I know that Brendan Fraser hasn’t had a great go of it this year thanks to the Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, but for my money “Journey to the Center of the Earth” was a fun little adventure film in 2D and most especially in 3D. Finally being able to see what director Eric Brevig has in store with his 3D aspect, “Journey” is a fun event film that takes the 3D device and manages it in to a storytelling aspect that keeps the movie consistently fun. And if you think the movie is based only around 3D—well–you’re partly right, but “Journey 3D” is also a fun movie with some great sights and sounds to be had.
Tag Archives: Kids
It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: Remastered Deluxe Edition (DVD)
Linus: There are three things I’ve learned to never discuss with people: Religion, Politics, and the Great Pumpkin.
Easter has the bunny, Christmas has Santa, and Valentine has Cupid, so it would only make sense that Halloween would have its own mythical figure to bring great joy, wouldn’t it? According to Linus: yes. “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!” may not be one of the better Charlie Brown specials but it sure is a great celebration of not just the Autumn season, but of Halloween and what a little faith in the tradition can do to a young child; it’s also one of the better animation jobs from the recently deceased Bill Melendez. Linus believes in the Great Pumpkin a mysterious Halloween figure that brings presents on Halloween Night at the local pumpkin patch.
Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) (DVD)
So it came and went like a bolt of lightning in theaters and the intent for big screen wishes were to give folks a treat on the back story of new Jedi Ahsoka who is recruited and soon becomes a feisty second hand to Anakin during the massive Clone Wars and it’s not that bad a movie. You laugh but it’s true; “The Clone Wars” wasn’t really too bad of a film, we just grew up without the tales now catered to children. This isn’t the first time and sadly this isn’t the last time. The next person who tells me that Lucas raped their childhoods is going to get five fingers on the cheek and a kick in the ass. Because in spite of its inherent flaws and stunning departure from Lucas’s typical storytelling style, it wasn’t as bad as “Phantom Menace” and its television series is also one program you can’t put too much weight on because it carries the mantle well.
Speed Racer: Widscreen Edition (2008) (DVD)
I’m probably one of the five people in America who thought that “Speed Racer” just got a bad rap by critics and audiences. I mean, really, what were you expecting from this flick? When all is said and done, I don’t think it’s that bad a movie at all. In fact I’m more than willing to admit its bevy of flaws but am still able to enjoy it in spite of the evident caveats. “Speed Racer” is too cool to just dismiss. I mean for a two hour and fifteen minute movie (seriously, Wachowskis?) it’s actually easy to sit through with a very unique take on Speed Racer. I hate to play apologist to the Wachowskis and their big budget effort, but I have to appreciate the pulp neo-noir take on “Speed Racer” with a vision that doesn’t talk down to kids.
Legion Of Superheroes: Volume 3 (DVD)
It was probably a god send that “Legion” was cancelled, because three seasons in, the series was making very little progress in the way of storylines. With the constantly shuffling characters, and tonal changes, “Legion” could never really decide what it wanted from audiences, and the addition of Chameleon Boy shows that. His sudden introduction in Season Three with his smart ass personality left the show feeling painfully uneven as most of the characters felt very self aware and stern while Chameleon was often spouting one liners and nothing else.
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
I miss movies like these, fantastic fantasy films that influenced reading without giving us a PSA or shoving religion down our throats. I miss films like “Neverending Story” or “Dark Crystal” that explored a whole world beyond ours without watering down a story. “The Spiderwick Chronicles” is that throwback to the classic fantasy kids films with violence, suggestive language, and edgy action that kept the line between kids film and teen film very very thin. Surprisingly mixed in reviews upon its release, I am saddened that Mark Waters’ family fantasy flick wasn’t more universally embraced as it should have been.
Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow (2008)
One of the more entertaining moments of “Next Avengers” involves the eventual emergence of the Incredible Hulk from the eccentric form of Bruce Banner, now a scientist in hiding. Watching the Hulk smash these cheesy robotic copies of the avengers was quite cathartic, and it’s also refreshing to see the team stick to the mold of Ultron as we know him, a corruptible and despicable technological force who will prove to the be prevalent menace if a series pans out. I also really enjoyed watching the original Thor talk to his daughter Torrum in the climax; it’s a surprisingly touching moment that may sell me on watching this with my nephew.