The Snow Queen

Posted on October 10, 2013 at 5:00 pm

C-

Lowest Recommended Age:	Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
MPAA Rating:	Rated PG
Profanity:	NOne
Alcohol/ Drugs:	None
Violence/ Scariness:	Fairy tale and fantasy peril and violence, guns, fire, parents killed
Diversity Issues:	Strong female heroine and villains
Date Released to Theaters:	October 6, 2013

It may be a coincidence that a Russian animation studio decided to make a movie based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the Snow Queen at the same time as Disney’s big-budget feature, “Frozen,” inspired by the same source. But it is probably not a coincidence that the low-budget, low-quality Russian version got distribution in the United States as it would otherwise not have attracted any interest beyond the straight-to-DVD bin. Russia, which once produced animation of exquisite beauty and storytelling, shows with this film that it can churn out uninspired, dull animation just like everyone else. The visuals are poorly conceived, with characters that are hardly more expressive than Weebles apart from the cleavage that is the most notable feature of at least three of the female characters. The vocal performances are uninspired and uninvolving. And the one effect that words, a 360 degree swoop-around, is relentlessly overused. The script is muddled and dull. Plus, there are fart jokes.

This version of the story has a little girl named Gerda (Jessica Strauss) in search of her brother just as The Snow Queen (Cindy Robinson) has sent her troll (Douglas Erholtz, trying to sound like a Borscht belt comic) to find her. The Snow Queen has frozen the world. Gerda’s brother is her captive. And Gerda may have some sort of secret power to conquer the Snow Queen, having to do with a mirror that reveals the true self.

Gerda and the troll have various PG encounters along the way that all seem to be half-heartedly designed to teach lessons about cooperation, bullying, and family. There’s a king with squabbling children, a lady who grows fragrance-less flowers in a hothouse, and a pirate captain and her daughter. The flat affect of the vocal performances and bland expressionlessness of the characters has a soporific quality. Both seem…frozen.

Parents should know that this film has fairy tale/fantasy peril and violence, with guns, fire, and pirates. Parents are killed.

Family discussion: How did being bullied affect the girl with special powers? How were Gerda and the pirate girl alike? What made the flowers smell?

If you like this, try: “The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship”

Win Tickets to See “Wizard of Oz 3D”

Posted on September 6, 2013 at 3:44 pm

It’s probably the most beloved family film of all time, and now it is bigger and deeper than ever. “The Wizard of Oz,” starring Judy Garland, is coming to 3D Imax screens for the first time. See the Munchkins, the Wicked Witch of the West, the horse of a different color, the yellow brick road, the ruby slippers, and the flying monkeys — in super-sharp definition and 3D. And hear the classic songs, including “Over the Rainbow.”

The IMAX® release The Wizard of Oz will be digitally remastered into the image and sound quality of The IMAX 3D Experience® with proprietary IMAX DMR® (Digital Remastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX®’s customized theatre geometry and powerful digital audio, create a unique environment that will make audiences feel as if they are in the movie.

Following the IMAX® theatrical release, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) will release a limited and numbered The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition on October 1, 2013. The Wizard of Oz 75th Anniversary Collector’s Edition will debut as a five-disc set that will include Blu-ray 3D TM, Blu-ray TM, DVD and UltraViolet versions of the film; a new documentary, The Making of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz; bonus features and premium collectibles, including:

A deluxe Pin Set from The Noble Collection TM , 52-page Hardcover Photo Book, RUBY SLIPPERS TM Sparkle Globe, Hard Covered Journal, a Map of Oz and more! Collection is limited and numbered. Three more editions will be available separately: a 2-disc Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray ($35.99 SRP), a one-disc Blu-ray ($19.98 SRP) and a 2-Disc DVD ($16.95 SRP). All four will contain the new documentary, The Making of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz. This candid overview details the back story of Oz and describes the manner in which an unprecedented production overcame the odds to become an integral part of American culture. It is narrated by Martin Sheen and features contributions from historians John Fricke and Sam Wasson, composers Stephen Schwartz and Marc Shaiman, critics Leonard Maltin and Michael Sragow, Bert Lahr’s son John, as well as revealing interview clips with Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Buddy Ebsen, Margaret Hamilton and Mervyn LeRoy, among others. I will have one to give away to a lucky winner, so stay tuned for details.

