Jane's Review: Snow Buddies

By Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: G
SYNOPSIS: Those cute little Buddies are back in an all-new adventure that takes them to Alaska and dog-sledding territory.
Sex/ Nudity: None.
Violence/Gore: Some mild scenes, involving sled crashes and a sled-through-the-ice scene that puts dogs in peril.
Profanity: None.
Which Kids Will Like It? Ages 5 to 10 who liked “Air Bud” and the other “Buddy” movies, or who like family movies featuring talking animals.
Will Parents Like It? Yes, parents who’ve followed the Buddy movies will love this G-rated installment of the franchise. Aside from a few gratuitous passing-gas scenes, this movie is fun for the whole family.
DVD Extras: Audio commentary with the dogs; blooper reel; hip-hop-style music video of “Lean on Me” by “Hannah Montana” star Mitchel Musso; Behind-the-scenes “dog-u-mentary,” giving a tour of the set from the perspective of B-Dawg, Rosebud, and Mudbud; featurette on the film’s visual effects.

REVIEW: With the opening credits brings the all-too-familiar music taking us back to Fernfield, Washington, home of Buddy, the athletically gifted Golden Retriever who kicked off this popular franchise with several movies of his own.

Picking up where “Air Buddies” left off, we find Buddy (voiced by Tom Everett Scott) and his main squeeze Molly (voiced by Molly Shannon), in search of their puppies -- Buddha (the zen puppy), Mudbud (the dirty one), Rosebud (the fashionable one), Budderball (the lover of fine food), and B-Dawg (the hip-hop dog). Unfortunately, the Buddies inadvertently find themselves on an ice cream truck and then a plane bound for Ferntiutuk, Alaska!

As the puppies touch down in snow country, we’re introduced to Adam (Dominic Scott Kay), a boy who dreams of leading a sled-dog team, and his Husky, Shasta (voiced by Dylan Sprouse of “The Suite Life of Zack & Cody”). Because of a previous accident wherein Adam’s father lost Shasta’s parents, the family is opposed to Adam’s dream of leading a dog-sled team.

Meanwhile, the Buddies take refuge in the family’s shed, and Shasta tells them the only way they’ll get back to Fernfield is by plane. It just so happens that the airport is also the finish line of the Ferntiutuk sled-dog race. They decide to help Adam and Shasta fulfill their dream, with help from wise Husky, Talon (voiced by Kris Kristofferson).

Without his father’s blessing, Adam breaks open his piggy bank and registers for the annual sled race, while a member of an opposing team, lead by the villainous musher Jean George (John Kapelos) takes the opportunity to intimidate the pups. Don’t worry, though. They’re not easily deterred, and they continue to train for the race and find their way back home. Little do they know that their parents, Buddy and Molly, are already en route to Alaska, having scoped out the clues to their whereabouts.

Throw in a daring rescue, near-blizzard conditions, and some cut-throat competition, and you’ve got the makings of a thrilling adventure that’s fun for all ages.

I have to admit, I love the Buddies. They’re fun and innocent, and it’s a hoot to watch their mouths move when they talk. And they always have a good message or two about helping each other and honoring their commitments. Yep, I give the Buddies four out of five reels – not because they’ll win an Oscar, but because there are so few age-appropriate movies for little ones that parents can watch, too.

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.

Jane's Review: High School Musical 2

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: G
DVD Release: Dec. 11, 2007
Genre: Musical, Comedy, Family, Teen
Runtime: 111 minutes
Directed by: Kenny Ortega
Cast: Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Lucas Grabeel

SYNOPSIS: The teen fun continues in this sequel to 2006’s “High School Musical.” School’s out, and the gang spends the summer working at the Lava Springs Country Club, owned by Sharpay’s parents. But things get awkward when Troy tries to further his career by hanging out with the rich folks. Gabriella says she doesn’t know him anymore..sniff… It’s Disney, though, so you can count on a happy ending, along with loads of catchy new songs.

Sex/ Nudity: Mild flirting and a few kisses.
Violence/Gore: None.
Profanity: None.

Which Kids Will Like It? Kids 8 and older who loved “High School Musical” or who enjoy innocent teen movies or Disney Channel shows.

Will Parents Like It? Yes. As with “High School Musical,” there’s very little objectionable content here. All issues are resolved, and lessons are learned about the importance of friends, staying true to yourself, and standing up for what you believe in.

Special Features: This “Extended Edition” includes a sing-along feature, rehearsal cam (watch the dance rehearsal footage along with the movie), High School Karaoke (sing the lead vocals with help from optional on-screen lyrics), music videos, and a never-before-seen music sequence.

