Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!
In theaters now:
Cars 2
Short Story:
Get ready to put the pedal to the metal! Pixar is back with Cars 2, a sequel to the 2006 animated hit. This time around, champion racecar Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) and redneck tow truck Mater (Larry the Cable Guy) venture overseas for the first World Grand Prix. But things take a wrong -- and funny -- turn when clueless Mater accidentally gets tangled in a dangerous web of international espionage.
What They're Saying:
"This is Mater's movie. It's a Materthon. I would call it Materific if he didn't leave me longing for WALLE's robot to crush him into a silent cube." -- TIME Magazine
"The Cars characters will never be in danger of melting my heart, but the spy antics in this film are enough of a rip-roaring distraction to carry me through the almost two-hour running time." -- IGN Movies
Good for the Kids?
This may be the first Pixar film to recieve not-so-steller reviews, but you'll probably still want to race over to your nearest theater! With familiar characters and amazing animation, young kids will love the action and adventure.
Bad Teacher
Short Story:
Don't expect to get an education from Elizabeth (Cameron Diaz), a wildly inappropriate, foul-mouthed, gold-digging middle school teacher. When she unexpectedly gets dumped by her fiancé, she sets her sights on a rich substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake), while fighting off the affections of a sarcastic gym teacher (Jason Segel).
What They're Saying:
"Bad Teacher is a pulled punch, a pot-smoking/kid cussing/teacher copulating farce that is less than the sum of its parts." -- Orlando Sentinel
"A refreshingly raucous comedy that comes surprisingly close to completely living up to its lack of conviction..." -- MSN Movies
Good for the Kids?
It's probably better to leave the kids at home for this raunchy comedy. Rated R for drug use, nudity and language, this flick is good for adults needing a few laughs!
Conan O'Brien Can't Stop
Short Story:
After being very publicly ousted from NBC's Tonight Show, Conan O'Brien hits the road for a 32-city music and comedy tour. Appropriately titled the Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour, this documentary follows Conan's journey when he is contractually banned from appearing on television, radio and the Internet for six months after his last show.
What They're Saying:
"It's an equally insightful and excruciating journey, with our quip-ready protagonist perpetually caught between two modes: eager-to-please caffeinated and near-breakdown frustrated." -- Time Out New York
"The biggest laughs and most intriguing revelations are provided offstage in this slickly produced documentary." -- Variety
Good For the Kids?
Rated R for language, this documentary is perfect for both adults and fans of Conan, but probably not kids. The movie gives a revealing backstage look at Conan's vulnerabilities and frustration after he's forced to leave the Tonight Show. Don't fear, the comedian's humor shines though as he demonstrates his mastery in the art of improvisation.
In Case You Missed:
Green Lantern
Short Story:
Ryan Reynolds plays cocky test pilot Hal Jordan, whose life is turned upside down when a dying alien bequeaths a mystical green ring unto him. The ring gives Hal otherworldly powers, which is always nice, but also makes him part of a super-powered squadron of intergalactic peace keepers known as the Green Lantern Corps -- something he's less psyched about. But when an fierce enemy theatens the fate of Earth, Hal must put his misgivings aside to save mankind and -- of course -- win the girl (Blake Lively).
What They're Saying:
"Even in the brainless world of cinematic comic books gone bad, it's as bad as it gets -- a dumb, pointless, ugly, moronic and incomprehensible jumble of botched effects, technical blunders, and cluttered chaos." -- New York Observer
"Serves up all the requisite elements with enough self-deprecating humor to suggest it doesn't take itself too seriously." -- Hollywood Reporter
Good for the Kids?
Though reviews have been mediocre at best, this PG-13-rated flick is a good one for teens, as well as sci-fi and comic book junkies.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Short Story:
Based on the best-selling children's book, this family comedy stars Jim Carrey as Mr. Popper, a workaholic businessman who surprisingly inherits six penguins from his explorer father. Forced to convert his luxury New York apartment into a winter wonderland to care for the penguins, Popper's professional life begins to sink -- just as his family life begins to swim.
What They're Saying:
"Although the mix of real gentoo penguins and CGI tricksters will keep youngsters entertained, we spend a lot of time waiting for the movie to shake a tail feather." -- Toronto Star
"With, say, Eddie Murphy as the star, Mr. Popper's Penguins might have been a glorified paycheck contrivance. But Carrey is so naturally stylized that he coaxes the film's gentle, creature-feature insanity to life." -- Entertainment Weekly
Good for the Kids?
With manic, putty-faced Jim Carrey taking center stage, this is comedy magic for young kids. Although the movie has received mixed reviews, most of the critics agree on one fact: Carrey's ridiculous facial expressions -- and the adorable penguins -- will you keep kids laughing the whole way through!
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/cars-2-movie-preview-bad-teacher-movie-preview/1-a-360063
Rachel Bilson Bianca Kajlich Nelly Furtado America Ferrera Danica Patrick Talisa Soto Desiree Dymond
