Family Film Reviews
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+)
Review: Astro Boy
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Animation Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
"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-)
Review: Where the Wild Things Are
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
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+)
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-)
Review: Ponyo
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Animation Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Heartwarming and graciously surreal, Ponyo is an elevating fantasy that swims
enthusiastically in delightfully unexpected directions. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
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)
Review: G-Force
G-Force is a halfway interesting movie that doesnt trust itself enough to enjoy the wacky premise. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
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)
Review: Race to Witch Mountain
"Race to Witch Mountain is a a vibrant diversion, but lacks heart. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B-)
Review: Bedtime Stories
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Comedy Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
"Bedtime Stories" is more harmless merriment than hilarity. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
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-)
Review: Bolt
"Bolt" gets by on a heady froth of charisma and a few surprises. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: WALL-E
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Animation Reviews
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
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Sci-Fi Reviews
Pixar's latest is a misguided, preach-fest that suffers from storytelling lethargy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Kung Fu Panda
Kung Fu Panda is a charming, enormously entertaining film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
"The Chronicles of Narnia" sequel lacks needed dimension and narrative. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Speed Racer
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Action Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Despite stunning visual effects, "Speed Racer" is a joyless, over-plotted nostalgia machine. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Nim's Island
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Comedy Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Miscalculated direction and disappointing acting make for a fantasy failure. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Horton Hears a Who
An askew pop sensibility gives "Horton Hears a Who" ample charm. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour
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Family Film Reviews
Miley Cyrus' energetic performance shines. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: National Treasure: Book of Secrets
A "sequel" rehashing the original's story and locations. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Alvin and the Chipmunks
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Family Film Reviews
A tired screenplay and a lack of comedic vision combine for mediocre family entertainment. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Enchanted
Disney pays homage to past princesses with it's latest endeavor aimed at tweens. Review by Connie Wang. (Grade: C+)
Review: Enchanted
Amy Adams brings wonder and heart to Disney's latest princess movie. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
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Family Film Reviews
Cacophonous special effects abound in this fanciful family film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Martian Child
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
A sweet well-intended family drama that's nothing new. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: Ratatouille
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Animation Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
"Ratatouille" maintains Pixar's high standards, but it overstays its welcome with a bloated running time. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Gracie
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
"Gracie" embraces coming-of-age and empowerment themes without caving to cliches. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
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)
Review: Meet the Robinsons
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Animation Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
It took seven writers to create this animated mess? Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: Unaccompanied Minors
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Comedy Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
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+)
Review: Flicka
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Unnecessary family angst screws up what should have been a simple story of a girl and a horse. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: Open Season
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Comedy Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Yet another CG flick about talking animals who laugh at farts. How novel. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: How to Eat Fried Worms
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Comedy Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
There are big changes in this "Worms" adaptation, but the novel's gross-out factor remains intact. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
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+)
Review: Cars
Pixar's superb animation is a sight to behold, but the "Cars" storyline lacks creativity. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
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)
Review: Hoot
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Family Film Reviews
"Hoot" aims to mix family fare with an eco-friendly message, but director Wil Shriner can't tie the threads together. (Grade: C+)
Review: Akeelah and the Bee
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
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-)
Review: The Wild
Once you get past the similarities to "Madagascar," this animated animal romp actually entertains. (Grade: B-)
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