It’s that time of the year once again. Here are my DVD/Blu-ray gift ideas for all the movie fans in your family.
Best Mom Movie – “Nanny McPhee Returns“ (PG) (Out on DVD Dec.14)
This movie is really not about NMcP. It’s about the mother and how she deals with her kids and their cousins while her husband is lost at war. After the first half-hour (which is terrible) it’s a sweet, surprisingly good film.
Best Dad Movie – “Despicable Me” (PG) (Dec.14)
What makes this film so special is watching Gru (the World’s Greatest Criminal Mastermind) learn to become a father to three orphans. It’s the funniest animated film of the year, with action, suspense, evil villains, plus ballet and three cute little girls. Everything a dad could want!
Best Older Boy Movie – “Shrek: The Whole Story” (PG) (Dec.7)
Most teenage boys grew-up on Shrek, but maybe they didn’t see all of the movies. This is the complete set with all 4 films, including this year’s “Shrek Forever After”, which wraps-up the series perfectly.
Best Older Girl Movie – “Flipped” (PG)
Directed by Rob Reiner, it got a very limited release this summer. The story is set in the early 1960’s, and it centers on a very strong-minded girl and her relationship with her family and the boy across the street. It’s based on the very popular novel that most teenage girls have read.
Best Younger Boy Movie – “How to Train Your Dragon“ (PG)
Most young boys love their pets. This is the story of a young viking and his pet Dragon. Fantastic script, superb animation, loads of action and a great message.
Best Younger Girl Movie – “Ramona and Beezus“ (G)
Based on two of the popular “Ramona” books. It features good performances by Selena Gomez, John Corbett and newcomer Joey King, who plays Ramona. There’s also an important message that it’s o.k. to be a little “odd”.
Best Grandparents Movie – “The Sound of Music” – 45th Anniversary Edition (G)
This is a 3-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo of one of greatest musicals of all-time. It’s digitally restored and re-mastered, and has everything, including a documentary, interviews, an interactive sing-along, and a 100-page scrapbook. Truly “The Hills are Alive” again!
Best Whole Family Movie – “Toy Story 3” (G)
The finale of the “Toy Story” saga has everything. It’s exciting, funny, sad and suspenseful, with a perfect pay-off at the end. This 4-disc combo pack includes tons of extras. “TS3” should be under every tree Christmas morning.
That’s it – Happy Shopping! (and grab a movie or two for yourself while you’re at it).