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

Music of the Heart

Play Preview In director Wes Craven's inspiring Oscar-nominated drama -- which is based on a true story -- violinist and single mother Roberta Guaspari (Meryl Streep) struggles to convince the administration at an East Harlem high school to let her establish a music program. Having won that battle, Roberta nonetheless continues to face an uphill climb as budget cuts threaten her determined and deeply felt efforts to bring the arts to underprivileged kids.

I love music anyway.  This is a great story and Meryl Streep is fantastic in her roll as Roberta.  Music is a powerful medium for both good and evil.  I praise those who use it for good.  The acting is great, the script well written, and the story is heart warming. Kimball ****

Netflix link to Music of the Heart

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

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

Play Preview With a star-studded cast that includes Julia Ormond and Stanley Tucci, this Depression-era drama inspired by the American Girl line of dolls follows aspiring young journalist Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin), whose ingenuity and courage help save her family's house. While Kit's father (Chris O'Donnell) is away looking for a job, the family savings are stolen during a series of robberies -- and young Kit sets about finding the thief.

I really liked this film.  I thought the story was great and the acting was good, and well, this little girl was just plain good.  It's a good family film, and it's even entertaining. –>Kimball****

Netflix link to Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

All Roads Lead Home

Play Preview Following a tragic automobile accident that claims her mother's life, rebellious 12-year-old Belle Lawlor (Vivien Cardone) is sent to live with her cantankerous grandfather (Peter Coyote) on his ranch. Inspired by a true story, this heartwarming family tale from director Dennis Fallon also stars Jason London, Vanessa Branch, Patton Oswalt and Peter Boyle (in his last film appearance).

This story was far too predictable and poorly acted.  Not really worth the time.  -->Kimball*

Netflix link to All Roads Lead Home

My Dog Skip

Lonely, 9-year-old Willie Morris (Frankie Muniz) lives in the flea-bitten town of Yazoo, Miss. He stinks at sports and has no playmates. So, over the strenuous objections of his hardnosed father (Kevin Bacon), Willie's mother (Diane Lane) buys him a dog that he promptly dubs "Skip." Before you know it, Skip transforms Willie's life: He makes friends, plays sports and develops an unbreakable bond with the spunky terrier. Based on a true story.

This is a nice film, and the fact that it is based on a true story makes just a little better. I’ve actually stayed the night in Yazoo City, MI. It’s a small town on the rail road and quite pretty. The story is rather predictable, but the acting is good and the coming of age themes are well treated. It’s a decent film. –>Kimball***

Link to My Dog Skip

Forever Strong

Rick (Sean Faris) is a star player on his dad's rugby team until a DUI lands him in a reformatory. While he's serving his sentence, tough rival coach Larry Gelwix (Gary Cole) allows him to play for his team, which helps Rick straighten up his act. Upon his release, however, Rick becomes a pariah to his former teammates and even his father when he refuses to divulge Gelwix's strategies. Sean Astin co-stars in this inspiring true story.

I enjoyed watching this film. The rugby sequences were really good and the story was uplifting. The acting was not really up to par and the lines were predictable, but all in all this is a good film. Sean Astin is the best actor in this flick co-staring as Rick's counselor at the juvenile detention facility. Rick is not your typical young man and if your teens can relate to him, well, then you have issues. -->Kimball***

Netflix link to Forever Strong

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

Believe in Me

After accepting a job to coach high school basketball, Clay Driscoll (Jeffrey Donovan) is disappointed to discover he's been assigned to the girls' team. But the harder he works his female players, the more he sees that they're just as capable of greatness as boys are. Samantha Mathis and Bruce Dern co-star in this small-town sports drama based on the true story of an Oklahoma coach who led his team to the state championships in the 1960s.

This film is based a true story. Jeffrey Donovan is not a great actor in my opinion, but he does a fare job with this one. Bruce Dern in the same old bad guy you've come to love from his past films. The story is a good one and if you like sports shows you'll like this one. -->Kimball ****

Netflix link to Believe in Me

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

Night Crossing

Night Crossing tells the incredible true-life story of two intrepid East German families who hatch a plan (during the Cold War, of course) to escape and head west by using hot-air balloons. Starring John Hurt, Jane Alexander, Beau Bridges and Glynnis O'Connor, this family drama is an inspiring tale of the extraordinary lengths oppressed people will go to find freedom.

