Good Burger

Nickelodeon's popular duo of Kenan Thompson and Kel Mitchell star as two L.A. teens who get summer jobs at the local hamburger joint -- Good Burger. But when corporate giant Mondo Burger moves in across the street and threatens to close them down, the pair must help save their small restaurant from going under. Sinbad co-stars in this tasty comedy, and look for a cameo by Shaquille O'Neal.

You may be surprised by this one.  Yes I liked it.  I didn't think that I would, but to my surprise, it was a lot of fun.  Most of all, it was clean humor.  Relax, don't expect anything too intellectual, and you'll have fun. Kimball ***

Netflix link to Good Burger

The Rundown

When Travis (Seann William Scott), the mouthy son of a criminal, disappears in the Amazon in search of a treasured artifact, his father sends in Beck (Dwayne Johnson), who becomes Travis's rival for the affections of Mariana (Rosario Dawson), a mysterious Brazilian woman. With his steely disposition, Beck is a man of few words -- but it takes him all the discipline he can muster to work with Travis to nab a tyrant who's after the same treasure.

I've watched this film several times.  Each time I like it more.  I love Christopher Walken in this one.  He is just too funny, but the violence is too much for the little ones.  The humor is great and I've got to say that I have not seen Johnson "The Rock" any better in anything else. Scott is great as well.  I just wish that someone would put The Rock in a super hero suit. Kimball ****

Netflix link to The Rundown

New in Town

The weather isn't the only drastic change for high-paid consultant Lucy Hill (Renée Zellweger) when she's sent from her home base in South Beach, Fla., to a small Minnesota town to improve the productivity of a local manufacturing plant. The town's residents also take some getting used to, especially the ruggedly handsome union boss (Harry Connick Jr.) who's doing his darnedest to make sure that Lucy doesn't cut any jobs.

Well, not just the greatest chick flick ever, but it was worth a wasted evening. The kind that you watch because you don’t really have much else to do. But in the end you were ok with it. Renee is one of my personal favorites, so I was willing to look past the poorly spoken accents, and typical Union verses Corporate Boss crap. It was fun to see her as a done up corporate big shot in hicktown Montana. The best part of the show was watching the simple people of America transform the high and mighty with love and innocents, something that we could use a lot more of. Kimball ***

Netflix link to New in Town

Inkheart

Unbeknownst to his 12-year-old daughter, Meggie (Eliza Bennett), bookbinder Mo "Silvertongue" Folchart (Brendan Fraser) has a secret ability to bring characters to life by reading their stories out loud. But when the wicked Capricorn (Andy Serkis) comes after her father, Meggie must rescue him. Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren co-star in this enchanting fantasy based on the best-selling children's novel by Cornelia Funke.

I appreciate Brendan Fraser for the clean family film he seems to appear in. He’s funny, and fun, and watchable all at the same time. This is a fun story full of mystery, suspense and family love that is stronger than any evil power could ever hope to be. Good special effects and lots of action. It might be intense for very small children. Kimball ****

Netflix link to Inkheart

Just Like Heaven

Shortly after David Abbott (Mark Ruffalo) moves into his new San Francisco digs, he has an unwelcome visitor on his hands: winsome Elizabeth Martinson (Reese Witherspoon), who asserts that the apartment is hers -- and promptly vanishes. When she starts appearing and disappearing at will, David thinks she's a ghost, while Elizabeth is convinced she's alive. Their quest for the truth ultimately leads to love in this spectral romantic comedy.

Well, this is one of those movies that you enjoy and feel dissapointed about at the same time. I really liked the story line and I thought the acting was fairly good. It was funny, it was touching, it was believable. But.....and I mean a big but, there was just too much sexual inuendo and too much normalcy placed on immorality. You'll have to watch this one with fingers in your ears and the fast forward ready. Ok, it's really not that bad as far as what is shown. There's no open nudity or sex scenes, just a lot of talk about it. The story is really cute, and Witherspoon is great. Mark Rufallo is slow getting started but after awhile he's actually enjoyable too, as the almost innocent brokenhearted victim of Witherspoon's need for love. -->Kimball***

Netflix link to Just Like Heaven

Marley and Me

Based on the best-selling memoir, this feature adaptation centers on Jennifer and John Grogan (Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson), who, as newlyweds about to start a family, learn many of life's important lessons from Marley, their lovable yet trouble-seeking canine. This heartwarming story examines the highs and lows of marriage, maturity and confronting ones' own mortality, as seen through the lens of family life with a dog.

