Childrens Movie Reviews

HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE

WHO IS IN IT : Newcomers Daniel Radcliffe (Harry) with Rupert Grant (Ron) and Emma Watson (Hermione), Harry's friends; do a great job along with a star studded adult cast including Maggie Smith, Robbie Coltrane, John Cleese, Richard Harris and Alan Rickman. A special mention to Harry Melling, as Harry's odious chubby cousin, Dudley Dursley. He and his parents were a scream.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT : Well, in the unlikely event that there is actually anyone out there who hasnt heard, this movie is based on book 1 of J K Rowlings Harry Potter series which has taken the world by storm. Harry is a wizard, only he doesnt know it. He is an orphan and he lives under the stairs in his unbearable relatives home until on his 12th birthday a giant on a flying motorbike comes to take him to Hogwarts wizards academy. This movie covers his first year there. We learn the finer points of wizardry, the history of Harry's parents mysterious death, and the fabulous broomstick game of Quidditch.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT : I should say that I am not a fan of the Harry Potter books. I find their Enid Blytonish 'oh so English'-ness a bit too much as an adult, however the movie certainly makes it all a bit more palatable, even if one isnt a fan. This movie is kept true to the book with an all British cast, and filming done in Scotland. It has humour and excitement. The special effects are marvellous and I wouldnt fault the acting at all. The main theme music is lovely, but the remainder of the score leaves quite a bit to be desired. My children aged 11, 9 and 7 were entranced for the whole time though - They are great fans of the books.There are a few moments which smaller children may find frightening (the ogre and the three headed dog).
ROUNDUP: I gave this movie four and a half stars as a children's movie because mine enjoyed it so much. For myself, I would give it 3 stars as I found it too long and laboured, it needed a good half hour edited out to the cutting room floor.

SALLY MARSHALL IS NOT AN ALIEN Australian

WHO IS IN IT : Canadian actress Natalie Vansier (Lassie series) is Sally Marshall, Pip's new next door neighbour. Pip (Helen Neville), Rhonnie (Thea Gumbert) and Ben (Glen McMillan) are all new to movies, Peter OBrien (Flying doctors) takes a small role as Pips father.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT : Its summer holidays in an Adelaide beachside suburb and Pip has an unusual new next door neighbour. She is supposed to be from Los Angeles, but she likes to eat tomatoes, hang upside down on monkey bars to read, and eat lots of vitamins. The neighbourhood kids, led by the bully, Rhonnie, think she is an alien and are cruel as only children can be. Pip, who is searching for a comet with her telescope (her favourite hobby), stands up for Sally and befriends her. She makes a bet with Rhonnie that Sally is not an alien and that she (Pip) can prove it. But can she??
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT : I thought this movie was a typical Australian kids story with a twist, very reminiscent of various ABC childrens TV series. The acting was at times a little weak, but certainly believable enough for the kids. It was a good story to interest all primary school children.
ROUNDUP: Three and a half stars for a good wholesome children's movie up to about 11 or 12 years of age.

MIGHTY JOE YOUNG

WHO IS IN IT: Bill Paxton as an animal preservationist, and the very pretty Charlize Theron as Jill Young, the daughter of a famous animal psychologist.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT: Jill's mother was killed by poachers when she was a child. Baby Joe's family was also killed at the same time. Before her mother dies she asks Jill to take care of Joe and protect him. Somehow or other Jill is left to grow up alone in Africa, and still manages to develop an American accent, but hey, its Disney. Joe becomes a 15 foot giant gorilla who is amazingly intelligent and great friends with Jill.One day Bill Paxton's character arrives from California to take samples and he discovers Joe. But Joe has been seen by poachers as well and is no longer safe. Bill suggests that Jill brings Joe to California to a wildlife park which she does. This is clearly not the place for Joe either. Pursued by the original poachers who killed his mother, Joe escapes into the streets of Los Angeles.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT: This movie was quite acceptable entertainment, my children seemed to really enjoy it, and were kept engrossed most of the time. I found it a bit slow in places and a bit long (just under 2 hours). The animatronic Joe is just terrific and there were enough action moments to keep you going. The main actors were pleasant and of course they fall in love. Theres the Disney happy ending, despite a few violent moments.
ROUNDUP: A pleasing family movie, three and a half stars.

ANTZ - CHILDREN'S ANIMATION

WHO IS IN IT : The main Ant, Z, (pronounced zee) is voiced by Woody Allen, and a huge cast of other notable voices include Sharon Stone, Ann Bancroft, Sylvester Stallone and Gene Hackman.

WHAT IT IS ABOUT: The story centres around Z, an ant with attitude, who wants more than just to follow the crowd. A worker ant, he swaps places with his friend the soldier ant (Stallone) and ends up going off to fight an unwinnable termite war. The evil Ant General used the war as a way of disposing of those ants faithful to the queen. As the only survivor, Z becomes a war hero and the champion of the masses, along the way catching the eye of the princess (Stone). The story follows Z and the princesses journey to find Insectopia and ultimately rescue the workers from total destruction by the evil general.

WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT : Antz is a beautifully animated film with lovely voices and a solid storyline. It really is meant for children, but adults would probably enjoy it also. There is one swear word used once. It does include the usual morals about good and evil and individuality and everyone playing their own role in the scheme of things.
ROUNDUP : Children will love it. It is also nice and short (75 minutes) so suitable for the smaller ones. Adults wont rave about it, but as a children’s movie I gave it four stars.

SMALL SOLDIERS

Who is in it : Teenagers Gregory Smith and Kirsten Dunst star as next door neighbours Alan and Christy, along with a host of familiar faces from American TV and minor films. Greats such as Ernest Borgnine,Tommy Lee Jones and Christina Ricci provide the voices for the many animated toys.
What is it about: Two somewhat geeky guys, Larry and Irwin (Jay Mohr, Picture Perfect) are instructed by the new big boss of their toy company to create toys which do what they do in the ads. Using the Gorgons and Elite commandos which they have already designed, they unknowingly implant them with army surplus microchips which turn them into more than toys. Alan is minding his dad's toystore and obtains an early shipment of the toys, and then the fun begins. The mild mannered and peace loving Gorgons are assaulted by the militaristic Elite force headed by Chip Hazard. Alan intervenes and his family and that of his girlfriend become targets for the elite forces.
What I thought about it: I enjoyed this movie immensely, as did all the family. It is rated PG because of a passing reference to drug use and a bit of menacing violence. If you think your children may be sensitive to seeing toys mounting nail guns and chainsaws on toy cars etc, and chasing the humans, then it may not be suitable. The animation is fantastic (very Toy Storyish, but not so benign). It has quite a bit of humour, such as the psychological warfare of the Commandos (playing Spice Girls music), and the plot was quite good also.
Roundup: I would recommend Small Soldiers as a fun movie for the whole family, but if you are over sensitive about violence, or averse to the odd word such as crap ,ass and hell, then perhaps avoid it.

MULAN

Who is in it: The title character is voiced by Ming Na Wen (Joy Luck Club), with her singing voice that of well known Broadway star Christina , Pat Morita (Karate Kid) is the Emperor, and Eddie Murphy as the comedy relief of Mushu.
What it is about: Set in Ancient China when the Emperor is attempting to drive back the advancing Hun (and boy do those guys look mean), the Emperor decrees that one male from each household must join the army. The only male in Mulan's household is her aging crippled father who has previously been a great warrior for the emperor. An unusual character (as with all Disney heroines), she decides to go in his place, cuts her hair and pretends to be a man. The ancestors to whom the Chinese pray frequently, send the "stone dragon" to protect her, but Mushu, a little disgraced dragon, ends up going instead to provide the usual comic relief.
What I thought about it: The usual Disney formula works well again. Theres no suprises really , Mulan saves China and gets her man. What makes this particular Disney movie so special is the delightful musical score, the truly awesome animation, the real belly laughs some sequences elicit, and the fact that its not a real "girly movie". My son finds most of these tales a bit of a yawn, but with action sequences aplenty, Mulan kept him happy as well.
Roundup: As a children’s movie, I could not fault it. For adults who enjoy a few laughs and excellent animation and can appreciate a beautiful singing voice, its also worthwhile. Five stars.

ANASTASIA

WHO IS IN IT - Anastasia is an animated feature, featuring the voices of Meg Ryan as Anastasia, John Cusack as Dmitri and the always recognisable Angela Landsbury as Anastasia's grandmother.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT - Well obviously it is based on the mysterious young girl who emerged in Paris in the 1920's claiming to be the surviving heir to the Russian throne, despite evidence that the entire family was executed during the Russian Revolution.However, in an attempt to emulate the formulaic Disney plots, Fox have thrown history to the wind, creating all sorts of adventures and excitement in the process. We have the dreadful villain, Rasputin (who else) who according to this story caused the entire Russian revolution by casting the "Romanov curse". He chases Anastasia and Dmitri (the kitchen boy who saved her from him originally) across Europe as she makes her way to her grandmother in Paris.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT - It was quite a pleasant children's movie. I was a little disappointed with the music, which fell far short of Disneys offerings. There were only about 5 songs and these were largely forgettable. The characters were all reminiscent of the Disney stereotypes, as was the plot. Again, not one to get too excited about, but as an entertainment for children aged 3-8 it certainly fits the bill.

FLUBBER

WHO IS IN IT:
This latest offering from Disney stars Robin Williams in a rather subdued performance as the archetypical absentminded chemistry professor Brainard.Apart from his long - suffering girlfriend the other star of this movie is Weebo, his personal computer with a difference, and a personality all its own.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT:
The professor invents a substance he dubs "Flubber", short for flying rubber. It can make balls, cars and people bounce anywhere and everywhere, and they all do ! The plot is fairly simple with good guys and bad guys and lots of slapstick as Flubber wreaks havoc.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT:
I felt this movie was not as good as former offerings by Disney and Robin Williams. It cannot compare to Jumanji or Jack in the entertainment stakes. My children aged 3 and 5, both seasoned moviegoers, got very fidgety about half way through, which is a sure sign they are bored. My 7 year old was fine, as she was able to follow the plot, and we all enjoyed the special effects of Weebo and the flying car.
ROUNDUP:
Its probably not the best film around to take small children to, but still a pleasant outing for the family, and certainly for children over about 6.If you're going to see Robin Williams as his usual madcap self you may be disappointed, as he is surprisingly tame, Flubber being the star of the show.

