Reviews : Family Film Reviews

Review: The Tooth Fairy

“Tooth Fairy” is profoundly unfunny and infuriatingly conventional. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
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Review: The Spy Next Door

"The Spy Next Door" is dreary, by-the-numbers action comedy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
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Review: Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel

An Oscar-caliber animation classic that ... oh who are we kidding? If you saw the first "Chipmunk" movie you've seen this one, too. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
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Review: The Princess and the Frog

"The Princess and the Frog" is a skillful, enjoyable picture, helped along by a superb voice cast and a sustained explosion of color. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Old Dogs

A spastic, noxious comedy, "Old Dogs" is insufferable. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
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Review: A Christmas Carol

The latest version of "A Christmas Carol" takes a bold technological leap forward, with dazzling results. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
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Review: Astro Boy

"Astro Boy" boasts glossy visuals, red-hot action, and a sparkling cast of voices, but is too bizarre and cartoony to leave a lasting impression. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
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Review: Where the Wild Things Are

Director Spike Jonze has his heart in the right place, but extending something so perfectly concise invites more trouble than triumph. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
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Review: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

Energetic and dripping with cutting-edge humor, "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs" makes for a hilarious mouth-watering sit. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
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Review: Ponyo

Heartwarming and graciously surreal, "Ponyo" is an elevating fantasy that swims enthusiastically in delightfully unexpected directions. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
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Review: Aliens in the Attic

"Aliens in the Attic" combines physical comedy and CG-enhanced shenanigans to make routine, flavorless pap. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
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Review: G-Force

"G-Force" is a halfway interesting movie that doesn’t trust itself enough to enjoy the wacky premise. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
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Review: Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs

"Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" is a charming film with a relaxed mood and a playful cast. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Race to Witch Mountain

"Race to Witch Mountain is a a vibrant diversion, but lacks heart. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B-)
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Review: Bedtime Stories

"Bedtime Stories" is more harmless merriment than hilarity. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
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Review: The Tale of Despereaux

"Tale" is a sprawling story of honor and forgiveness compacted poorly by filmmakers who can't pin down a point of view. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
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Review: Bolt

"Bolt" gets by on a heady froth of charisma and a few surprises. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
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Review: WALL-E

Pixar's latest is a misguided, preach-fest that suffers from storytelling lethargy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
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Review: Kung Fu Panda

Kung Fu Panda is a charming, enormously entertaining film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
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Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian

"The Chronicles of Narnia" sequel lacks needed dimension and narrative. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
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Review: Speed Racer

Despite stunning visual effects, "Speed Racer" is a joyless, over-plotted nostalgia machine. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
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Review: Nim's Island

Miscalculated direction and disappointing acting make for a fantasy failure. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
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Review: Horton Hears a Who

An askew pop sensibility gives "Horton Hears a Who" ample charm. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour

Miley Cyrus' energetic performance shines. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
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Review: National Treasure: Book of Secrets

A "sequel" rehashing the original's story and locations. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
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Review: Alvin and the Chipmunks

A tired screenplay and a lack of comedic vision combine for mediocre family entertainment. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
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Review: Enchanted

Disney pays homage to past princesses with it's latest endeavor aimed at tweens. Review by Connie Wang. (Grade: C+)
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Review: Enchanted

Amy Adams brings wonder and heart to Disney's latest princess movie. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium

Cacophonous special effects abound in this fanciful family film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Martian Child

A sweet well-intended family drama that's nothing new. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
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Review: Ratatouille

"Ratatouille" maintains Pixar's high standards, but it overstays its welcome with a bloated running time. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Gracie

"Gracie" embraces coming-of-age and empowerment themes without caving to cliches. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Shrek the Third

Past success lets the third installment of the "Shrek" franchise settle into a welcome groove. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Meet the Robinsons

It took seven writers to create this animated mess? Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
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Review: Unaccompanied Minors

Armed with a talented young cast and a director with a vision, this family film is a pleasant surprise. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
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Review: Flicka

Unnecessary family angst screws up what should have been a simple story of a girl and a horse. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
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Review: Open Season

Yet another CG flick about talking animals who laugh at farts. How novel. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
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Review: How to Eat Fried Worms

There are big changes in this "Worms" adaptation, but the novel's gross-out factor remains intact. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
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Review: Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Self-awareness and high expectations suck the playfulness out of this "Pirates" sequel. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
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Review: Cars

Pixar's superb animation is a sight to behold, but the "Cars" storyline lacks creativity. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
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Review: Over the Hedge

Inspired anarchy highlights "Hedge's" best moments, but a by-the-numbers plot limits the film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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Review: Hoot

"Hoot" aims to mix family fare with an eco-friendly message, but director Wil Shriner can't tie the threads together. (Grade: C+)
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Review: Akeelah and the Bee

Can you use cliche in a sentence? "The film started well, but quickly fell victim to cliche." Cliche ... C-L-I-C-H-E ... Cliche. (Grade: B-)
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Review: The Wild

Once you get past the similarities to "Madagascar," this animated animal romp actually entertains. (Grade: B-)
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