I really liked this one. There were some scenes that we could have done without where the love between the Grogans is portrayed with all of it's playfull bedroom humor. But over all this was a great film. I enjoyed the development of family and family relationships. I really appreciated the author and director's developement of the all to common dilemma that women find themselves in today; that of having to make a choice between being moms or career women. Jennifer chooses family with the reasoning that "if working means that I will only be with my children for a few hours in the evening, than I'll stay home with my children." Brovo. And the career changes were made in the interest of opportunity and sacrifice. John sees in the end after meeting up with an old budy, who had taken a different road, that his choice to have a family had brought him the greater happiness. Marley was a wonderful metaphor for sacrifice and love in the face of challenge. Marley did his job. He had raised a family in love for eachother through their love and sacrifice for him. -->Kimball****

Netflix link to Marley and Me

Evan Almighty

In director Tom Shadyac's raucous follow-up to the 2003 comedy Bruce Almighty (also helmed by Shadyac), God (Morgan Freeman) summons narcissistic newscaster turned congressman Evan Baxter (Steve Carell) to build an enormous ark in preparation for a devastating flood. Unfortunately, Evan's perplexed family interprets his latest hobby as a midlife crisis gone wrong rather than as a divine assignment from the man upstairs.

What can I say. Steve Carell is funny. Add to the mix Morgan Freeman and it just has to be good. This is a funny film with a great message. You might as well give in to God and do what you're told. Funny thing is, you end up doing good for others and yourself. Evan just wanted to be a good guy and change the world. His honest yet naive desire proved to win him the notice of God and the task of saving, and changing the world. A great film for everyone. -->Kimball****

Netflix link to Evan Almighty

Get Smart

When the identities of secret agents from Control are compromised, the Chief (Alan Arkin) promotes hapless but eager analyst Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) and teams him with stylish, capable Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), the only spy whose cover remains intact. Now, they must work together to thwart the evil plans of KAOS and its crafty operative Siegfried (Terence Stamp). Based on the classic television show, this comedy caper co-stars The Rock.

This is a classic. Steve Carell has won me over. He IS Mr. Funny. Supported by Anne Hathaway, The Rock and Alan Arkin he is the Maxwell Smart I remember from my childhood, only better. He has all the tools but just can't get right, and then.....he does get it right, but wait, did he get it right on purpose? or was it an accident? Who will ever know? This is a funny flick, but I've got to tell you, I almost have more fun watching my kids watch it. -->Kimball*****

Netflix link to Get Smart

The Man Who Knew Too Little

Iowa video-store clerk Wallace Ritchie (Bill Murray) opts to celebrate his birthday with younger brother James (Peter Gallagher). But James, an aggressive businessman, has an important dinner meeting planned. He gets rid of Wallace by giving him a ticket to the Theatre of Life, an audience-participation show where an unfortunate case of mistaken identity leads Wallace into -- among other things -- a web of espionage.

This is classic Bill Murray. If you like him, you'll like this one. This guy is as dumb as he can be and yet he foils a plot to start the Cold War up again. He's the perfect unintending hero. Lots of laughs. -->Kimball***

Netflix link to The Man Who Knew Too Little

Bedtime Stories

Skeeter Bronson (Adam Sandler) is a down-on-his-luck guy who's always telling bedtime stories to his niece and nephew, and whose life is turned upside down when these fantastical stories suddenly turn into reality. Now, all the outrageous characters and situations that Skeeter has ever imagined have morphed into actual people and events in his life. But can he manage his own unruly fantasies now that they've come true?

