Jane's Review: Horton Hears a Who

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: G
Released in Theaters: March 14, 2008
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family, Kids
Runtime: 88 minutes
Directed by: Jimmy Hayward, Steve Martino
Cast: Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett, Seth Rogen, Isla Fisher, Jonah Hill, Amy Poehler, Jaime Pressly, Josh Flitter, Jesse McCartney, Charles Osgood (narrator)

SYNOPSIS: One day, Horton the elephant hears a cry for help coming from a speck of dust. In reality, that speck is actually home to the city of Whoville, presided over by The Mayor. Horton agrees to protect the tiny Whos, but his jungle pals aren’t so willing to believe in something they can’t see. Horton holds fast to his commitment, insisting, “A person is a person, no matter how small.”

Sex/ Nudity: None.

Violence/Gore: Mild comic action, including monkeys who attack Horton with bananas, then throw him into a cage and try to destroy the speck. Vlad the bird also threatens Horton and manages to steal the speck away from him.

Profanity: None, although the kangaroo, monkeys and bird verbally abuse Horton. There’s also brief potty humor. Upon hearing that the mayor’s large family all share one bathroom, Horton wonders what a bathroom is.

Which Kids Will Like It? Ages 4 and older who like animated cartoons with talking animals and/or Dr. Seuss tales.

Will Parents Like It? Yes, there’s nothing objectionable here and the message is good: everyone is important, always keep your promises, and protect those who can’t protect themselves.

REVIEW: This CG-animated family movie tells the familiar story by Dr. Seuss, a.k.a. Theodor Seuss Geisel. Horton (voiced by Jim Carrey) is an amiable elephant minding his own business in the jungle of Nool, until one day, he hears a tiny cry for help coming from a speck of dust.

Horton soon realizes there’s someone on that speck – and not just someone, but the entire city of Whoville, led by the Mayor (Steve Carell). If Horton doesn’t protect them, their entire world could be annihilated.

Horton’s jungle pals don’t share his enthusiasm for this weighty matter. In fact, they think he’s crazy for believing in something they can’t even see, especially Kangaroo (Carol Burnett), the self-appointed moral compass of the jungle who takes every opportunity to tell Horton what a dimwit he is. She even hires some thugs – Vlad the Bird (Will Arnett) and the Wickersham monkeys -- to work him over and steal the speck.

But Horton stands strong and vows to save that speck, because “a person’s a person, no matter how small.” He tries to put things into perspective for his skeptical friends: “If you were way out in space, and you looked down at where we live, we would look like a speck.” They don’t buy it.

Horton decides the best place for the speck is high atop a mountain, so he goes about the task of delivering the speck there. He can do nothing less, given his life philosophy: “An elephant's faithful 100 percent.”

Meanwhile, back in Whoville, the Mayor is having his own problems. He’s trying to convince his constituents they’re in danger, but the Whos will have none of it, preferring to believe everything is fine in their perfect world. The Mayor’s wife (Amy Poehler) stands by him, but she’s got enough on her hands trying to keep their 96 kids in line, including son Jo Jo (Jesse McCartney), a loner-teen with a good heart.

While my kids and I thought the movie dragged a bit in the middle, we all agreed it’s a colorful tale appropriate for all ages. The story strays here and there from the book, but I love that some of the book’s rhyming lines are incorporated into the movie.

Other voice talent includes Seth Rogen as Horton’s pal Morton the Mouse and Isla Fisher as brainy scientist Mary Lou LaRue, as well as Jonah Hill, Jaime Pressly, and Josh Flitter. To be honest, though, I probably wouldn’t have picked out most of these voices had I not known they were in the movie. Carrey and Carell are definitely the highlight.

You can’t go wrong with Dr. Seuss, a gifted wordsmith, storyteller, and philosopher whose stories always deliver a message. In this case: 1) always honor your commitments; 2) help those who can’t help themselves; 3) everyone is equal, no matter how large or small; and 4) we’re all interconnected, as is demonstrated when Horton tries to cross a rickety bamboo bridge while the Mayor is at the dentist.

JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM:
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at www.ReelLifeWithJane.com or email jboursaw@charter.net.

Been There: Jodie Foster

"Strange, ugly things happen between single parents
and children. And also the most beautiful things."

—Jodie Foster, American actress
single mother, child of single mother

Time&Money: IRS "stimulus" payments

The IRS has begun notifying taxpayers that more than 130 million households will start receiving economic stimulus payments in May.

To receive a payment, taxpayers must have a valid Social Security number, $3,000 of income and file a 2007 federal tax return. IRS will take care of the rest. Eligible people will receive up to $600 ($1,200 for married couples), and parents will receive an additional $300 for each eligible child younger than 17. Millions who usually are exempt from filing a tax return must do so this year in order to receive a stimulus payment. Phaseout reduction begins at $75,000 for single filers.

More details are available at www.irs.gov.