And I have tickets to give away to a special screening of “The Wizard of Oz 3D” in Northern Virginia on September 15. The first 60 people to log in here will receive passes. Good luck!

Win a DVD! Adventures of Bailey: A Night in Cowtown

Posted on August 30, 2013 at 9:01 am

Win a copy of this third story about the lovable dog Bailey! In this episode, Bailey falls in love with a dog from “the other side of the fence.” When her brother Felix is dognapped, Bailey and his brother Duke have to come to the rescue before Felix is sold at the “exchange” in historic Cowtown. Dove-approved and family-friendly, this is a story with cute dogs and some gentle humor.

Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with Bailey in the subject line and tell me the name of your favorite pet. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only.) I’ll pick a winner at random on Sept 4. Good luck!

Oliver & Company

Posted on August 6, 2013 at 5:00 am

Disney is celebrating the 25th anniversary of this tuneful animated classic loosely based on Dickens’ Oliver Twist with a new Blu-Ray release. It is the story of an orphaned cat named Oliver (Joey Lawrence) who is befriended by vagabond dogs led by the the dashing rapscallion, Dodger (Billy Joel). Oliver is adopted by lonely rich girl Jenny (Natalie Gregory), whose prize-winning poodle, Georgette (voice of Bette Midler), has a world-class case of jealousy. First Oliver and then Jenny are kidnapped for ransom, but are saved from wicked Sikes (Robert Loggia) by the clever animals.

While not up there with the Disney classics, this movie has real pleasures, especially Dodger’s “Why Should I Worry” musical number (written and sung by Billy Joel) with Dodger leaping and dancing through Manhattan traffic and voice talent by Midler, Dom de Louise, Ruth Pointer, and Tommy “Cheech” Marin.”

There are also some scary moments, but kids will appreciate the way that Oliver takes care of himself, and the way that the dogs take care of him, of each other, and of their human friend, the hapless Fagin (voice of Dom DeLouise).

I have one copy to give away! Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Oliver” in the subject line and tell me your favorite Billy Joel song. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only) I’ll pick a winner at random on August 14. Good luck!

Robin Hood

Posted on August 6, 2013 at 4:00 am

Disney is celebrating the 40th anniversary of one of its most beloved animated musicals with a gorgeous new Blu-Ray. It is based on the classic Robin Hood story of the man who robbed from the rich to give to the poor in 12th century England. It has cute cartoon animals playing all of the roles, a talented voice cast, and singable songs from down home country singer Roger Miller.

The story is narrated by Moore as Merry Men minstrel Alan-a-Dale, a rooster. Wicked but immature Prince John is trying to steal the crown from his brother, brave King Richard (both lions voiced by Peter Ustinov). He is backed by Sir Hiss (Terry-Thomas as a gap-toothed snake). In this version of the story, Sir Hiss hypnotizes the king to get him to leave England and fight in the Crusades. With Richard gone, John abuses the populace, imposing harsh taxes. Robin (Brian Bedford as a fox) is a nobleman who fights to protect the community, stealing back the money that has been stolen from them by Prince John. Kids will especially enjoy the antics of Prince John, who reverts to babyhood and sucks his thumb when he is under pressure.

The rest of the cast includes the distinctive voices of Phil Harris (Baloo from “The Jungle Book”) as Little John, a bear, Monica Evans as Maid Marion (a vixen), John Fiedler (voice of Pooh) as a mouse innkeeper, and Andy Devine as Friar Tuck (a badger), and in addition to Miller’s songs “Ooo De Lally,” “Whistle Stop,” and “Not in Notingham,” there is a Johnny Mercer tune, “The Phony King of England.”

I have one copy to give away! Send me an email at moviemom@moviemom.com with “Robin” in the subject line and tell me your favorite version of this story. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only) I will pick a winner at random on August 12. Good luck!

Parents should know that there is some mild peril and slapstick in this film.

Family discussion: Why were brothers John and Richard so different? Why is Robin Hood remembered as a hero? Who is most like Robin Hood today?

If you like this, try: “The Adventures of Robin Hood” with Errol Flynn and Disney animation classics like “Pinocchio” and “Peter Pan”