DELGO
Rated PG for sequences of fantasy action violence. Ok for kids 6+. In theaters 12/12. 3.5 out of 5 Reels.
Anne Bancroft, Val Kilmer, Freddie Prinze, Jr., Jennifer Love Hewitt, Burt Reynolds, and Kelly Ripa are just a few of the star voices populating this animated movie about an adventurous dreamer who must rally others to protect their world. A thoughtful film about working together for the common good.
THE TALE OF DESPEREAUX
Not yet rated, likely PG. Ok for kids 6+. In theaters 12/19. 3.5 out of 5 Reels.
The fates of three unlikely heroes — a misfit mouse who prefers reading books to eating them, an unhappy rat who schemes to leave the darkness of the dungeon, and a bumbling servant girl with cauliflower ears — are intertwined with that of a castle's princess. This animated fairy tale features the voices of Emma Watson, Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Sigourney Weaver, and plenty of other stars. It’s a tale of bravery, forgiveness and redemption that shows kids how one tiny creature can teach a kingdom something about looking beyond the surface.
BEDTIME STORIES
Not yet rated, likely PG. In theaters 12/25. 3 out of 5 Reels.
This adventure comedy stars Adam Sandler as Skeeter Bronson, a hotel handyman whose life is changed forever when the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to mysteriously come true. He decides to take advantage of the phenomenon, incorporating his own wishes into one outlandish tale after another. But it’s the kids' unexpected contributions that turn Skeeter's life upside down. While not rated at press time, this looks like a fun movie for kids tween-aged and older.
MARLEY & ME
Not yet rated. OK for kids 12+. In theaters 12/25. 4 out of 5 Reels.
Owen Wilson, Jennifer Aniston, Alan Arkin, Eric Dane, and Kathleen Turner head up the cast of this heartwarming movie about a family in the making and the wondrously neurotic dog who teaches them what really matters in life. Based on the memoir by John Grogan.
Jane Boursaw is a family entertainment writer specializing in movies and TV. Visit her at Reel Life With Jane; follow her on Twitter; become a friend on Facebook; email jboursaw@charter.net.
