Coraline

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: February 9, 2009

DVD Release Date: July 21, 2009

Plot 411: A bored little girl discovers a hidden doorway that leads her to an extraordinary life.

Review: Coraline (Dakota Fanning) moves into a new home with her parents (voiced by Teri Hatcher and John Hodgman), but they don't even have time to unpack because they need to finish writing a catalog. Bored out of her mind, Coraline explores her new home and finds a hidden doorway. One night she goes through the door and enters a new and exciting world. Everything appears to be the same but is completely better in every way. The only distractingly different thing is that her new parents have button eyes and want her to stay forever. For a children's film, this movie was extremely scary and unnerving so I don't think it's fit for younger kids. The animation is sort of Tim Burton-esque and just creepy all around. Even the opening credits are disturbing and could have actually been the opening of a horror movie. It instantly reminded me of Tales From The Crypt for some reason. This movie is definitely on the cutting edge of not only animation but imagination. It easily creates a new world into which you are pulled. The contrast in color and texture between the real world and the other world are instantly recognizable, and the moral lesson is a good one. Also providing voice talent are Keith David, Jennifer Saunders and Ian McShane.

Watch It: Because it's one of the first movies in a long time that actually gave me chills. It's just messed up that it's a kid's movie.

Skip It: If you like your cartoons all Winnie the Poohish.

The Princess And The Frog

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: November 25, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: A girl in New Orleans dreams of owning her own restaurant and kisses a frog on the off chance that dreams really do come true.

Review: I've gotta say that I really enjoyed this movie. There were parts in it that were simply magical, and it was done in a style that we haven't seen in a long time. The hand-drawn quality of the animation was wonderful and a definite homage to the Disney of old. Tiana (Anika Noni Rose) is a girl with big dreams who works hard to achieve them. But when her offer on a vacant mill falls through, her dream of owning her own restaurant seem to slip through her fingers. When Tiana talks to a frog on her balcony's ledge, it surprises her by talking back. The frog, aka Prince Naveen (Bruno Campos), has had an encounter with the Shadowman (Keith David) who has exchanged his human form for one with webbed feet. The kiss transforms Tiana into a frog too and together Tiana and Naveen must survive the bayou and find a way to become human again. The film really did a good job at enhancing the original tale. It takes place in the roaring '20s, which adds a bit of charm to the plot. The colors of the film are all rich and deep, which enhances the New Orleans feel. Also starring in this film are Jenifer Lewis (Mama Odie), Oprah Winfrey, Terrence Howard and John Goodman.

Watch It: Because it's Disney's first African American princess.

Skip It: If you like the 3D look of recent animated films that are done by computers. This film is thoroughly hand drawn.