Dr. Seuss' Horton Hears A Who!

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: March 3, 2008

DVD Release Date: December 9, 2008

Plot 411: An elephant discovers an entire world on a speck of dust and must protect it from the other jungle animals.

Review: Horton (Jim Carrey) is a lovable elephant who hears a small sound emitting from a speck of dust floating in the air. He decides to house the speck on a clover because he thinks there may be creatures living on the speck. Indeed, there is the entire community of Who-ville, including its mayor Ned (Steve Carell), his wife (Amy Poehler), daughters (Selena Gomez) and son JoJo (Jesse McCartney). The animals in Horton's jungle do not believe that there might be life on the speck, and led by Kangaroo (Carol Burnett), they turn into a mob looking to destroy the speck. Can Horton save Who-ville from destruction? I really enjoyed this movie for all its wonderful dialogue and heartfelt message. The lilting gait of the narrator as he reads Dr. Seuss' classic story drives home the power of Seuss' words and emphasizes the impact he has on today's children. I didn't realize I knew so many lines from the book until I was miraculously able to recite them with the film. Today's technology merely enhances a story that is over 50 years old. Also providing voice talent are Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Isla Fisher and Jonah Hill.

Watch It: For inspiration to make a difference in other people's lives and to firmly stand your ground when you are faced with opposition.

Skip It: And read the book first. This is definitely a must.

Evan Almighty

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June June 22, 2007

DVD Release Date: October 9, 2007

Plot 411: The sequel to Bruce Almighty, God reveals himself to a newly elected congressman.

Review: Steve Carell reprises his role as Evan Baxter, the anchorman from Bruce Almighty, but this time the movie is set in Virginia where Evan is a new congressman. God chooses Evan as his unknowing disciple and weird things begin to happen to Evan. Animals follow him around. He receives ancient tools in the mail. His facial hair grows rapidly and uncontrollably. Finally God instructs him to build an ark and prepare for an impending flood. To the world, including his co-workers and family, Evan seems insane. Will he listen to God's word? This movie unravels in a similar vein as its predecessor, but it is definitely more heavy handed and less effective. The jokes aren't as funny. The humor isn't as great. Despite being a good physical comedian, somehow Carell doesn't fill the shoes left vacant by Jim Carrey. Also in this film are Morgan Freeman, Lauren Graham, John Goodman, Wanda Sykes and Jonah Hill.

Watch It: During a family movie night with the kids. They'll probably enjoy it.

Skip It: Completely. Pop in The 40-Year-Old Virgin instead.

How To Train Your Dragon

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: Marhc 26, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A young Viking doesn't fit in with the rest of his people and befriends their long-time enemy.

Review: Jay Baruchel voices Hiccup, the son of a Viking leader named Stoick (Gerard Butler). Everything about Hiccup screams the antithesis of a Viking. He is scrawny and weaker than his peers, which adds to the ridicule he receives from just about everyone in town. He just isn't able to fit into his society depsite all his best efforts. However, this attribute turns out to be his saving grace. I won't say any more because it would ruin the already quite predictable plot for you. Needless to say, this film isn't touting any new moral lessons for us, or our kids, to learn. Still, the action was really enjoyable and there were some definite funny moments. Craig Ferguson is good as Gobber, an old warrior who must teach the next generation to fight dragons. The best part for me was the animation. How do they manage to make clouds, water and fire look so real? It even looks like you can reach out and touch Hiccup's hair as the ocean breeze blows it around. These tiny details make you realize that DreamWorks is definitely the studio leading the pack. Also providing voice support in this film are America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Kristen Wiig.

Watch It: Because it's definitely better than the trailers make it out to be.

Skip It: If you usually turn on the subtitles so you can understand all UKish dialects. You might want to wait for the DVD for this one.

Night At The Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: May 22, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: When the exhibits are moved to the Smithsonian, Larry the night guard finds himeslf in the largest battle never to be known.

Review: Ben Stiller reprises his role as Larry Daley, the former night guard at the museum. In recent years, he's made a successful career as an inventor and entrepreneur. However, when he discovers that his museum friends are being shipped to the Smithsonian to be stored in the underground archive and are being replaced by the latest technology, Larry vows to save them. An adventure of epic proportions ensues as Larry is once again confronted with historical figures in his effort to save Jed (Owen Wilson), Octavious (Steve Coogan) and friends. This movie is one laugh after another and is probably worth watching twice just so you catch all the one-liners. New characters are introduced, such as Amelia Earhart (Amy Adams), Kahmunrah (Hank Azaria) and General Custer (Bill Hader). Azaria is probably the funniest of them all. Quick cameos are made by Jonah Hill, the Jonas brothers and Ricky Gervais.

Watch It: If you really enjoyed the first Night At The Museum.

Skip It: As it's mostly the same gags as before.

Forgetting Sarah Marshall

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: April 18, 2008

DVD Release Date: September 30, 2008

Plot 411: After a horrible break up, Peter takes a trip to Hawaii only to run into his ex and her new beau.

Review: I thought I'd try another Judd Apatow movie because I just don't understand the hype about this guy. I still don't get it. I've watched a number of movies in which he is the writer or producer and find them only mildly humorous in a sophomoric way. This one had the added benefit of being filmed in Hawaii, but other than that it didn't really impress me. Peter (Jason Segel) makes his living by scoring his girlfriend Sarah's (Kristen Bell) hit tv show. But when she dumps him for another man, he spirals down into depression. His step brother, played by Bill Hader, suggests that he go on vacation to clear his mind (only after he's waded through a sea of one night stands to no affect). Unfortunately, Sarah and her boyfriend are also vacationing and it seems that Peter cannot escape her. The one interesting thing about this film in comparison with the others is that Peter and Sarah realize that they were both at fault for the destruction of their relationship. This, I think, is a new development in many of Apatow's movies. Most films have a good guy and bad guy and leave it at that. This one clearly depicts a grey area in the relationship, which is much more realistic. As in other Apatow films, support comes by way of Paul Rudd and Jonah Hill. Other stars include Mila Kunis and Russell Brand. Kalani Robb also makes an appearance.

Watch It: For comedy on par with Superbad and Knocked Up.

Skip It: If you've had enough of Apatow's creations.