Tag Archives: family movie

A Love Story of Sorts

I love that Mick and I can enjoy a romantic movie together. The other week we recorded one of the midday movies to watch at a later time. I’d read the write up in the TV guide, saw Cheryl Ladd was in the movie – Mick and I remembered her from way back with the original Charlie’s Angels. I thought for the write up it sounded like it might be okay. Our theory is if it doesn’t capture our interest then we just stop watching and wipe it off. After choir I’m usually hyped up and find it hard to … Continue reading →

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 →

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Chipmunk Adventure (1987)

I used to watch Alvin and the Chipmunks when I was a little girl. With the release of the new film “Alvin and the Chipmunks,” a whole new generation is being introduced to the furry little singing rodents. My kids were thrilled when I brought home “The Chipmunk Adventure.” Although animated and not live action, like the new film, they enjoyed learning more about Alvin, Simon, and Theodore. Dave is getting ready for a long trip to Europe for business. Alvin really wants to come along, but Dave tells him no. He’s hired Miss Miller, an eccentric elderly lady, to … Continue reading →

Bee Movie (2007)

“Bee Movie” is a recent cartoon released by Dreamworks and written by Jerry Seinfeld. I watched it with my children last night and we enjoyed it. Barry is a young bee who has just graduated from college. The lifespan of a bee being somewhat short, his entire college career lasted three days, but his graduation is still a big deal. He can now choose which job he wants out of all those offered in the hive. He can stir honey. He can sweep the floors. He can clean the bathrooms. Whatever job he takes, he will do it the rest … Continue reading →

Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium (2007)

At last, a family movie that we truly can all enjoy, from my husband down to my toddler. “Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium” had something in it for each of us. Mr. Magorium (Dustin Hoffman) is a very old man, and I don’t just mean elderly. He’s over two hundred years old, and he’s had a great many adventures. His childlike appreciation of life has made all who know him appreciate it too, and now, in his later years, he shares that love with the customers in his toy store. His store manager, Molly Mahoney, is also is very good friend. … Continue reading →

The Reef (2006)

Take a small orange fish who has been separated from his parents by persons in a boat who are carrying a net, and then add to the mix a long journey of discovery, and what do you get? “Finding Nemo,” right? Well, you would be right, but you’d also be right if you said “The Reef.” The two plots are pretty similar, except that in “The Reef,” it’s the parents who are taken in the net and the kid who’s left behind. Pi (voiced by Freddie Prinze Jr.) sees his parents scooped up in a giant net that captures hundreds … Continue reading →

Beethoven’s 3rd (2000)

Even after two movies, America’s love affair with the giant, slobbery St. Bernard had not come to an end, so film makers decided to make a third installment in the Beethoven series. This time, though, he is torturing a whole new family. Richard Newton (Judge Reinhold) is George Newton’s brother. George and Alice are in Europe with their family, and can’t make it back in time to pick Beethoven up from his kennel before the big family reunion. Since Richard is going to the reunion, could he pick up Beethoven and deliver him to George and Alice at the reunion? … Continue reading →

The Derby Stallion (2005)

Tonja Walker, who I first saw as Alex Olanov on “One Life to Live,” produced this PG-rated family-oriented film and also starred as the mother. Patrick McCardle (Zac Ephron) has been playing baseball at his father’s behest, but hates it. He’s taken to skipping practice to go hang out with Houston Jones (Bill Cobbs) a former jockey and horse trainer, to talk about the animals and the sport of steeple chasing. When Patrick’s father (William R. Moses) asks him why he doesn’t come to practice, they have a bitter argument in which the father expresses his deep disappointment in the … Continue reading →