Kung Fu Panda

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: June 5, 2008 (Russia, South Korea, Ukraine) / June 6, 2008 (USA)

DVD Release Date: November 8, 2008

Plot 411: When the Valley of Peace is threatened, a master must select a kung fu master who can protect the special scroll from falling into evil hands.

Review: I had a great time watching this animated action comedy starring Jack Black as Po, a fat, uncoordinated panda who dreams of becoming a kung fu master. Po, the son of a noodle shop owner (James Hong), and doesn't have training in martial arts. But when a prophecy predicts that Tai Lung (Ian McShane) will come to their village in search of the Dragon Scroll, Master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman) must find someone worthy enough to protect it. Among the talented martial artists are Po's heros, the Furious Five - Tigress (Angelina Jolie), Monkey (Jackie Chan), Mantis (Seth Rogen), Viper (Lucy Liu) and Crane (David Cross). The reason I enjoyed this movie is because it engaged the entire audience. Mimicking live action kung fu movies out of China or Hong Kong, this plot is driven by Po's transformation from a nobody to a somebody. His journey is filled with ups and downs, and it isn't till he finds it within himself to be the best that others begin to respect him. Both adults and children can understand the desire to be more than one appears. Rarely do we have the chance to prove ourselves like Po does, and the audience is able to accompany him on his hero's journey.

Watch It: For a fun, action-packed movie for the entire family.

Skip It: And you miss a movie that simply, yet effectively, promotes good moral themes for kids.

Last Chance Harvey

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: December 25, 2008

DVD Release Date: May 5, 2009

Plot 411: A short vacation to London turns into a life changing event.

Review: While I don't really fall into the ideal demographic for this film, I still found that it had a nice little message to take away. Harvey (Dustin Hoffman) is consumed with work and has let his relationship with his daughter slip away through the years. Now that she is getting married in London, he realizes just how distant they have become. A chance meeting with a British woman (Emma Thompson) opens Harvey's eyes and together they learn that it's never too late to begin afresh. Overall, the movie was a bit slow for me. I realize this is a character-based movie and character growth must occur, but everything was just so dull. I found the development of the relationship between Harvey and Kate (Thompson) a bit tedious. But maybe that's because most modern romances are whirlwinds. People no longer take the time to talk to each other . . . or walk. There was a lot of walking going on in this movie. Also in this movie are Eileen Atkins, Kathy Baker and James Brolin.

Watch It: If you're a bit more mature and perhaps feeling a little battered by life. This'll inspire you to take chances.

Skip It: If you don't have the patience for character building because it barely inches along in this movie.

Hook

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: December 11, 1991

DVD Release Date: March 21, 2000

Plot 411: Peter Pan returns to Neverland as an adult who doesn't remember his past as leader of the Lost Boys.

Review: I remember loving this movie as a kid because of all the magic and wonder. It was also fun and action packed, telling a well-known tale with a twist. However, after watching this trailer, the movie feels outdated. The CGI has definitely be surpassed by today's technology. Robin Williams plays Peter Banning, the former Peter Pan who left Never Never Land to live in the real world. Since then, he has become a workaholic who rarely spends time with his family. He has lost all memories of his former self and the joy and freedom he used to possess. When Peter's son and daughter are kidnapped by Hook (Dustin Hoffman), Tinkerbell (Julia Roberts) takes him back to Neverland to save them. The movie is a follow up to the original film and addresses issues such as love, work/life balance, adventure and freedom. I think it has a nice overall message and advises people to stop and smell the roses once in a while. This movie also stars Maggie Smith as Wendy and Dante Basco as Rufio.

Watch It: To pause and think about what is truly valuable in your life.

Skip It: In favor of the 1953 animated version.

The Tale of Despereaux

Rating: G

Movie Release Date: December 19, 2008

DVD Release Date: April 7, 2009

Plot 411: This is the tale of a courageous mouse who isn't afraid to be different.

Review: This wasn't exactly what I expected but it was watchable (probably only the one time). What animated film isn't, right? Like most fairy tales, there's a narrator who does the whole, "Once upon a time" thing. I actually found her (Sigouney Weaver) to be quite boring and unnecessary. But for all I know, they're just copying an effect from the original book. I thought the main idea of a heroic mouse had so much potential but was left waiting for more. To me, the movie seemed pretty flat throughout. There was never really a moment where I felt like I was rooting for Despereaux. In fact, the movie didn't even really seem to be about Despereaux as much as I'd have liked it to be. I really enjoyed the animation techniques though. It really had that storybook feel to it with its warm tones and lighting. It's as if I was watching the pages of a book come to life. Definitely a great effect. The scenes had the ability to pull you into their world. Big time names helped out with the vocal talent - Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, Tracey Ullman, Kevin Kline, William H. Macy and Stanley Tucci.

Watch It: With the kids because they'll get a kick out of Despereaux's huge ears.

Skip It: If you don't have to watch it. It's not one of those cool kid films made for adults.

Trailer: