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“One night, my 3-year-old asked me if she could sleep in my bed. I told her no. She said, “That’s not fair! Why does Daddy get to sleep in your bed?” READ MORE
Films & DVDs
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And remember to bring a fork and knife [For ages 6-12] How to Eat Fried Worms Opens Aug. 25 Rated G Thomas Rockwell’s children’s book about overcoming fears has been a perennial bestseller since its release in 1973 and the inspiration of classroom projects everywhere. Now it’s a movie starring Luke Benwald, Tom Cavanaugh and Kimberly Williams. The story centers on Billy, an 11-year-old who inadvertently challenges the town bully on his first day at a new school. To save face and earn the respect of his new classmates, Billy agrees to a bet that requires him to eat 10 worms in a single day. Think “Fear Factor” for children. A word to the wise for parents: The previews looked absolutely unappetizing. The Ant Bully Opens Aug. 4 Rated PG Speaking of bullies, be nice to nature friends or you might end up like 10-year-old Lucas Nickle, who squashes an innocent ant hill and the colony responds by shrinking the boy down to their size using a magic potion. The animated feature boasts a strong voice cast led by Nicolas Cage, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep. [For ages 9-16] Invincible Opens Aug. 25 Rated PG Before realizing his dream of becoming a pro football player, Vince Papale was a luckless 30-year-old substitute teacher and part-time bartender who never even played college ball. Mark Wahlberg plays him in this biopic that hints of “The Rookie” and other reality-based, triumph-over-adversity sports movies. Greg Kinnear blows the coach’s whistle. [For ages 9-16] Material Girls Opens Aug. 18 Rated PG Madonna may be the “Material Girl,” but Hilary and Haylie Duff are the title characters of this comedy about a pair of rich sisters who learn that the family’s cosmetics fortune has turned into vanishing cream due to a corporate scandal. Sounds like “Uptown Girls” times two, which doesn’t bode well for the movie or for us. [dvds] this month Akeelah and the Bee (Rated PG, available Aug. 29, for ages 8-16): With a Broadway musical, a wide-release documentary, its national finals moving from ESPN to ABC prime time two months ago, and now this feature film of April coming to home video, overkill is near for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. However, tired as the world may be of bees, the movie is a winner. Keke Palmer plays a girl who finds security and triumph through spelling bees. She steals scenes from Angela Bassett and Laurence Fishburne, which is harder to do than spelling “U-R-S-P-R-A-C-H-E,” this year’s winning word. Grade: B Brother Bear 2 (Rated G, available Aug. 29, for ages 4 to 8): The made-for-DVD sequel to the 2003 animated Disney feature has Kenai (voiced by Patrick Dempsey) learning another life lesson, not that being turned into a bear as punishment for his insensitivity wasn’t the ultimate learning experience. This time he and his adopted bear brother Koda are driven by spirits to ruin the wedding day of Nita, an old friend of Kenai’s (Mandy Moore). Not reviewed by press time. Elmo’s Potty Time (unrated, available Aug. 22, for ages 2-4): The video shelves are flush with potty training titles, but for tots who are fans of Elmo, Grover and other lovable residents of Sesame Street, the delightful songs and approach should make this DVD No. 1 (or No. 2 – wink, wink) with your child. The title has been available on VHS format since 2002. Grade: A |
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