Children & Family/ Sci-Fi: Planet 51- 2009

After searching the universe for alien life, astronaut Chuck Baker finally finds a planet that does, only here, they seem to be living in their version of America's 1950's. When his spaceship is stranded, and captured by the alien military Chuck realizes quickly that he's the alien here, and has to do everything in his power, with the help of some new friends, to survive being captured, and get back home to planet Earth!

Grade: B

This was a really cute and funny family friendly movie, that also touched on some issues that have been, and might still be, true, when it comes to encountering something we don't fully understand. In a lighthearted way, this movie reveals how it's so much easier to portray something unknown as scary and dangerous, rather than attempting to understand it. I think that the message in this movie was one worth learning, and especially for the little ones, one worth absorbing, and putting into action. I love a movie that can teach a lesson in a fun, and funny, way, without being preachy and overly "do what I say". This was a great one to watch with the kids.

Family Comedy: Old Dogs- 2009

Middle aged, successful businessman Dan is suddenly surprised to find out that he is the father of seven year old twins. When a situation arises leaving him, and his thirty year business partner "uncle Charlie" the only people available to watch the kids for two weeks, it leaves him little time to learn how to be a dad.

Grade: C+

This was a cute family movie, that actually had it's "laugh out loud" moments. Robin Williams and John Travolta make a somewhat "odd couple" duo, and Seth Green adds to this strange little gang. This movie was full of cameos by a ton of funny actors, making it all the more enjoyable. This was not some sort of deeply sophisticated movie, just a nice, lighthearted family flick that's sure to make your kids laugh!

Family Sci-Fi/Fantasy: Wall-E- 2008

After the worlds population has depleted the earth of it's resources, and moves to a space station, it is the job of Wall-E, and other robots like him to scour the earth for any sign of life. Unfortunately Wall-E ends up being the last one left, until a newer model shows up, and becomes his love interest. When things go awry it is Wall-E's job to find and save her.

Grade: B+

This movie was just great. It was cute, and funny, and heart warming. I mean, honestly, who would have guessed that a CG robot could actually make me misty eyed. Not to mention that despite the total lack of dialogue for a large portion of the movie, it was still so easy to stay interested and enjoy. This is a family friendly, wonderful movie.

Fantasy: The Chronicles of Narnia; The lion, the witch anf the wardrobe- 2005

In this family friendly fantasy adventure four children from London are sent away to a boarding school for safety during WWII, only to discover a magical wardrobe cabinet that transports them to a mystical place and time, where their troubles in "the real world" seem no more prevalent than they are there.

Grade: B+

For some reason I was actually hesitant to watch this one. It took me a while to decide that I did indeed want to watch it, and I was pleasantly surprised. The story was wonderful, and actually kept me really interested. The acting was great, and the film itself was amazingly visually stunning. A wonderful fairy tale story.