FAIRYTALE

WHO IS IN IT: A cast of actors unknown outside of England, but effective and convincing as always for the English
WHAT IT IS ABOUT:Two young girls in the English countryside during World War One take photographs of themselves by the river with "fairies". The photos are proclaimed to be genuine and attract hoardes of people to the area, including Harry Houdini and Arthur Conan Doyle. Apparently, this did in fact happen, and "fairy hysteria" did occur.(The fairies were later exposed to be paper cut outs).
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT: I thought the movie was enchanting..gorgeous scenery, wonderful acting, a delightful story. For children of over 6, I would highly recommend it. There was very little actual fairy action in it, which was a bit disappointing, and younger children were a bit restless, finding it a bit "dry".
ROUNDUP: This movie deserves it's 4 stars as a very pleasant and entertaining movie for ages 7-adult.

SPICEWORLD

WHO IS IN IT:Apart from the Spice Girls, the cast includes cameo performances by a wide variety of English talent who have achieved fame locally or internationally. Cameos include Sir Bob Geldof, Barry Humphries and Bob Hoskins to name a few, and Roger Moore as the Bond-ish villain.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT: I thought it was quite frankly the worst thing I have ever seen in movies. I only ventured out to it in the first place as my children were desperate to see it. It really was a load of drivel, the acting only passable, the production frightful.
ROUNDUP: I gave it 1 star because there was lots of music and this kept the kids happy. The children enjoyed it and I think it should be a hit with the 3-12 age group, but parents should avoid it at all costs!

JUNGLE BOOK 2

WHO IS IN IT: A young boy named Jamie Williams plays plays Mowgli brilliantly, with animal noises, body language and facial expressions. The remainder of the cast are adequate but relatively unknown British, Indian and American actors.Balloo the Bear, and his many animal castmates are quite amazing!
WHAT IT IS ABOUT: It is based on the Second Jungle Book by Rudyard Kipling and follows the further adventures of Mowgli as he is hunted by his Uncle (who wants to kill him so he cannot claim the inheritance) and Mr Harrison, played by Bill Campbell (who wants him for a circus).He is kidnapped by apes and meets an unusual jungle dweller (Roddy McDowell in a cameo).
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT: I thought it was a delightful and picturesque movie. As I said, Mowgli and the animals were fantastic! My children aged 5 and 7 enjoyed it. I think it is very suitable for this agegroup.Children over 10 may become bored.
ROUNDUP: A pleasant family movie, it runs 2 hours. Adults should enjoy it too.

HOME ALONE 3

WHO IS IN IT: Macauley Culkin has outgrown his Kevin character, so we see a new Kevin, Alex D Linz. He's a little cutey, very similar to the youngest boy in the TV show "Eight is enough".He is ably supported by a cast of familiar faces playing his family and a troupe of bungling international terrorists.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT: A valuable microchip, stolen from the US Airforce has accidentally fallen into Kevin's hands. The terrorists come looking for it in his quiet suburb while everyones away during the day. The only hitch is that Kevin's home alone with the chicken pox. He comes up with some ingenious schemes to thwart them.
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT: The kids really enjoyed this one. Its certainly no work of art, but the schemes Kevin invents and the slapstick that subsequently occuirs do keep you entertained. Oh, and I loved the talking parrot!
ROUNDUP: Take you kids from ages 3 to about 12 to see this fun movie and they are sure to be happy.

THE BORROWERS

WHO IS IN IT: John Goodman plays a mean spirited and dishonest lawyer trying to steal a family's inheritance and home, so he can knock it down and build a housing complex. The Borrowers are played by a host of delightful English characters, including Flora Newbigin as Arrietty and Tom Felton as Peagreen. An hilarious if small cameo is performed by Ruby Wax as a receptionist.
WHAT IT IS ABOUT: John Goodman comes up against some stiff opposition from the Borrowers who also live in the house. Borrowers are the wee folk who live in the walls and floors and use all your lost socks to make clothes (and all the other stuff that keeps going missing).
WHAT I THOUGHT ABOUT IT: I thought the borrowers was an interesting and entertaining movie. The kids were very interested in it, although my 5 year old son was a bit frightened when John Goodman was chasing the Borrowers with a hammer.It has a strange design which I thought worth mentioning. I am not sure what the directors were hoping to achieve. The cars were all 1950's, but the young boy had a modern road bike. John Goodman was an American Lawyer, as was the town hall, but the streets were clearly English. The local policeman was dressed like a French postman from the 1920's, but had a CIA style earpiece. I just found all that rather odd.The acting was first class with rich characterisations.
ROUNDUP: Highly recommended movie for adults and children of all ages.

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