Reviews by MonkeyMoo2

MonkeyMoo2 says "Looking for a miracle, and the miracle finds you!" about Because of Winn-Dixie

MonkeyMoo2 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:30:48 GMT

Because of Winn-Dixie is a heartwarming and entertaining family film about what happens when a little girl asks God for friends. Opal and her dog, Winn Dixie, go around the small Florida town in which they live, brightening the lives of everyone they meet, from a blind old lady, who is rumored to be a witch (but in reality is just lonely), to an old librarian, to a pet store owner who was in jail for 2 years, but is reformed.

The movie deals with many themes that parents and children can talk about after leaving the theater. Some we discussed were:

people have problems that we don't know about so don't be quick to judge them until you know what they are dealing with
there is a richness in having a variety of friends from all walks of life
the fears we have (what kid can't relate to being scared in a loud thunderstorm, just like Winn Dixie?)

Finally, the point that loomed large was the idea of "loss." Opal seeks from her father answers about her mother. Reluctantly, the dad shares with Opal...

...

MonkeyMoo2 says "The Crate Escape" about Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

MonkeyMoo2 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:20:09 GMT

In Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa the animation is great and the voices are perfect for the characters. There are some positive messages in the movie such as sticking together through tough times, friendship being valuable, and even looking for a mate based on something other than looks.

However, there are some rather disturbing points based on the movie's target audience of children:

King Julien does one scene in which he is a cross-dresser and says something like 'See I am a woman, who finds me attractive?'
Melman becomes a witch doctor. He doesn't do voodoo and is really just a regular doctor but if you have children that may be something you would have to explain to them
Melman declares his love for Gloria and one of the penguins (I think it is Skipper) falls for a hula dancer doll (like the ones on a car dashboard). I just thought this was a little disturbing.

Of course, this is a children's movie and being such, we should all love one another. But I do believe there are multiple scenes...

...

MonkeyMoo2 says "Firehouse Dog should be hosed down!" about Firehouse Dog

MonkeyMoo2 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:03:52 GMT

The story line of Firehouse Dog is both weak and predictable. The boy is moody, rude to his father, and disobeys him all through the movie. Although the father has a couple of mildly heroic moments, the feeling is that he does not perform at his best as a parent or a fire captain. The movie is full of "potty humor," which even includes a scene where the dog has a BM into a pot of stew on the dinner table. A scene where the dog is being welcomed home includes a pastel-lit doggie bed with suggestive music and 3 female poodles awaiting him. The word "sucks" was used so many times I lost count. I guess the overall movie theme is "crime doesn't pay"-however it could also be "Disobey your parents at every turn and wind up the hero." There are much better ways to spend your time and money than on this film. My advice is skip it....

MonkeyMoo2 says "Bedtime Stories - Don't stop believing!" about Bedtime Stories

MonkeyMoo2 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:57:28 GMT

As the title refers, "Bedtime Stories" is just that -- A set of bedtime stories made up by a handyman employed at a hotel, who over the course of a week has to babysit his sister's two children while she looks for work out of town. During that week some pretty unexplainable things happen as each bedtime story goes from a nightly fairy tale to real life events...

If you're looking for a great family film with NOTHING offensive-no cursing, no sex, no racy themes, nor celebration of sin-then "Bedtime Stories" is for you! We went on New Year's Day. The theater was alive with laughter, and our entire family enjoyed it! Very creative story! The guinea pig "Bugsy" steals the show. As a Christian home schooling parent, I'm very careful about recommending films to others. This one gets an "A." Great for all ages!

...

MonkeyMoo2 says "College Road Trip - They just can't get there fast enough!" about College Road Trip

MonkeyMoo2 — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:46:34 GMT

The lead character in College Road Trip seeks to please her father but is also growing up and has some of her own opinions and ideas. Basically, it is a comedy so you'll laugh a lot. Never the less, there are some serious and touching scenes. She refers to herself as a "good girl" and this film, unlike many films, does not treat being good as a bad thing. She is a high school senior who laughs, dances and acts silly with her girlfriends for fun. Basically, she is wholesome and well educated.

The fathers in the film seem to really adore their daughters and want to protect them, which is fun to see even when Martin Lawrence's method of protecting his daughter gets a bit farfetched. Donny Osmond is hysterically funny as one of the fathers. Compared to high school seniors in most films, the lead character and her friends are very wholesome. Although the script does not refer to religion, it does not mock wholesomeness and innocence.

My family loved it! We actually saw it twice!

...