101 Dalmatians

Curious George (2006, Imagine Entertainment, Family Animated Adventure) Everyone’s mischievous clumsy monkey gets the big screen treatment in this wonderful animated tale featuring voices of Will Ferrell, Dick Van Dyke and Drew Barrymore. When The Man with the Yellow Hat (Ferrell), who audiences discover is actually named Ted Shackleford, discovers that the natural history museum where he works is in financial trouble and museum director's son wants to turn it into a parking lot, he offers to bring back a mysterious idol from Africa that's guaranteed to pull in crowds. The idol is only three inches tall and far from spectacular. More importantly, Ted also brings back a lonely yet irrepressible and lovable monkey he names George. Together they set out on a fun-filled and wild adventure through the big city as they try to save the museum. This I truly a film that even your youngest kids can enjoy. Lacks the scary scenes and adult humor that are often included in current kids' films. Has a few slapstick moments and most importantly, a story line that kids can easily follow, great 2D animation bright colors and a terrific soundtrack by Jack Johnson. It rings true to the spirit of the books, and thankfully, George (Frank Welker) does not talk. Recommended for ages 2-12.

23. 
    Dr. Dolittle (1967, 20^th Century Fox, Family Comedy) Dr. John Dolittle is a veterinarian that has the unique ability to talk to and understand animals. This 1960s era film features Rex Harrison as the loveable and eccentric Dr. Dolittle. He plays the role straight. You can't help but love every time Dr. Dolittle says good morning to all the animals. Although the music is corny, it's still appealing to kids who can relate to Dr. Dolittle fulfilling his dream. Recommended for ages 4-12.
    

24. 
    Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A Who (2008, 20^th Century Fox, Family Animated Adventure) Based on the timeless classic book by Dr. Seuss, the imaginative elephant Horton hears a cry for help coming from a tiny speck of dust floating through the air. Suspecting there may be life on that speck and despite his friends who think he has lost his mind, Horton is determined to help. Featuring a memorable cast of voices including Jim Carrey, Carol Burnett and Steve Carell, this is a faithful and hilarious adaptation of Dr. Seuss' classic book with outstanding talent, vibrant animation, nonsensical rhymes and expressive characters. Carrey's portrayal of Horton is charming. Thankfully, they didn't fall into the potty humor trap for this film which is refreshing. The film's message is about respect and having faith in things that can't be seen. The message, "a person's a person no matter how small" introduces kids to thoughtful philosophical questions. Recommended for ages 4-12.
    

25. 
    Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000, Universal Studios, Rated PG, Live-Action Fantasy Comedy) Inspired by the famous holiday book by Dr. Seuss, audiences are introduced to a magic world called Whoville that is populated by the Who's who absolutely adore Christmas. Expertly crafted production with great music, costumes, scenery and cinematography. This classic Christmas story has built-in meanness by the Grinch counterbalanced by Cindy Lou Who - who has her own doubts about the holiday, believing that the true meaning of Christmas may have become lost amidst the holiday rush and the hubbub. The sets and costumes are outstanding, the Grinch funny and scary all at once. Ultimately it delivers a little magic that places it right in with other holiday favorites. Contains some crude humor. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

26. 
    E.T. The Extra Terrestrial (1982, Universal Studios, PG, Adventure) Elliot is your normal boy living in the suburbs, until he meets a lost little alien. Elliot befriends the alien and names it E.T. and tries to help him find a way to get back home. During his stay little E.T. learns about human daily life and the many comical incidents that occur every day. But the government also knows of E.T. and has its own plans. Elliot must race with his friend and E.T. to make a rendezvous with the spaceship before time runs out. A fantastic film for kids today that holds their attention and captures their hearts. From the spaceship's first landing to Elliot's discovering E.T. to the flying bicycle to E.T. phoning home - we're glued to the screen. Filled with charming moments, it is a story about love, innocence and friendship. It is wonderfully cast and written and, of course, won Steven Spielberg our admiration forever. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
    

27. 
    Elf (2003, New Line Cinema, Rated PG, Holiday Fantasy Comedy) Buddy (Will Ferrell) was a baby orphan who stowed away in Santa’s sack one Christmas Eve and was raised by the elves of the North Pole. When it comes time to tell eventually him that he is in fact not an elf, Buddy is determined to go to New York to find his biological father, Walter (James Caan). Buddy’s understanding of society is based purely on Christmas themes; fun, candy, and toys. Anything else is just not logical. As Buddy’s and Walter’s relationship gets of to a rocky start it eventually grows and each learns very valuable lessons from the other. Will Ferrell is charmingly funny in this role. His childlike behavior is believable. The scene when he climbs into one of the Elf's beds only to have his legs dangle over the side is hysterical. Another great title for Holiday viewing. Some mild profanity, rude humor and drunkenness. Recommended for ages 5 -12.
    

28. 
    Enchanted (2007, Walt Disney Studios, Rated G, Animated/Live-Action Family Romantic Comedy) A soon-to-be classic that delivers a very good message about love and how it differs in real life from fairy tales. The film begins in 2D animation, reminiscent of the classic Disney films. The beautiful damsel, Giselle, is discovered by a handsome prince who proposes marriage. Then, Giselle is pushed down a well by the evil stepmother and lands smack in the middle of Times Square as a real live person. Her fairy tale optimism and good nature run counter to the real world but somehow her ideas take hold. This film became an instant classic partly because it's so clever and partly because, "what young girl doesn't like a story about a beautiful princess?" Recommeded for ages 5 and up.
    

