Courage Mountain (1990)

I love the book “Heidi.” I’ve probably read it eight times and would read it again right now, if I was sure where my copy was. When I saw the movie “Courage Mountain” at the video rental store, I was curious, but also apprehensive. As a “Heidi” fan, I wondered – would this movie, based on a sequel that doesn’t exist, do justice to the original, or would I be disappointed? Juliette Caton stars as Heidi, now fifteen. Clara’s grandmother passed away and left Heidi some money. Grandfather thinks Heidi should use the money to pay for her education, but … Continue reading →

Madeline

Madeline, played by Hatty Jones, is a precious little read headed girl that is sure to win over your heart. In her movie, “Madeline”, she stars as a mischievous orphan in an all girls’ prep/boarding school. Madeline is the smallest of the girls. While her size is little her ideas are big. She keeps her teacher, Miss Clavel, on her toes. As the twelve girls go out they wear matching outfits, coats, and hats. They walk in twos in two straight lines. On one of these outings, Madeline climbs up on the bridge and falls into the river. Miss Clavel … Continue reading →

Go Diego Go! Great Gorilla (2008)

“Great Gorilla” was released to DVD not long ago, and the minute my son saw the ad, he wanted it. Ah, the magic of television advertising . . . we picked it up at Blockbuster the other day and watched it as a family. While only my youngest two are in to Diego and the rest of us consider it a unique form of torture, I had to admit there were some better than expected moments. The DVD contains four episodes. The first is the one for which the DVD is named. Diego travels to Africa to attend the crowning … Continue reading →

Baby Geniuses (1999)

I liked this movie, I liked this movie not. There are points on both sides of the equation. Dr. Kinder (Kathleen Turner) has established a huge scientific laboratory for the purpose of studying babies. She believes that babies communicate in their own special ways and that if she could tap into that language, she would be world-famous. She masks all her plans with talk of philanthropy and fundraisers, hiding her real intent – to make lots and lots of money. Her niece, Robin (Kim Cattrall) has always thought things were a little fishy with her aunt, but she’s never quite … Continue reading →

Baby Boom

“Baby Boom” is a 1987 film featuring Diane Keaton. Keaton plays a rigorous powerhouse executive. She lives for her work and has no other ties. She eats, sleeps, and dreams of the office. Her character, JC Wiatt, has no time for anyone or anything except herself and work. Just as she is about to become a partner, she receives a shocking inheritance. She inherits baby Elizabeth. She has rarely ever spoken to a baby much less knows how to care for one. She has no interest in raising this child and decides to call an adoption agency for help. In … Continue reading →

Definitely, Maybe (2008)

Definitely, Maybe, for sure! What a charming, terrifically enchanting film from the makers of Notting Hill and Love Actually. Rarely is it the maker of the film that draws me in first, but Notting Hill and later, Love Actually were such outstanding movies that I picked this up without knowing the first thing about the plot, the actors or anything else about the movie and am I glad that I did! The Story There is so much to say about this movie that I really don’t know where to start, so let me just hit some highlights. Ryan Reynolds plays … Continue reading →

The Magic School Bus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs! (1994)

If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining way to teach your children about bugs, “The Magic School Bus: Bugs, Bugs, Bugs!” is a great way to go about it. Our intrepid and joyful teacher, Miss Frizzle, takes her class on three amazing field trips. First, we go “In a Beehive” and see the children become bees. They learn all kinds of amazing things about bees, including how to care for bee larvae and help them grow up to become adult bees, how nectar is turned into honey, how many trips from flower to hive it takes to make a … Continue reading →

Hancock (2008)

Let me begin this review with the fact that this is not the movie that is advertised in the previews. The first 30 minutes, yes, the rest of the movie? Not so much. Secondly, despite the fact that it’s PG-13 and it’s about a ‘reluctant superhero’ – this is not a movie for little kids at all. In fact, I think 13 really does stretch the youngest age for the film. That said; let’s take a moment to talk about Hancock. The Man We meet Hancock and get to know him in the first 30 minutes of the film. He … Continue reading →

Overboard

One of my all time favorite older movies is Overboard. This movie can be seen on television stations USA, TNT, and TBS on occasion. I have watched it several times and enjoy it each and every time. This 1987 movie stars Goldie Hown and Kurt Russell. Goldie plays a rich and snobby millionaire and Kurt is a father and a carpenter who is struggling to get by. Goldie hires Kurt to come to her yacht and remodel her closet. She is very insulting to him and disapproves of the material he used. She refuses to pay him and he falls … Continue reading →

Babe: Pig in the City (1998)

“Babe: Pig in the City” picks up immediately after the original movie, “Babe,” leaves off. Babe has just won the sheepdog competition and returns home to much cheering and acclaim. All in all, he and the boss (James Cromwell) are pleased to return to the quiet of the farm, where the boss picks up on things left undone, including the fixing of the water pump attached to the well. But when Babe gets curious and wants to see just what the boss is doing down in the well, he causes an accident that leaves the boss injured, and the boss’s … Continue reading →