What should single parents expect? Here are some examples from the IRS:

Head of household with children:
1) Single parent with two children, wages of $4,000, no federal income tax liability before child tax credit.
Individual rebate is $300
Qualifying child credit is $600
TOTAL is $900

2) Single parent with two children, no wages, veterans’ payments of $2,000, social security benefits of $2,000, no federal income tax liability before child tax credit.
Individual rebate is $300
Qualifying child credit is $600
TOTAL is $900

3) Single parent with two children, no wages, no social security benefits, veterans’ payments of $4,000, no federal income tax liability before child tax credit.
Individual rebate is $300
Qualifying child credit is $600
TOTAL is $900

4) Single parent with two children, no wages, no social security benefits, no veterans’ payments, AGI is $20,000, federal income tax liability before child tax credit is $195.
Individual rebate is $300
Qualifying child credit is $600
TOTAL is $900

5) Single parent with two children, AGI is $22,000, federal income tax liability before child tax credit is $395.
Individual rebate is $395
Qualifying child credit is $600
TOTAL is $995

6) Single parent with two children, AGI is $60,000, federal income tax liability before child tax credit exceeds $600.
Individual rebate is $600
Qualifying child credit is $600
TOTAL is $1,200

7) Single parent with two children, AGI is $90,000, federal income tax liability before child tax credit exceeds $600.
Individual rebate is $600
Qualifying child credit is $600
Phaseout reduction is ($750)
TOTAL is $450

News&Buzz: Odds after adultery

The blogosphere's abuzz over New York's governor being linked to a prostitute. What do the numbers say about the toll on his marriage?

Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil, author of Adultery: The Forgivable Sin, says her research reveals that only 35 percent of marriages can thrive after infidelity and that more than half of all marriages have had one person commit adultery, Huffington Post reports.

Advice: Use the 4 pillars to de-stress

Q. I feel like I'm treading water all the time with work, chores, payments, household stuff. Last visit to the doctor my blood pressure was borderline high and my MD said I need to "de-stress." But ... I don't know how. Is there one first-best thing I could do?

A. Absolutely. The one first-best thing you can do is put your health first. You won't be able to juggle it all if you are not feeling well. You must make the time to keep your Four Pillars of Biological Health in place: eat well, sleep well, exercise regularly and practice relaxation techniques on a regular basis. Next step will be to re-prioritize your schedule and plan accordingly. Look at what only you can do, and look at what you can delegate or ask for help.

—Psychiatrist and Life Coach Gabriela Cora, MD, MBA
Author of Leading under Pressure, Managing Work in Life, Quantum Wellbeing
Executive Health & Wealth Institute

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Have questions about your children, dating, coparenting, juggling life, dilemmas particular to single parenting? Shoot us your questions and we'll try to round up an expert for their advice. Click here.

The How of Happiness 6—Coping Skills

Positive psychology guru Sonja Lyubormirky’s new book The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want reveals the University of California professor’s research-based tactics for taking control of the 40 percent of happiness and joy within our control. Here, we'll share her advice in an ongoing series:

THE HOW OF HAPPINESS
Step 6: Develop Coping Skills

By Sonja Lyubomirsky

No life is without stress or adversity. Fortunately, most of the strategies that help you to be happier also help you to manage life's lowest ebbs. Those who manage to find benefit among the pain, when faced with even the most serious traumas such as the loss of a loved one, cope better.

—Remember that post-traumatic growth and happiness is not the same as being joyful and carefree. Most survivors acknowledge that they feel a great deal of distress at the same time as reporting strengthening and progress.

—Social support is crucial to coping. Friends, family and partners give you a place to share your feelings and see the event with a new perspective, so talk to them.

—More and more research shows that writing it all down can be hugely beneficial. Spend at least 15 minutes a day writing down your worries.


—Hug more.


The How of Happiness: A Scientific Approach to Getting the Life You Want
By Sonja Lyubomirsky
Penguin Press HC
Hardcover
Dec. 27, 2007
ISBN-10: 159420148X
ISBN-13: 978-1594201486
available from booksellers everywhere and Amazon.com

Time&Money: Supershopper Secrets III

By Lori Hall Steele

Care to save up to $5,200 a year on groceries? We're sharing secrets of supershoppers who do just that. Here's the latest in our ongoing series:

Is the Price Right?—The majority of shoppers return again and again to their favorite grocery store. But is it the best deal? It’s well worth it to scope out the competition’s prices. Play detective, and pop into other area stores to write down normal prices on five or ten items you purchase religiously (milk, butter, bread, cheese, a pound of romaine, organic eggs, and so on). There could be as much as a $10 difference between stores. If your store doesn’t have the best prices, switching where you shop could save $520 a year.

Small price differences may seem insignificant, but because foods are repeat expenses, even a 30-cent difference in a weekly gallon of milk adds up to $16 a year.

Also ask your store whether they match sale prices offered by other stores (many do) and, if they do, and you like reading ads, be sure to scan other stores’ weekly fliers for deals.


From a story that originally appeared in Woman's Day. Lori Hall Steele, founder of You&Me Kid, is an award-winning journalist who writes for national publications.

Books: Single mothers who made history

History is peppered with stories of women who persevered for the sake of their families, not for fanfare. What many do not know is that every day remarkable women take on the challenges of life alone -- raising their children and making history -- as single mothers.

