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.

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.

Fanboys

Rating: PG-13

Movie Release Date: February 6, 2009

DVD Release Date: May 19, 2009

Plot 411: A group of Star Wars uberfans try to break into George Lucas' ranch to watch Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace before it's released.

Review: Four long-time friends, Eric (Sam Huntington), Linus (Chris Marquette), Hutch (Dan Fogler) and Windows (Jay Baruchel), embark on a cross-country journey from Ohio to California. Their mission? Break into George Lucus' Skywalker ranch and catch a glimpse of Episode 1 before it hits theaters. Along the way, the boys are tested (like any real Jedi knight would be) and must trust in each other to make it through. This is the ultimate movie for Star Wars fans because it not only pokes fun at them but also embraces all their quirkiness. It's a good-spirited movie that honors all the world's fanboys and fangirls. There are so many references to Star Wars and Star Trek that you kinda need to be aware of the history of the two movies to really get it. I can honestly say that I'm a fan of neither and still laughed my head off at some of the jokes. Also in this film or playing cameos are Kristen Bell, Seth Rogan, Billy Dee Williams, William Shatner, Carrie Fisher and Kevin Smith.

Watch It: And don't be afraid to geek it up. Best viewed with other fanboys to enhance the total experience.

Skip It: If you're a Trekkie (or Trekker). The jokes are harsh.

Zack And Miri Make A Porno

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: October 31, 2008

DVD Release Date: February 3, 2009

Plot 411: Two long-time friends are in a bind financially and turn to making a porno to pay the bills.

Review: I'm not sure if I've said this before or not, but I really don't get what the hype is surrounding Seth Rogen. It's like he's to the '00s what Jim Carey was to the '90s, only Rogen is way, way worse. However, I've gotta admit that he was pretty funny in this film. It was also amazing how Elizabeth Banks pulled off playing this fun, likable girl when I just saw her in The Uninvited playing an intruding stepmom-type character. I guess that's why she gets paid the big bucks, huh? This film had so many awesome lines in it that I'm sure people walked out of the theater quoting it. Justin Long's cameo was deliciously funny as well. (You also need to check him out in the Bonus Features.) In this type of movie, I suppose the plot isn't really as important as the gags, but basically when water and power get shut off at Zack and Miri's place, they need to take drastic measures in order to continue to live in their house. They round up a cast and crew and decide to shoot a porno and become famous. It's a simple premise that allows for a lot of funny porn scenes.

Watch It: If gross-out humor makes you wet your pants.

Skip It: If sex jokes and nudity offend you.

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Pineapple Express

Rating: R

Movie Release Date: August 6, 2008

DVD Release Date: January 6, 2009

Plot 411: A stoner witnesses a murder and must get away from the perps before he is killed too.

Review: This movie was actually pretty funny and the action wasn't half bad. Seth Rogen plays Dale Denton, a process server who witnesses a murder. When he figures out that the killers might trace him back through his dealer/friend (played by James Franco), the two must get their ass in gear to avoid them. In a bumbling, stoner way the two somehow find themselves in the midst of a drug war. Franco is extremely funny in his role as Saul. I don't think we've really seen him bust out his comedic chops like this, but it turns out he's really good. The fact that the casting for Dale and Saul are reversed and seem counterintuitive makes the duo work even better together. There's also cameos by Bobby Lee and Ken Jeong (both hilarious in Kims of Comedy).

Watch It: For a new and improved version of what Cheech and Chong made famous.

Skip It: If you can't see yourself getting into the drug humor. It, at times, can be really stupid.

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Monsters vs. Aliens

Rating: PG

Movie Release Date: March 27, 2009

DVD Release Date: TBA

Plot 411: When an alien species invades Earth, the government must unveil the monsters its been hiding and studying for the past 50 years in hopes that they can stop the attack.

Review: I loved this flick. It sort of had that alien invasion feel to it like movies from the '50s, but it was animated using the most modern technology. What a contradiction. There were many jokes for the adults to enjoy, and in a way I think the entire film was aimed more at parents than at their kids. The subject matter was a bit intense for young children and some of the scenes were dark and a bit scary. There was also a love story and a lesson on self-acceptance. Just because the film is animated, it doesn't mean that the appropriate viewing age is 5. In this case, I'd say kids 10 and older would enjoy it the most. This is probably the first film in which I enjoyed the performance of Seth Rogen. Amazing. We also got good performances from Reese Witherspoon, Stephen Colbert and Rainn Wilson.

Watch It: If you're conned into taking the kids out to the movies. At least you'll like this one.

Skip It: If you have a choice between this and Adventureland (looks hilarious) or Fast and Furious (if you're a car freak) or Duplicity (probably another good one by Julia Roberts).

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