'Chernobyl Diaries' (2012)

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A group of six young vacationers who, looking to go off the beaten path, hire an "extreme" tour guide. Ignoring warnings, he takes them into the city of Pripyat, the former home to the workers of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor, but a deserted town since the disaster more than 25 years ago.

Our review:  When we heard this movie was coming out, we thought - ah, another 'I am Legend' (which was scary in a lot of ways).  Would you want to go wander around a deserted town that had been ravaged by a nuclear meltdown?  Our take was that it ended up being about as "terrifying" as the 'Paranormal Activity' series of films.  We loved jumping when the drama gets intense and everyone in the theater gasps (or screams), but when you get down to it - this movie really isn't all that frightening.  Mainly, it was because they practically advertised when the scary parts were coming.  Better than 'Night of the Living Dead' was in black and white (oh, the old days of horror), but not nearly as scary as it could have been.  You won't accidentally choke on a sip of your theater drink in this one.

(Our rating)

Genre:  Horror

(THIS MOVIE IS NOT YET OUT ON DVD OR BLU-RAY)

Rated R for violence, some bloody images and pervasive language

Starring:  Jesse McCartney, Jonathan Sadowski and Olivia Dudley

Official Movie Trailer:

Note:  Once movies that are currently in theaters go to DVD and Blu-ray, we edit what is placed on our review of the film.  We add family guides, movie stills (at times) and other information - such as what extras may be included in the DVD or Blu-ray versions that you can rent or own.

'The Lorax' (Dr. Seuss) (2012)

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Dr. Seuss' famed tale of a 12-year-old boy searching for anything that might win the affection of the girl of his dreams explores the world of young love.  In order to gain her affection, Ted must learn and understand the story of the Lorax, a grumpy yet charming creature who is fighting to protect his world.

Our review:  Universal Studios and Illumination Entertainment, the creators of 'Despicable Me' pull out all the stops to bring this famed children's tale to life on-screen.  There isn't much to love about the walled city of Thneed-Ville, except Audrey.  Ted's voyage to seek out the Once-ler (a ruined old businessman in the wastelands) teaches a good lesson about being grateful for what you have.  Some have called 'The Lorax' a tale that only environmentalists would love, but we found that the story, like the book by Dr. Seuss, has much more to offer.  Geared towards children, this movie really does entertain adults nearly as much.  The lessons learned are ones that speak volumes about the first love of our lives, what we hold personally dear to us and that what we take for granted may be the very thing we need in our lives.

(Our rating)

Genre:  Family, Animation, Comedy

Rated PG for brief mild language

Starring the voices of:  Zac Efron, Taylor Swift and Danny DeVito

Family Guide:  There is some mystery to this movie and action that may startle younger children, but true violence is not a part of this film.  Most of the actions that could be construed as "violent" are playful actions or ones taken by the "villain(s)" in the film but do not actually depict more that fantasy and can be explained easily to children.  One use of the word 'damn' is in the film, but otherwise the only questionable language refers to childish name-calling and teasing.  Some children are frightened by the actions of the Once-ler who is the big villain in the film.

Directed by:  Chris Renaud and Kyle Balda

Writing credits:  Dr. Seuss (book); Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul (screenplay)

Official Movie Trailer:

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