Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!
In theaters now...
Secretariat
Short Story
Based on the novel by William Nack, Secretariat follows Penny Chenery (Diane Lane), a Virginia housewife who inherits her father's famed Meadow Stables. Despite being a novice, the modest housewife commandeers the male dominated horse-racing business, producing the 1973 triple crown winner and, perhaps, the greatest racehorse of all time.
What They're Saying:
"Secretariat, a benignly inspirational Disney sports drama about the legendary racehorse who won the Triple Crown in 1973, offers a fascinating test case for how much spoilers sometimes don't matter." - Entertainment Weekly
"It is a great film about greatness, the story of the horse and the no less brave woman who had faith in him." - Chicago Sun-Times
Good For Kids?
What kid wouldn't want to watch a pony strut around a race track?
Life as We Know It
Short Story:
After a disastrous first date, Holly Berenson (Katherine Heigl) and Eric Messer (Josh Duhamel) learn the only thing they have in common are the two friends that set them up. But when their mutual friends are lost in a tragic accident, the two single adults must put aside their difference and become caregivers to their orphaned goddaughter, baby Sophie.
What They're Saying:
"As uneven as it is, Life as We Know It still goes down like comic comfort food, especially for anybody who's ever dealt with parenthood." - Orlando Sentinel
"This is a change from what audiences have come to expect from the usual Heigl vehicle. She's quicker-witted and warmer than usual here, and she keeps Duhamel on his toes, even when the storyline drags its feet." - Chicago Tribune
Good For Kids?
The kids may laugh at the chaos, but they won't laugh at the jokes.
My Soul to Take
Short Story:
It's been exactly 16 years since the notorious Riverton killer was put to rest -- or was he? Fear inhabits the small town when, one-by-one, children born on this mysterious day begin to disappear.
What They're Saying:
My Soul to Take was not open for review.
Good For Kids?
No, unless you don't mind them sleeping in your bed at night.
Nowhere Boy
Short Story:
The film chronicles a 15-year-old John Lennon and the series of life experience that give birth to the legendary Beetles song, "Nowhere Man."
What They're Saying:
"If only the script had been content to stick with its let's-start-a-band verve." - Time Out New York
"The power of Nowhere Boy is that, as directed by Sam Taylor-Wood, it captures how John Lennon's deeply sordid family life toyed with his soul by not letting him know who he was." - Entertainment Weekly
Good For Kids?
This R-rated flick contains more fun than the kids can handle.
In case you missed...
The Social Network
Short Story:
In 2003, Harvard undergrad and computer programming genius Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg) created a revolutionary, social networking platform from the confines of his dorm room. Six years and 500 million friends later, Mark is the youngest billionaire in history. But unfortunately, with more money comes more problems.
What They're Saying:
"The Social Network succeeds, per journalism’s most basic directive, in showing not telling. And like great journalism, a great film can capture the reality of the present -- and even make art out of it." - Village Voice
"On the level of craft, the movie’s just absurdly enjoyable." - Boston Globe
Good For Kids?
Teens and tweens will connect with this socially relevant film, but the little ones may find the drama a bit overwhelming.
Let Me In
Short Story:
A bullied little boy gets more than he bargained for when he befriends a young girl from next door -- who also happens to be a vampire! When the young girl is suddenly left without a caretaker, the two kids lean on each other, creating a lasting bond and friendship in the midst of chaos and murder.
What They're Saying:
"Rest assured, much of what made the first film so special remains intact." - Associated Press
"While all that is artful about Let Me In comes straight from the original, the Hollywood version commands respect for not dumbing things down." - Variety
Good For Kids?
This R-rated film is definitely for brave adults only.
Case 39
Short Story:
Family services social worker Emily Jenkins (Renée Zellweger) is determined to keep 10-year-old Lilith Sullivan (Jodelle Ferland) away from her abusive parents. So, she decides to take Lily in until she can find her a suitable foster family.
With Emily's guidance and the enlisted help of a family psychiatrist (Bradley Cooper), Lily's life seems posed for the right path -- that is until further attempts to help the young girl bring on terror for all parties involved.
What They're Saying:
"Shlocky and ridiculous it may be, but this horror-thriller really is gleefully gruesome and undeniably entertaining: smart work from German director Christian Alvert." - Guardian
"While the viewer will remain one step ahead of the story at all times, director Christian Alvart manages to keep the emotionally charged events moving at a fair clip to gloss over the mounting credibility factors." - Radio Times
Good For Kids?
Case 39 will leave the kids with a bad case of the shakes.
Do you like feel-good movies or do you find them too sappy? Chime in below!
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