REVIEW: Riffing off the 2006 tween fave, “High School Musical,” this sweet flick brings back the entire cast for more songs and fun. School’s out for the summer, and Troy (Zac Efron) needs to build up his college bank account. So Sharpay (Ashley Tisdale), hoping to score some points in the romance department, gets him a job at her family’s posh country club.

Imagine her chagrin when Troy manages to score jobs for the rest of the East High gang, including girlfriend Gabriella (Vanessa Hudgens), buddy Chad (Corbin Bleu), and Gabriella’s friend Taylor (Monique Coleman).

Snooty Sharpay realizes she has to kick it up a notch. So she tempts Troy with influential friends, a coveted basketball scholarship, and a fast-track to the high life. Troy’s torn between his dreams for the future and his high school friends. It doesn’t help when he gets preferential treatment from the club manager (Mark Taylor).

Ok, so the storyline probably bears little resemblance to real teen life. No drugs, sex, bad language, or gang warfare in this movie – and that’s a good thing! What a pleasure to watch an innocent movie that still has plenty of teen angst and clique issues.

The songs and choreography are even better than the first movie, including the high-energy opener, “What Time is It?,” Troy and Gabriella’s duet, “You Are the Music In Me,” the hip-hoppish “I Don’t Dance,” Troy’s golf-course solo, “Bet On It,” and the ensemble finale, “All For One.”

My 10-year-old daughter particularly loved Sharpay’s poolside tune, “Fabulous,” and Gabriella’s tearful “Gotta Go My Own Way.”

Disney Channel fans: keep an eye out for Miley Cyrus (“Hannah Montana”) as an extra!

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.

Play&Do: Get them moving

Are you and the kids already feeling like shut-in pets thanks to winter? Time to shake it off, then. Some ideas to get the blood moving:

Dance Dance Revolution
This indoor hit has everyone shakin' their groove thing -- a great winter tonic for 5 and up, as you're guided through steps. Uses various game systems or TV plug-and-play.
Get it: $35 and up. Read reviews to choose an age-appropriate version.

Hyper Dash
This electronic tag get kids 5 and up scurrying around, and teens and adults report they're having a blast as well.
Get it: Around $25 from Wild Planet. (Warning: Amazon's been charging up to $90, so shop around.)


Folding Trampoline
Save those bedsprings and instead let the knee-high crowd do their nutty bouncing thing safely -- holding a bar, so they don't boing into the ceiling. Good for up to 77 pounds.
Get it: $115 from Playfair Toys.

Jane's Review: The Water Horse

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG for some action/peril, mild language and brief smoking.
Theatrical Release: Dec. 25, 2007
Genre: Family, Adventure, Fantasy
Runtime: 111 minutes
Directed by: Jay Russell; based on the children’s book by Dick King-Smith.
Cast: Alex Etel, Emily Watson, Bruce Allpress, Ben Chaplin, Brian Cox, Eddie Campbell, Carl Dixon, Priyanka Xi
SYNOPSIS: With a nod to the Loch Ness Monster, this movie tells the story of a
young boy, Angus, who finds a mysterious egg on the shores of a Scottish loch during World War II. Soon enough, the egg hatches a lizard-like creature that looks to Angus for love and guidance. But when the beast gets too big to contain, Angus must make the decision to free it into the loch, all the while hiding it from the grown-ups – except for one handyman who comes into his life at just the right time.

Profanity: None.

Sex/ Nudity: An older couple flirt, dance, and kiss, as amused children look on.

Violence/Gore: Things get pretty wild towards the end when soldiers fire at the giant beast with rifles and cannons. The beast retaliates by snapping at humans, picking them up in its powerful jaws, and swinging them around in the loch. Also, when a dog mysteriously quits barking off-screen, we assume it was eaten by the beast. Adult characters fight both verbally and physically.

Which Kids Will Like It? Ages 9 and older who love fantasy adventure movies like Eragon and The Golden Compass.

Will Parents Like It? Yes, it’s a sweet family story that ties in history (World War II) and legend (the Loch Ness Monster) with the power of love and family. Grown-ups will love the lovely Scottish manor, beautiful scenery, and Celtic soundtrack.

REVIEW: Angus MacMorrow (Alex Etel) is a young lad living in Scotland during World War II. He and his family, including mother Anne (Emily Watson) and sister Kirstie (Priyanka Xi) are the caretakers of a grand old manor complete with meandering staircases, four-poster beds, and a library filled with dusty books.

In his father’s workshop -- adorned with magazine clippings, maps, and war-related items -- Angus eagerly marks off the days when his father will return from the war.

One day, during an outing on the shores of a nearby loch, Angus finds a mysterious, barnacle-encrusted item, which he takes home and hides in his father’s workshop, only to discover that inside is a brilliant blue egg, out of which hatches a creatures that’s a cross between a seal and a lizard. Angus names him Crusoe after “Robinson Crusoe.”

At first, Crusoe is a cute little guy who loves playing in the bathtub inside the house. But he grows at an incredible rate, tripling in size each night until he can’t fit in either the bathtub or the fountain in the courtyard.

With the help of Kirstie and a handyman named Lewis Mowbray (Ben Chaplin), Angus sadly releases Crusoe into the loch. Mowbray wonders aloud if it’s a legendary creature called a water horse. He explains to Angus that there can only be one in the world at a time, and before dying, the beast lays an egg for another to take its place.

Meanwhile, the war rages on. The Royal Army sets up camp in the house, pointing their cannons at the loch and any German subs that might be passing through. All of this is told in flashback, by an old man in a current-day pub to two young people listening in rapt attention.

The story meanders pleasantly in the first half of the movie. We get a sense of the era and characters – mainly, Angus, who needs a reason to live while his father is away at war. Crusoe offers that reason, as well as a lesson in letting go.

I love this movie because everything fits together seamlessly: beautiful Scottish scenery complete with abandoned castles, dark-grained interiors of the grand manor, a family struggling during World War II, and a lovely Celtic soundtrack.

The computer-generated beast is very life-like, and the action gets a little scary for kids (and, ok, adults). For this reason, I don’t recommend it for kids younger than nine. That said, my 10-year-old daughter and I really enjoyed this movie.

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.
And be sure to check out Lori and Jane's Hollywood style blog, Ruby Shoes.

Play&Do: National Treasure/Book of Secrets

by Jane Louise Boursaw

Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG for some violence and action.
Theatrical Release: Dec. 21, 2007
Genre: Family, Action, Adventure
Runtime: 124 minutes
Directed by: Jon Turteltaub
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Justin Bartha, Diane Kruger, Jon Voight, Helen Mirren, Ed Harris, Harvey Keitel.

SYNOPSIS: Everyone’s favorite droopy-eyed adventurer is back, and this time he’s looking for a lost city of gold. Oh, and trying to clear the Gates family name by proving that one of their own didn’t orchestrate the assassination of President Lincoln. Throw in a bitter ex, two squabbling parents, and a cave full of goodies, and you’ve got the makings of a fun caper.

Profanity: None, although the insults fly fast and furious among squabbling ex-spouses.

Sex/ Nudity: A female character passionately kisses a guy to distract him. Mild kisses between characters.

Violence/Gore: A young boy sees his father shot and killed, then the gun is turned on the boy (but he’s not shot). Lots of fast-paced action, including car chases, shooting, perilous teetering on a ledge inside a cave, rushing water in which a character drowns (shown only briefly). Also, President Lincoln’s assassination is shown in a flashback, though we don’t see the shooting.

Which Kids Will Like It? Ages 8 and older who love adventure movies and aren’t scared by lots of action.

Will Parents Like It? Yes, although I could have done without the gun pointed at the kid’s head in the opening scene. And really, why even include it? It’s not like it moved the story forward in any way. It’s just creepy.

REVIEW: Ben Gates (Nicolas Cage) and his entourage are back. This time, they’re searching for a lost city of gold and trying to clear his family’s name of any involvement in the assassination of President Lincoln.

But first, let’s catch up. Much has changed since we last left our droopy-eyed adventurer. Apparently, he used some of that treasure he found in the first movie to buy a beautiful mansion and fill it with extravagant antiques. Not only that, he and Abigail (Diane Kruger) got hitched. Then divorced. Or they’re in the midst of a divorce. Or something.

At any rate, Abigail kicked Ben out of the house, so in order to retrieve some important stuff to help him on his quest, Ben enlists old pal Riley (Justin Bartha) to break into the house, just as she’s coming home from a date. Awkward!

But Ben has bigger matters on his mind. While presenting some new information about John Wilkes Booth, a guy named Mitch Wilkinson (Ed Harris) comes forward with evidence showing that Ben’s great-grandfather, Thomas Gates, helped to orchestrate Lincoln’s murder.

Well, that just can’t be! Ben sets out to prove him wrong, enlisting Abigail, Riley, and his parents (Jon Voight and Helen Mirren) to help out. The elder Gates couple haven’t spoken to each other in 32 years, which makes for an interesting adventure.

