Movie Review: Open Season

This animated movie tells the story of a bear raised in captivity who suddenly finds himself alone and stranded in the wild as a result of some wild and crazy behavior with a one-antler reject deer. Determined to make it back to the "comforts of home" (i.e. a toilet, comfy bed in the garage, and fish biscuits) he manages to alienate himself and his trusty companion from all of the other forest animals. In the end, redemption comes from saving the forest from the hunters during open season- hense the title of the movie- in a truly histerical battle where roles are reversed from hunter to hunted. (And yes, the bear is armed with a toilet plunger in the picture above.) In addition to great animation, celebrity voices, and memorable characters, this movie also sports some fantastic one-liners. If you like crazy, random humor and squirrels with "So I Married An Ax Murderer"-esque scottish accents, this is definitely the movie for you. So if you're in the mood for Monty Python type humor, Open Season is a great choice- just make sure you're in the mood...

Movie Review: Bridge to Terabithia

If you're thinking about going to see this adaptation of the children's book of the same name, there are a few things to be aware of. First, bring tissue. If you've read the book you know that the last couple of chapters are definite tear jerkers and the movie certainly doesn't disappoint. Second, if you've read the book, don't be worried about it being one of those movies where they change things around and alter key moments. It follows the book pretty darn closely. (Good news I guess if you liked the book.) Third, if you haven't read the book, it's not the movie you would expect to see from the preview. The two comments Gordon made as we left the theater were "Wow, that was a short movie (note: it's only an hour and a half)- and- I wish there had been more magic." But, if you'd have read the book, you'd know that it's a story about true friendship more than anything else. All in all, I thought this was a pretty good movie. It definitely doesn't hold a candle to the Chronicles of Narnia but it's a great one to take any kid to who loves playing make believe. My recommendation: read the book and you'll appreciate the movie a hundred times more.