They’ve really mined everything they can out of these "Ice Age" movies, haven’t they? That’s not to say they’re not cute and fun and all that stuff. Just that maybe they’ve come to the end of the line on these particular characters and stories. Then again, they’ve added a few new characters in this movie, and let’s face it, they’re just at the dawn of the dinosaurs, which means this franchise could go on into infinity.
The first movie, 2002’s "Ice Age," was definitely the best. The second, 2006’s "Ice Age: The Meltdown," was cute, and this one is …read more

Oh, mom. NEVER beep at your kid as they’re going up the school steps and even worse, holler "Have a great day, Sweetie Pie!". That’s not going to earn them any points with the other kids.
The trailer for "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" is playing in front of "Tooth Fairy" right now, and it makes me laugh out loud. Especially when the one kid is trying to get the other kid to chuck a nerdy "Me and My Mommy" T-shirt. "Your mom is trying to get you killed," he says.
"Diary of a Wimpy Kid," in theaters April …read more

The trailer for “Shrek Forever After” is online, and Dreamworks is calling is the last sequel in this particular franchise. Of course, I don’t believe it. The cynical side of me says if they can keep making money on it, they’ll keep churning out sequels or video games or straight-to-dvd installments. But the characters really are pretty cute, so that’s ok with me.
The plot for “Shrek Forever After” is similar to Frank Capra’s classic “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Shrek lands in a Far Far Away world as if he never existed. The ogre Fiona is public enemy number …read more

“G-Force” was released on DVD and Blu-ray Dec. 15, 2009, and while kids older than 10 or 11 might be bored with the talking animals, it’s a cute flick for kids in the 5 to 9 age range.
Read my full review here, but to summarize, it’s a CG-animated movie featuring super-smart animal spies who go head to head with an electronics hot-shot planning to take over the world using home appliances. But things don’t go well, and the FBI department is shut down, landing the animals in various places, including homes and a pet shop.
One thing it …read more

Movie: Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel * Official Site
In Theaters: Dec. 23, 2009

Runtime: 88 minutes
Directed by: Betty Thomas

MPAA Rating: PG for some mild rude humor
Gecko Rating:

After an onstage mishap lands Dave (Jason Lee) in the hospital, the Chipmunks end up in the care of his slacker cousin Toby (Zachary Levi). Alvin (Justin Long), Theodore (Jesse McCartney) and Simon (Matthew Gray Gubler) attend school and discover girls, bullies, and peer pressure, as Alvin joins the football team and spends less time with his brothers.
More after the jump…

Movie: The Princess and the Frog * Official Site
In Theaters: Dec. 11, 2009

Runtime: 97 minutes
Directed by: Ron Clements

MPAA Rating: G
Gecko Rating:

Just when you think there aren’t any good family movies being made anymore, along comes a gem like “The Princess and the Frog.” It’s got everything going for it, including a cast of colorful characters, a sweet old-fashioned story, snazzy musical numbers, and a cool Deep South setting.
The story, which is a modern-day retelling of the classic story, “The Frog Prince,” begins in New Orleans during the Jazz Age. Young Tiana (voiced by Anika Noni Rose) tags along with …read more

DVD: Santa Buddies * Official Site
On DVD: Nov. 24, 2009

Runtime: 88 minutes
Buy It: DVD / Blu-ray/DVD Combo

MPAA Rating: G
Gecko Rating:

They’re really milking everything they can out of these Buddies movies, aren’t they? But you know what? That’s ok. There’s a big audience for them, and even if they’re not the greatest movies in the world, they’re cute as all get out and kids love ‘em.
This one follows a familiar theme: People are losing sight of the true meaning of Christmas, and up at the North Pole, Santa and his trusty dog Santa Paws are worried that …read more

The official trailer for “Toy Story 3” is out, and it looks like the movie will carry the same magic as the first two movies. This time, Andy’s heading off for college, and Woody, Buzz and the rest of the toy-box buddies are shuttled off to a daycare center.
Lee Unkrich directs the Disney/Pixar movie, with a June 18, 2010 release date planned. Tom Hanks, Joan Cusack, Michael Keaton, Tim Allen, Bonnie Hunt, Whoopi Goldberg, John Ratzenberger, Laurie Metcalf and a host of other stars lend their voices to the adorable toys.
My kids and I saw the double feature …read more

What’s a family movie without a gorilla being serenaded by Seth Green? The one in “Old Dogs” is even funnier knowing that Green played a werewolf on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.”
Here’s a little clip from ReelzChannel with Robin Williams and Seth Green talking about working with gorillas. The movie opens in theaters on Wednesday and also stars John Travolta, Kelly Preston, and their daughter Ella Bleu. Check out their take on it, too.

I can’t say I’m all that crazy about Meryl Streep’s dress at the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” premiere in New York City. There’s sort of a whole lot going on there. Too much, really. But Meryl, as always, looks fantastic.
The animated movie opens Nov. 25, 2009, and stars George Clooney as the title character, a fox who’s dealing with three wealthy farmers who are none too happy about Mr. Fox feeding his family on their poultry.
The voice cast also includes Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe, Owen Wilson, and Jason Schwartzman. Watch the trailer here.
Image: INF