By Trina Boice WHAT’S IT ABOUT? Based on The Nutcracker and the Mouse King by E.T. A. Hoffmann, this coming-of-age movie adaptation feels partially familiar, yet also new and wacky. It feels like a sugary cupcake that is beautifully decorated, but mostly fluff with no nutritional value. Very young girls may enjoy it. Most everyone else will be bored or disappointed. IS IT ANY GOOD? C+ Not ...[Read More]
NUTCRACKER AND THE FOUR REALMS Family Movie Review
BEN-HUR Family Movie Review
By Jonathan Decker (Family therapist, film critic) WHAT'S BEN-HUR ABOUT? A Jewish prince seeks revenge on the adopted brother who betrayed him into slavery, but encounters with Jesus Christ teach him a better way. IS IT ANY GOOD? (GRADE: C+) Watching the new Ben-Hur is like attending a concert by a decent cover band. The material is familiar and beloved with good reason, the right notes are being ...[Read More]
THE DARK KNIGHT RISES Family Movie Review
REVIEW (GRADE: B+) Neither as sharply focused nor as gripping as the two films that preceded it, this nearly three-hour finale suffers from pacing issues, some unclear dialogue, and a choppy first hour, but finds its footing to close out the trilogy with heart, plenty of action, and some terrific performances. If you thought 2008's The Dark Knight was too dark or sadistic, you'll find much to enjo ...[Read More]
INVICTUS Family Movie Review
By Jonathan Decker (Family therapist, film critic) Rent or buy Invictus here. With Clint Eastwood directing, Morgan Freeman playing Nelson Mandela, and Matt Damon sharing top billing, how could Invictus fail? The answer is that it doesn’t, as this rich historical drama provides great insight into South African history and the philosophy of one of the 20th century’s greatest leaders. The film tell ...[Read More]
THE DARK KNIGHT Family Movie Review
By Jonathan Decker (Family therapist, film critic) Rent or buy The Dark Knight here. Though this film deserves a very long review, as I have so much to say about it, what more needs to be said than has already been mentioned by the nation's critics, who have contributed to The Dark Knight‘s whopping 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes? Some are saying it's better than Batman Begins, director Chri ...[Read More]