This is one of my all-time favorite films. If you haven't seen it, or haven't seen it for a long time, you need to get this one. It's full of suspense, mystery and family. It's a great main feature. Every American should have to watch this film before a presidential election. These families live in the prototype country that our ellustrious progressive leaders would like us to live in where the fairness doctrine is "all for them, none for you." The story is about two families escaping what we are becoming, East "Obamany". -->Kimball *****

Netflix link to Night Crossing

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

Dreamer

Down-and-out horse trainer Ben Crane (Kurt Russell) is given an equally broken-down (but once great) racehorse, Sonya, as severance pay. It will take the unwavering faith and determination of Ben's daughter, Cale (Dakota Fanning), to bring these two damaged souls together in a quest to win the Breeders' Cup Classic. Elisabeth Shue, Oded Fehr and Kris Kristofferson co-star in this heartwarming tale directed by John Gatins.

I really enjoyed this film, though I've seen it before. I've always liked Kurt Russell, and Dakota Fanning has become a favorite also. But this is just a feel good film. Besides, I love horses, so it hit a soft spot for me. The lessons taught, and just plain "feel good" nature of this film makes it a winner for me. Hardship and trial just make us better when we buckle under to correct principles, and don't give up no matter how impossible it looks, there is always a way. --> Kimball * * * *

Netflix link to Dreamer

Country Remedy

Hoping to land his dream job at a Chicago hospital, the recently widowed Dr. Evan Gibbs (Cameron Bancroft) agrees to spend the summer setting up a clinic in the North Carolina mountains. But he and his 10-year-old son (Aidan Mitchell) have a tough time winning over the locals. This bighearted family film features a colorful cast of small-town characters including Bellamy Young as the mayor and Mickey Jones as an often inebriated handyman.

This is a nice film about small town values. It will hit close to home for some of us who have lived in hickville. It moves a slow pace, and is rather predictable, but has it’s good moments. The best acting in the film comes from Bellamy Young. I’ve seen her in a few things, and she hasn’t disappointed me. The film is innocent enough for a Sunday watch. One of the things that really stuck out to me was that the children and youth in this film were respectful to their parents, and that’s something you don’t see much in movies any more. ->Kimball * * *

Netflix link to A Country Remedy

City of Ember

Bill Murray, Tim Robbins and Martin Landau star in this adventure set in Ember, a city illuminated only by artificial light. When the city's generator begins to fail, two teens race to solve an ancient mystery and save Ember's citizens from darkness. Based on author Jeanne Duprau's enchanting children's tale, City of Ember stars Harry Treadaway and Saoirse Ronan as the two heroic teens. Toby Jones and Mary Kay Place co-star.

Strange, but fun for the younger kids. Too many unbelievable and unrealistic action scenes made it a bit silly. However, it was an interesting story. A city built underground to last 200 years while the surface of earth recuperates from bad management. No bad language, not sexual innuendos, in all it was pretty clean. Bill Murray didn’t have a very large roll but he still outclassed everyone else. Worth watching, but not as the main feature. –>Kimball * * *

Netflix link to City of Ember

I Am David

Based on Anne Holm's novel North to Freedom, I Am David chronicles the struggles of a 12-year-old boy (Ben Tibber) who manages to flee a Communist concentration camp through sheer will and determination. All he has in his possession is a loaf of bread, a letter to deliver to someone in Denmark and a compass to help get him there. Co-stars James Caviezel and Joan Plowright.

This is a great story. It doesn’t move very fast, and might be a good Sunday afternoon film. The story is about young David’s escape and his journey to somewhere he only knows as north to find his mother, who’s memory is fading. With the help of some, and trouble from others, he makes his way against incredible odds. Love can be a powerful motivator. Good family flick. –>Kimball * * * *

link to I Am David

Goodnight Mr. Tom

A bitter old man is transformed when he takes in a war refugee in this moving Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of Michelle Magorian's World War II novel. When young Willie (Nick Robinson) is evacuated from London and sent to live in a small village, grumpy Tom (John Thaw) begrudgingly agrees to harbor the boy. Gradually, Tom manages to coax the distrustful lad from his shell, and when it's time for Willie to return to London, the two realize the depth of their bond.

This is a good family film. Except for a few moments when Willie is abused, physically by his mother, this film has little to be offended by. The story is heartwarming with scenes of humor, and sadness mixed with hope and courage. Grumpy old Tom is transformed as Willie fills a void in his heart, and Willie find his own salvation by the hands of the one who won’t love him instead of the one who should have. The love that builds is a testimony that even the hardest of hearts can be changed. –>Kimball****

link to Goodnight Mr. Tom