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.

Bruce Almighty

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: May 23, 2003

DVD Release Date: August 24, 2004

Plot 411: What would you do if God handed over the keys to the world?

Review: Despite Bruce's (Jim Carrey) ambition to be an anchorman on the news, he continues to receive assignments that are barely more than fluff pieces. After one really bad day at work, he calls God (portrayed by Morgan Freeman) out and accuses Him of not doing a good job. God hands over his power to Bruce to teach him a lesson. Bruce instantly abuses the power by granting all of his own wishes rather than helping others. Despite all his strength, he begins to lose touch with his life, including his girlfriend Grace (Jennifer Aniston). In classic Carrey form, this movie uses a lot of physical humor and relies on the star for audience buy in. Bruce (and Carrey himself) is a likeable guy who many people can relate to and is inherently good despite his shortcomings (just as most of us are). He falls victim to all that it means to be human, and we're presented with the outcome. This movie is laugh-out-loud funny, surprisingly so at times. Even the supporting actors, which include Steve Carell, Catherine Bell and Philip Baker Hall, provide a good comedic base for the film.

Watch It: For a good moral message presented with humor.

Skip It: Because, although it's entertaining, I wouldn't consider it one of Carrey's best works.

Despicable Me 3D

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: July 9, 2010

DVD Release Date: TBD

Plot 411: An evil doer must shrink and capture the moon to prove to the world that he belongs in the bad boys club.

Review: Gru (Steve Carell) is an aging evil mastermind who has yet to prove himself as a valuable member of the evil-doers club. In an attempt to establish himself as an incrediblely bad guy, he plots to steal the moon from the world. This heist will put him in the record books. However, first he must steal a shrinking ray from up-and-comer Vector (Jason Segel). Using three orphans, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and Agnes (Elsie Fisher), Gru hopes to finally fulfill his dreams of being a rock star evil mastermind. This was a cute movie for the young or young at heart. It took full advantage of several things: 1) the overwhelming cuteness of little girls; 2) the overwhelming funniness of secondary characters; and 3) juvenile humor and jokes. I really enjoyed this movie, but somehow it doesn't live up to other animated family comedies that have come before it. There didn't seem to be as much heart as in other movies. Still, I had a great time and would recommend this to family-oriented viewers. Also providing voice talent are Russell Brand, Julie Andrews, Will Arnett, Kristen Wiig and Danny McBride.

Watch It: Simply for the minions. Completely hilarious and cute.

Skip It: Because it doesn't develop the plot or characters the way Pixar does.

Get Smart

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: June 20, 2008

DVD Release Date: November 4, 2008

Plot 411: Maxwell Smart, Agent 86, is an intelligence analyst who is suddenly promoted to a field agent and partnered with the experienced Agent 99.

Review: I enjoyed this film for what it was worth, but it didn't blow me away. There were some good lines and a couple of laughs, but this is in no way one of the best comedies of the year. Steve Carell plays the bumbling Agent 86, who doesn't seem to be much different than the Andy Stitzer of The 40-Year-Old Virgin fame. He's still the same awkward, stumbling person but this time he's a government agent. Anne Hathaway plays Agent 99 and is pretty good in this action/comedy role. I wouldn't say this is her forte, but it's a nice change of pace for her. I think it's good for her to diversify her films. This film reminded me of the Naked Gun films, so if you like those, you'll definitely enjoy this one.

Watch It: If every Carrell film is a must-see for you.

Skip It: If you're really looking for a good spy comedy. The Austin Powers films are definitely my recommendation.

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