"If you are a single mother, you're not alone," says author Janine Turner. "History provides the warmth and comfort of women who have done it successfully before you."

Turner is perhaps best known as an accomplished actress who has starred in hit television series, such as "Northern Exposure" and "Strong Medicine," as well as box-office and television movies.

Turner is also a director, singer, and now an author. Her book, Holding Her Head High: 12 Single Mothers Who Championed Their Children and Changed History (Thomas Nelson Publishers), chronicles the lives of 12 women in history and brings to light how they advocated for their children to make a difference.

Take, for example, Abigail Adams, whose husband John became the second U.S. president. She helped change the course of history by helping to birth democracy with her valiant wartime single motherhood during the American Revolution. Adams had to clothe, feed, educate and nurture her children as she managed the family farm and her husband's business.

Adams endured bitter winters and wartime fears and famine. Her devotion helped shape the character of her son -- John Quincy -- who would go on to further the family's political legacy by becoming the sixth U.S. president.

Turner, herself a single mother, pored through thousands of historical documents to bring alive the stories of women she says not only provided strength and inspiration, but changed the course of history as well.

Stories span generations and pinpoint women from the Roman Empire, such as Christian pioneer and saint Helena Augusta, to medieval times when Christine de Pizan became the first female professional writer. She may have been the antecedent, of sorts, for Elizabeth Timothy, the first female editor in colonial America.

"These women turned tribulations into triumphs, championed their children and changed history," offers Turner. "I find their voices to be amazingly modern, no matter the era."

Find Holding Her Head High: 12 Single Mothers Who Championed Their Children and Changed History at your local bookseller or by visiting www.thomasnelson.com.

Source: PR NewsWire

Jane's Review: Penelope

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic elements, some innuendo and language
Released in Theaters: Feb. 29, 2008
Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance
Runtime: 102 minutes
Directed by: Mark Palansky
Cast: Christina Ricci, James McAvoy, Catherine O’Hara, Reese Witherspoon, Peter Dinklage, Richard E. Grant

SYNOPSIS: This modern-day fairy tale tells the story of Penelope, a young heiress who’s born with the nose of a pig. The family curse, cast by a wicked witch generations ago, can only be broken if Penelope finds true love with “one who will love her faithfully.”

Sex/ Nudity: Some romantic overtones and kissing between characters, but nothing overt.

Violence/Gore: Comic action when potential suitors flee for their life once they see Penelope’s face (they crash through a window, and a guard tackles them). A photographer is injured trying to get a picture of her.

Profanity: “Damn” and “hell”.

Which Kids Will Like It? Ages 8 and older who like romantic, modern-day fairy tales like “Enchanted” and “Shrek” (though those movies are better).

Will Parents Like It? Yes. Although it’s a rather pedestrian take on the fairy tale, there’s nothing objectionable here, and the message is good: love yourself, and be true to yourself.

REVIEW: This likeable little movie harks back to the days of Grimm’s Fairy Tales, when evil witches, family curses, and handsome princes were the norm. Only this movie is set in a modern day metropolis and tells the story of Penelope Wilhern (Christina Ricci), a beautiful young girl except for the fact that she has the nose of a pig.

It’s all because of a family curse that dates back a couple of generations. The town witch, miffed that her servant daughter was scorned by a Wilhern, placed the curse on the family, giving the next-born female the pig of a nose. To break the curse, Penelope must find true love with “one of her own kind who will love her faithfully.”

As you might imagine, finding a wealthy socialite to love a girl with a pig nose is a challenge. Hidden away in her family’s estate, Penelope’s overbearing mother (Catherine O’Hara) and hen-pecked father (Richard E. Grant) parade a string of suitors through the house in the hopes that someone will love the girl for who she is.

Hidden behind a one-way glass, Penelope chats with the guys via microphone, including a blue blood named Edward (Simon Woods). All is well -- until they get a look at her nose and run screaming from the house in horror. All except for one, that is – Max (James McAvoy).

The only problem? Max is working with a photographer named Lemon (Peter Dinklage) who’s desperate to get a shot of the pig-nosed girl. Also, Max has a heart and may not be the person he claims to be.

Penelope finally escapes from the house and goes into the real world, where she sips beer in a pub (her first!) and makes friends with Annie (Reese Witherspoon), an edgy delivery girl who takes her for a ride on her Vespa.

I think this is one of those movies that could have been really good – but isn’t. Christina Ricci hits all the right notes as a girl plagued with a curse beyond her control, and Reese Witherspoon and James McAvoy are adorable, as always. You’re really pulling for Max to make it work with this girl.

Over-the-top Catherine O’Hara is too much of a caricature to be believable. I’m not even sure why Richard E. Grant was in the movie, because he really doesn’t do much at all.

Still, the message is good, especially for young girls dealing with school cliques and self-esteem issues: Believe in yourself and love yourself for who you are. Don’t try to change for someone else.

Too much like a fairy tale? Maybe, but maybe life doesn’t have to be as complicated as we make it.

JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM:
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Visit her online at www.ReelLifeWithJane.com or email jboursaw@charter.net.