Wall-E

 

A futuristic movie portraying just how Earth could end up if the rate of consumption and trash production doesn’t slow down. Cleverly done, as a single robot character on his own is able to carry the entire first portion of the film.

The trash level and toxic fumes have so consumed the planet that humanity is forced to evacuate for nearly a millennium. When a probe finally discovers plant life that has been shepherded by a trash compacting robot with a big heart, things get even more interesting. By Disney-Pixar.

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Nim’s Island: A Movie Review

Starring Jodie Foster, Abigail Breslin and Gerard Butler, this movie features a young girl (Nim) living alone on a remote island with her plankton studying Dad and corresponding with her favorite adventure novelist, Alex Rover.

When Nim’s Dad gets delayed and stranded in a dangerous storm, Nim reaches out to her adventure writing hero, Ms. Alex Rover. The problem? Ms. Rover only writes about adventure, and spends most of her time holed up in her home, avoiding society and people in general. Once Nim’s situation reaches critical however, Alex realizes she needs to step in and fly to Nim’s assistance.

The scenery is certainly stellar, and any child or class who has read the corresponding book will enjoy watching the cinematic reenactment. While I found the characters a tad underdeveloped from an adult perspective, it was still a charming film overall. Worth using in the classroom as a culminating activity to a literature study or as a family-style film for at home entertainment. Available at Amazon.Com.

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The Golden Compass

 

 

Looking for a magical tale of intrigue from the great frozen north? This wondrous story of a parallel universe may be just the ticket.

Sam Elliott, Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig star in this film chronicling the journey of a young girl on a quest to save her world, and the one beyond. Warrior bears, secret dust, a magical compass . . . this movie seems to have all as far as kids are concerned.

For as much controversy as this film generated in the religious community, I expected it to be much more preachy. But honestly? Not my impression at all. I simply saw this as a visually intense, story-rich flick that kids of all ages could get excited about seeing. Is there some obvious allegory and an anti-establishment overtone? Sure. But nothing that in my opinion got in the way of the great entertainment this film offers.

Worth checking out.

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Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium

A magical store where toys come to life is the backdrop for this film starring Natalie Portman and Dustin Hoffman.

The Wonder Emporium, run by Mr. MaGorium, is getting ready to change hands. Dustin Hoffman’s character (MaGorium) wants to give the store to his long time manager and apprentice Mahoney (Portman) as his legacy to her. But the transition doesn’t go as either of them plan. Included in the mischief and mayhem are the store’s new accountant and it’s most loyal young customer and managerial assistant, Eri.

Packed with fun, magic and the power of imagination, I found this movie to be an extremely pleasant surprise.

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Nanny McPhee: A New Mary Poppins?

What do you get when you combine the talents of Angela Lansbury, Colin Firth and Emma Thompson?

A magical tale of love, responsibility and growing up. Emma Thompson plays Nanny McPhee, the latest in a long string of nannies hired by Mr. Brown (Colin Firth) who have previously been easily run off by his seven resistant children. The difference this time? Magic.

McPhee uses her powers to direct their rowdiness on a path they never expected. As far as the hubbub of this movie being a new Mary Poppins . . . well, I’m sure that was meant as a compliment, but I believe it may be a disservice to a film that’s clearly able to stand on its own.

A great addition to the classroom library. Keep it on hand to show for a hard earned whole group behavioral reward. Primary through intermediate grade levels should find it entertaining.

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Lemony Snickett’s A Series of Unfortunate Events

A darker children’s story with a European feel, this film would make an interesting selection for the intermediate classroom.

Based on a children’s book series by the same name, this piece stars Jim Carrey, Meryl Streep and the narrative voice of Jude Law. The persecuted child theme brought back memories for me of some of Roald Dahl’s work.

I noticed it was filmed with a visually dark approach as well, which I found an interesting artistic choice. It definitely added to the feel of this movie, and added more than a touch of drama. This film would make a great addition to any educator’s film library, on its own or as a culminating viewing activity after studying the books as a class.

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Movie Review: Night at the Museum

A working father’s night job turns out to be far more intense than he expects . . .

Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Dick Van Dyke and Owen Wilson join for a feel good family movie that celebrates history in a humorous tale of thievery and teamwork.

Ben Stiller plays Larry Daley, a newly hired night watchman who must somehow learn to control the chaos and create peace between the museum’s evening residents, who come alive from sunset to sunrise. A fun film for at home or in the classroom.

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Movie Review: The Great Debaters

Starring Denzel Washington and introducing several new talents, this movie is for more than coaches of debate teams.

Set in the south during the era of segregation, this film tells the story of an inspirational teacher, some motivated, capable students, and the changing consciousness of a nation. Sometime towards the middle of the movie, Denzel delivers a line that I dare say has been on the wish list of teachers for generations.

When questioned repeatedly by a student he was trying to instruct, he responds forcefully “Hell is where you’re headed if you question me again!” In my humble opinion, one of the most hilarious teacher lines in the entire flick, tied equally with “Resolved!” But I’ll let you decide. Personal verdict? Great for African American History Month, debate team activity night or a simple feel-good flick for teachers and families. Definitely worth checking out.

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Movie Review: March of the Penguins

A film shot with a fair amount of discipline, devotion and passion for the subject to say the least. For those who have not yet seen it, if you are looking for a new library addition to your unit on penguins or Antarctica, you will not be disappointed.

Narrated in the earthy voice of one of my favorite actors, Morgan Freeman, and edited with amazing footage, this piece really tells the story of just how hard it is for these birds to reproduce and survive each year. For a detailed and exciting look at the day to day life of these magnificent survivalists, check this film out. It’s definitely worth picking up a copy for your classroom or media center.

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Movie Review: Whale Rider

Based on the novel of the same name, this film celebrates the Maori culture of New Zealand.

A young girl, Pai, must overcome gender resistance from her grandfather, who is helping raise her. According to tribal tradition, any successive tribal leader must be the son of the current one. According to legend, a chief named Paikea rode a whale and led his people to their current land of New Zealand. In a well – directed modern extension of a traditional myth, Pai shows herself to be capable of picking up the torch with a touch of girl power. Family dynamics are also well demonstrated as the girl and her grandmother try to break through to a stubborn man. I can honestly recommend this film in its own right, as well as a companion piece for those studying the novel. For intermediate grades and up.

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Movie Review: Freedom Writers

A young first year educator tackles a group of rough inner city teens through a high school English class.

Using basic but powerful student journaling strategies (also the basis for the script) and a study of the life of Ann Frank, she finds a way to break through and earn their trust. Also dealt with in this piece starring Hillary Swank and Patrick Dempsey, is the issue of balancing family time with the brutal professional demands of classroom teaching. Something that ultimately cost the lead character her marriage. A feel good flick for teachers.

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Movie Review: Rabbit-Proof Fence

In this biographical account of the struggle for aboriginal rights in rural Australia, three young girls tackle significant adversity to find their way back home after being forcefully torn away in the early 1930’s.

Featuring real-life footage and commentary from two of the girls, this film pulls no punches when it comes to the misguided separation of mixed heritage children from their indigenous parents and culture that continued to occur as late as the 1970’s. Racial tensions, family ties and the struggle for human rights are all main themes in this film by Miramax Home Entertainment. Molly’s strength of character and fortitude are nothing short of incredible. At least one scene has adult themed content, but in my opinion is still suitable for older students studying the history of aboriginal rights in Australia. Worth including in your unit study.

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