This was a fun movie. Lots of laughs and pretty innocent. It's a good family film for most ages. -->Kimball***

Netflix link toBedtime Stories

Galaxy Quest

Decades after the success of the sci-fi series "Galaxy Quest," the show's washed-up stars -- Jason Nesmith (Tim Allen), Gwen DeMarco (Sigourney Weaver) and Alexander Dane (Alan Rickman) -- are recruited by actual aliens to pull off an intergalactic rescue mission. At first, the actors assume the so-called Thermians are just another group of die-hard fans. But as the plot thickens, they realize they're working with real-life extraterrestrials.

Ok, so what, I like this movie. I don't care what you guys say I think this is a classic that deserves to be on this prestigious blog page. This is a great "change of heart" movie complete with acts of faith, hope and sacrifice. No, really. Who couldn't watch this film and feel committed to live a more worthy life? Who wouldn't fall in love with our hero, Jason Taggert? I think this show should be manditory material. -->Kimball *****

Netflix link to Galaxy Quest

Support Your Local Sheriff

James Garner stars in this Wild West parody as a sharpshooting drifter who stumbles upon the lawless gold rush town of Calendar and winds up appointed as the new sheriff. With memorable performances from Bruce Dern as the villainous Joe Danby and Joan Hackett as Prudy Perkins, the requisite damsel in distress, this hilarious spoof is directed by Burt Kennedy.

This is an all time classic film. James Garner, one of my personal favorites, plays a roll suited to him in this comedy set in the old West. Basically on his way to Australia, he doesn't have time to get settled in, but before you know it, he's the town hero, or is he? Bruce Dern is about as funny as you've ever seen him, as Joe Danby. Then there's Harry Morgan. He's everything that you would expect Harry Morgan to be; funnier than snot, but dry as dirt. Walter Brennan as Pa Danby is just great, frustrated at his less than intelligent sons. Then there's Jack Elam. Who could not fall in love with his character, Jake. Elam is funny no matter what his roll is, but set him with James Garner and this all star cast and you have a great show. This one will keep you laughing, and wishing it wouldn't end. -->Kimball *****

Netflix link to Support Your Local Sheriff

Beverly Hills Chihuahua

Chloe (voiced by Drew Barrymore) is a privileged Chihuahua from Beverly Hills who rides in style in her owner's purse -- until she gets lost on a Mexican vacation, and must find her way home with the help of her newfound Latin canine friends. Salma Hayek, George Lopez, Edward James Olmos, Cheech Marin and Andy Garcia also lend their voices to the cast of this comedic live-action adventure.

This was, in my opinion, incredibly dumb! However, Andrew has watched it at least three times and thinks it's hilarious. It's clean, somewhat entertaining, and creative, but there are plenty of "innuendos". It might be fun to watch with the kids/family. If you like dogs, this is the movie for you! As a side note, the thing that gets me is...this is reality these days. -Sarah * * *

Netflix link to Beverly Hills Chihuahua

I Spy

There's no love lost between undefeated middleweight fighter Kelly Robinson (Eddie Murphy) and CIA superstar Alex Scott (Owen Wilson) -- a mismatched pair who are teamed up by the government to track down a missing stealth bomber in this action-comedy. If they're to accomplish their dangerous mission, they'd better find a way to get along, first!

Ok, I watched this one....again, because my boys wanted it. I had forgotten how bad the language and the sexual in-your-endos were. I had my innocent daughter asking questions I didn't want to answer. It is very funny. Alex (Owen Wilson) is constantly self conscious about his rivals tools and gadgets and time with the beautiful fell'a agent, Rachel who fittingly turns out to be the bad gal. I love the scene where the two of them are in the sewer spilling their hearts out to each other. Alex (Owen Wilson) says basically, even though we are completely different in every way, "You're really just like me, and I'm you." I only give it three stars because of the language and....the other stuff. -->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to I Spy

No Reservations

In this remake of the award-winning European romantic comedy Mostly Martha, Catherine Zeta-Jones plays Kate, an emotionally fragile chef whose life is turned upside down when she becomes guardian of her niece (Abigail Breslin). Used to absolute control -- both in her kitchen (which she rules with an iron hand) and at home -- Kate now faces chaos on all fronts, as both the child and her new sous chef (Aaron Eckhart) work their way into her heart.