The clues lead to Buckingham Palace, the White House, and Mount Rushmore. Oh, and somewhere along the way, Ben is forced to (sort of) kidnap the President (Bruce Greenwood) to find out about his Book of Secrets that contains – you guessed it -- all of the nation’s secrets, including Area 51, the JFK conspiracy, and something on page 47 we never figure out, but which I’m sure will lead into the next sequel (I hope). Could Ben’s next caper be a top-secret mission for the President? Hmmm…

Ok, so at 124 minutes, this movie is a tad long, but the action, intrigue, and chemistry between the characters keep things moving along fairly well. The audience laughed in all the right places (especially at Riley’s funny comments) and held their collective breath in all the right places (especially during a perilous teetering-platform-in-a-cave scene straight out of one of my nightmares). And that Helen Mirren! She can do anything.

Overall, a fun movie for the whole family, but because of some of the action and violence (especially an unnecessary scene involving a gun pointed at a child), this movie is best for kids 8 and older.

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.

Play&Do: Alvin and the Chipmunks

by Jane Louise Boursaw
Reel Rating: 3.5 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor.
Theatrical Release: Dec. 14, 2007
Genre: Family, Comedy, Musical
Runtime: 90 minutes
Directed by: Tim Hill
Cast: Jason Lee, David Cross, Cameron Richardson, Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler, Jesse McCartney, Jane Lynch.

SYNOPSIS: Cute chipmunks? Check. Fun songs? Check. Family story? Check. Aside from some crude humor and sexy background singers, this live action/CG movie stays true to the 1960s cartoon series that made Alvin, Simon and Theodore household names. The story centers on their vintage tune, “The Chipmunk Song,” but also blends in new songs like “Bad Day,” “Funkytown,” and “Follow Me Now.” Maybe I’m a dork, but I thought this movie was very cute and fun for kids and adults.

Profanity: Some suggestive language, like “Make love to the camera,” “She wanted you,” and “You’re hot.” Also a few insults between the chipmunk brothers.

Sex/ Nudity: Background singers dress in tight outfits and dance suggestively. The chipmunks try to “romance up” Dave’s place (music, lighting) when a girl comes over for dinner.

Violence/Gore: The chipmunks fall out of a tree, dodge crowds in an office building, and trash a house. Dave gets bonked on the head and passes out. Security guards try to ban him from a concert.

Which Kids Will Like It? Ages 5 and older who love cute talking animals, the Chipmunks cartoon series, or family stories.

Will Parents Like It? Yes, although they could have done without the provocative singers. Also, a few scenes include potty humor (a chipmunk eats poop to cover for his brother!). Overall, though, cute movie with cute songs. I enjoyed it, and so did my 10-year-old daughter and 13-year-old son. The chipmunk voices didn’t even grate on me like I thought they would.

REVIEW: I had to dig around in my mom’s cabinets, but reigned supreme in my quest to find a vintage Chipmunk album: “Christmas With the Chipmunks,” released in 1963. It’s the one with Alvin, Simon and Theodore in Santa’s sleigh with a pile of toys. Ah, that takes me back.

This movie is fun and musical and stays true to the original cartoon series, while adding a fresh, modern take on the loveable trio. The story begins in the forest, with Alvin (voiced by Justin Long), Theodore (Jesse McCartney), and Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) collecting acorns for the winter, cheerily singing “Bad Day.” The chipmunks are computer-generated, but the rest of their world (most of it) is the real deal.

When their tree is rudely chopped down by woodsmen, the little guys accidentally get hauled into the big city, smack into an office complex where Dave Seville (Jason Lee, of “My Name is Earl”) is striking out yet again in his pursuit to sell songs to a record company. After a mad dash through the crowds, they end up in a basket of muffins that Dave has swiped in disgruntlement.

He discovers them back at his house, and thinks he must be losing his mind. Talking chipmunks? What the heck? So he tosses them out of the house, but has another thought upon hearing them croon outside the window. He’ll write the songs. The ‘munks will sing them. They make a deal to live with Dave in exchange for singing the tunes. They’re innocent, but not dumb.

And so it goes, with the message that perhaps a family doesn’t have to consist of blood relatives – or even the same species, for that matter. When the chipmunks fall under the spell of the rich-and-famous lifestyle – nudged along by cash-hungry record producer Ian (David Cross) -- Dave has to step in and pull them back from the brink. He gets a little help from Claire (Cameron Richardson), who has a press pass into the events.

The chipmunks are cute as the dickens, and I’m happy to introduce my kids to the little guys I remember as a kid. This movie could have done without the provocative backup singers and poop humor, but overall, a good message about the importance of family, treating others respectfully, and learning that celebrities are rarely ever the happiest people on the planet.

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.