together to try to come up with the breakthrough that will not only save John's kids, but others who have the disease.

"Extraordinary Measures" really worked on me emotionally. You get caught-up in the story and root for the scientists to come-up with the treatment and the kids to stay alive so they can get the treatment. The film has a great message about not giving up, even when things look bad.

Ford, Fraser and Keri Russell, who plays wife and mom Aileen Crowley, are all excellent. The kids are also very good, and the real John Crowley even has a cameo.

This story is a perfect example of what people can do when they believe in miracles. I remember thinking, after seeing this movie, that it had been awhile since I left a theater feeling this good.

"Extraordinary Measures" is rated PG for a few dramatic scene involving the sick kids and some adult language. It's a nice option for families who are tired of the blockbusters and comedies. Children 10 and up should be able to handle the subject matter and appreciate the story.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Extraordinary Measures” gets a B+. Very moving.

This is the first movie from CBS Films, the new division of the TV network. Congratulations to the studio for getting off to an "Extraordinary" start.

It was the first family film of 2010 -  Jackie Chan as an International spy/friendly neighbor with all the moves. Unfortunately, Chan's martial arts talent is one of the only good things about "The Spy Next Door".

Chan plays Bob, who's retired from the spy business and wants to marry the single mother with three kids who lives next door. Her kids think Bob's a loser and they don't want them to get together. Bob's gets to take care of the kids when the mom has to go out of town, but no one knows about Bob's secret life as a spy, until the bad guys come looking for him and the valuable formula that one of the kids downloaded by accident.

The plot is silly and no one in this family acts the way normal people would act if they found out that their babysitter was a spy being chased by Russian mobsters. How about picking-up a phone and calling the police!

That's not all that's wrong with this movie. There isn't a single laugh in the script. And the acting is weak. Chan has never been known for his acting ability, but that's o.k., because he makes-up for it with his incredible stunt work and fighting scenes. But the rest of the cast has no excuse.

Billy Ray Cyrus and George Lopez both play CIA Agents. Neither will be putting this movie on their resumes.

Here's another thing that bugs me: this family has a pet pig. It seems like every suburban household in family comedies these days has to have a pet pig. Do you know anybody who has a pet pig? I sure don't. How come every "Hollywood" family seems to have one. Enough with the pet pigs!

"The Spy Next Door" is directed by Brian Levant ("Are We There Yet?", "Jingle All the Way"). He uses a lot of tight shots and the dialogue is very sloppy, especially with the kids, who are awful. And the fake Russian accents of the villains are laughable.

"The Spy Next Door" is rated PG for mild violence. It's appropriate for everybody, and kids may like the action scenes, but there's not much else for anyone to like, except the 70's spy music, which is cool.

On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, "The Spy Next Door" gets a D+.

Chan fans - skip this and wait for "The Karate Kid" remake, which comes out in June. Hopefully there won't be any pet pigs in that one.