A very nice film. Well developed story and decent acting. Love and apreciation can penetrate even the coldest of hearts. Sometimes it takes tragedy to help us see that there are more important things in life than personal ambition and recognition. Kate is all work and no play and takes herself so seriously that she has no room for anyone else, and no room for criticism. With the happy-go-lucky sous chef that enters her life she is faced with hating a guy that you can't help but love, and a niece left to her care who needs more attention than Kate wants to give, all of a sudden she finds herself forced into change. But the change is just what the doctor ordered. -->Kimball ****

Netflix link to No Reservations

The Importance of Being Ernest

In this adaptation of Oscar Wilde's witty play about mistaken identities, Algernon Moncrieff (Rupert Everett) and Jack Worthing (Colin Firth) cause trouble as two proper gentlemen in 1890s London who use the same pseudonym. At a country estate, they fall in love with two ladies -- Cecily (Reese Witherspoon) and Gwendolyn (Frances O'Conner) -- but the hilarious confusion that ensues from their deceptions may just sink their chance at romance.

This was OK. It had it's funny moments and at times it was entertaining. The last 15min. made the whole show worth watching. I rented it because of Reese Witherspoon, and was not dissapointed in her performance. It's worth a watch, but not as a main feature. --->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to The Importance of Being Ernest

I.Q.

Meg Ryan stars as Catherine, the cerebral and perfectly logical niece of scientific genius Albert Einstein (Walter Matthau), in this 1994 romantic comedy. When Catherine and her egghead fiancé (Stephen Fry) stop at a gas station, they meet Ed (Tim Robbins), a mechanic who immediately falls for Catherine. But can a guy who works with his hands win a girl ruled by her brain? With the help of a meddling Einstein, it's "relatively" possible.

I know everyone’s probably seen this movie, but I thought I’d put in my two bits anyway. I like it. I think it’s clever, and funny. Albert Eienstein (Walter Matthau) and his other scientist friends are hilarious. The humor is sometimes a little to quick and hidden but funny. And what can I say about Meg Ryan. I’m in love with her. She’s always been one of my favorites. Aside from a few sexual innuendos this film is pretty innocent. It can’t be classed as one of the "Romantic Comedy Greats" but it’s not bad. ->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to I.Q.

Harry's War

When his aunt dies, Harry Johnson (Edward Herrmann) inherits her ongoing battle with the Internal Revenue Service. Up against the wall, Harry decides to fight back, declaring war on the IRS. Using the media to help fuel his cause, he engages in a David-and-Goliath struggle that makes him a hero for the common man. Geraldine Page, David Ogden Stiers, Salome Jens and Elisha Cook Jr. co-star.

This is a film for all those tax hating weirdos out there who aren’t "patriotic" at heart. It’s funny, but then again it’s not so funny. You’ll laugh at this one. –>Kimball * * * * *

Netflix link to Harry's War

Cool Runnings

A fictionalized account of the unlikely story of Jamaica's first bobsled team, Cool Runnings follows the athletes' journey to the 1988 Winter Olympics. When Derice Bannock's (Leon) chances of qualifying for Jamaica's track team are dashed, he looks for another sport. He persuades U.S. bobsledding gold medallist Irv Blitzer (John Candy), who now lives in Jamaica, to coach Derice and his friends as they attempt to become a world-class bobsled team.

Based on true events, but a completely fabricated story line this film is fun, funny, and inspirational. A feel good film about redemption and equality. It’s good to do things the way that works best for you. Trying to be like everyone else denies us the talents and abilities that we have. –>Kimball

link to Cool Runnings

The Apostles of Comedy

What would Jesus do for a laugh? Well, one thing's for sure: He'd probably get a kick out of these four Christian funnymen who call themselves the Apostles of Comedy and craft their stand-up around clean, wholesome jokes. Featuring live sets from comedians Jeff Allen, Brad Stine, Ron Pearson and Anthony Griffith delivered in front of a Nashville crowd, this release also includes behind-the-scenes footage capturing the guys at home and at church.

This is one of those films that you have to watch several times before you start to get all of the humor. These guys are really funny, and really clean. We find ourselves quoting them all of the time. Move over "Galaxy Quest" we have new movie lines. -->Kimball

Link to Apostles of Comedy