'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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'This Means War' (2012)

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Tuck and Frank (FDR) are best friends, but they're also CIA agents who've been sat on the bench because they've got a price on their heads.  Frank is a ladies man, always on the prowl.  Tuck is divorced with a son he hasn't been close to.  Trying to find a way to connect to the world again, Tuck places his profile on a dating website.  Enter Lauren.  In a twist of fate, Lauren sees Tuck's profile but also bumps into Frank offline.  In a hilarious mission impossible way, Tuck and Frank must try to get Lauren to chose one of them, even if it means that using CIA tactics of sabotage and surveillance must be used no hands barred.

Our review:  It's silly and ridiculous, yet entertaining in a strange way.  The fact that two guys could fight over the same girl happens all the time.  The botched mission in Hong Kong that benches them keeps the two guys moody and desperate for action.  The fact that Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy are thrown together in this mess is funny enough.  The executives who put this together couldn't have picked a stranger trio, but it works.  Who will win the war?  You'll have to watch to decide.

(Our rating)

Genre: Action, Comedy, Adventure

Rated R for some sexual content

Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Chris Pine and Tom Hardy

Directed by:  McG

Writing Credits: Timothy Dowling and Marcus Gautesen (story), Dowling and Simon Kinberg (screenplay)

Official Movie Trailer:

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'The Descendants' (2011)

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Matt King, a husband and father of two girls, must re-examine his past and navigate his future when his wife is in a boating accident off Waikiki, Hawaii.  King awkwardly attempts to repair his relationship with his two daughters - 10 year-old Scottie and rebellious 17 year-old Alexandra - while singlehandedly trying to negotiate the best result for his family's land.  The land, handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries, is one of the last priceless virgin parcels of tropical beach and green space in all of the islands.  One week to make it all right for everyone involved, including himself. 

 Our review: Billed as a comedic drama, we found more sadness than humor in this film.  While Clooney is perfect as an out-of-touch father, the way his girls treat him speaks volumes about parenting in the 21st Century.  We found many moments in the movie heart-wrenching, yet relevant.  At other times we laughed out loud at some of the humorous moments only life can bring.  We used a couple handkerchiefs - one for when we felt sadness, the other for when we cried laughing.  At times this movie drags along making you wonder whether there is a point and connection to his family life and business life.  Sentimental and heartwarming in other ways.

(Our rating)

Genre: Drama, Humor
Rated R for language including some sexual references

Starring:  George Clooney, Shailene Woodley, Amara Miller

Family Guide:

•  This movie is appropriately rated as 'R' by the MPAA. Sexual infidelity is spoken of, but not shown.  The children in the movie use very strong and pervasive language and are often seen in revealing clothing.  Pornography is spoken of and sexual language is used in negative context.  The mother is in a coma (she is never seen awake, moving or talking) throughout the movie.  Scenes of decision-making related to loved ones' deaths.  Obscene hand gestures, alcohol use and abuse, emotional scenes not appropriate for young children or young teens.

Directed by: Alexander Payne
Writing credits: Alexander Payne, Nat Faxon, Jim Rash (screenplay)
Based on the novel by: Kaui Hart Hemmings

Oscar-Award winning movie (among other awards)