29. 
    Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986, Paramount, Rated PG, Comedy) Written and directed by teen autuer John Hughes, Ferris Bueller (Matthew Broderick) is the master of pranks and high school shenanigans, and he’s out to prove it in this comedy about “playing hooky” from school. He has the entire school believing that he’s deathly ill, but his sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey) and his principal are convinced that he is faking. Go along with Ferris and his friends Cameron and Sloane on the best day off of their lives, driving in a Ferrari, going to a baseball game, singing in a parade and most of all, not getting caught…. or do they? This is a hilarious comedy that every teen relates to. Ferris' clever and quirky behavior is so improbable, that teens just love him. The fact that he outsmarts all the adults and suffers no consequences is paramount to the film but problematical on other levels. Great script, outstanding performances, great laugh and great message - "life goes by so fast, don't miss it." Contains mild profanity, car theft, lying, and presents kids as being smarter than adults. Recommended for ages 14-18.
    

30. 
    Field Of Dreams (1989 Universal Studios, Rated PG, Fantasy Family Sports Drama) Field Of Dreams is a film about baseball and its quirky impact on a small Iowa town directed and adapted by Phil Alden Robinson from the novel Shoeless Joe by W. P. Kinsella. Farmer Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) hears a voice in his corn field tell him repeatedly, "If you build it, he will come." He interprets this message as an instruction to build a baseball field on his farm, upon which will appear the ghosts of some of the game’s most controversial players such as Shoeless Joe Jackson and the other seven Chicago White Sox players that banned from the game for throwing the 1919 World Series. When the voices continue, Ray seeks out a reclusive baseball author named Terence Mann (James Earl Jones), who had once written about the golden days of baseball.to help him understand the meaning of the messages and the purpose for his field. The pair goes on a wandering road-trip in search of one of a ballplayer named Archibald "Moonlight" Graham who might have some answers. “Moonlight” may no longer even be alive but he might still be able to give the answers. The phrase, "If you build it, he will come" quickly became adapted into our vernacular and a theme for believing in something enough to go for it, even when it doesn't make sense. Joseph Campbell called this, "follow your bliss." Wonderful performances by Kevin Costner, Burt Lancaster and James Earl Jones and a great script deliver a film that's about more than baseball - it's about dreams and faith. Love it. Share it with your family. Recommended for ages 8-15.
    

31. 
    Finding Nemo (2003, Walt Disney Pictures, Animated, Family Adventure) Finding Nemo is a Pixar-created film that took computer-generated animation to a new level with its dazzling marine life. From the colorful sea critters to the coral reef to the expansive ocean, the creators surpassed themselves in making this animated landscape look real. The funny and touching father / son adventure is something the whole family can enjoy over and over again without it losing its appeal. The story tugs at your heartstrings whether you're a kid or not. This film belongs in every kids' DVD library. Great performances by the voice cast including Albert Brooks, Willem Dafoe, Ellen DeGeneres, Alexander Gould, Elizabeth Perkins and more. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
    

32. 
    Finding Neverland (2004, Miramax, Rated PG, Adventure Historical Drama) Set in Victorian England film details the life of "Peter Pan" creator Sir James Matthew Barrie (Johnny Depp), and the events which led him to write the children's classic. After one of his early plays bombs, Barrie meets and befriends four young brothers and their widowed mother in the park. Over the coming months, Barrie plays with the boys daily and their imaginative games give him vivid inspiration for a play and a compelling new character that can never grow old – Peter Pan. Simultaneously, Barrie’s friendship also deepens with Sylvia Llewelyn Davies (Kate Winslett), the boys’ mother, to the chagrin of his own wife Mary, with whom he spends very little time and eventually divorces, causing tremendous gossip. As Sylvia's health worsens, Barrie's tries to give the boys strength as he searches for a way to take his muse to Neverland. Fascinating film, based on the true story of Peter Pan's author. It explores Barrie's imagination and his relationship with the boy "muses." Beautifully acted and a surprising story. Romance without sexuality. There are some references to adultery and impropriety with young boys. Recommended for ages 12-18.
    

33. 
    Fly Away Home (1996, Sony/Columbia Pictures, Rated PG, Family Adventure) Amy (Anna Paquin) is a young teenager when her mother is killed in an auto accident. She goes to Canada to live with her father (Jeff Bridges), an eccentric inventor, aviator and naturalist whom she barely knows. Amy is initially miserable, still mourning her mother, until she discovers a nest of goose eggs that were abandoned when local developers tear down the local woodlands. Amy incubates them inside an old dresser within the barn and when the eggs soon hatch the goslings see her as "Mama Goose.” In a few months winter will arrive and the young geese must go south. But they don’t yet know how to fly and have no one to lead them there safely. With a pair of ultra-light airplanes modified by her father, and a theory that the geese will instinctively follow their “Mom,” Amy and her dad find a way to help and form a new loving bond in the process. The trauma of a young girl losing her mother at a critical time in her life underscores the theme of this entire film. Overall, this is a charming, wholesome movie with powerful acting by likable characters. Without being overly sentimental, it shows how an estranged parent and a child can reconcile their differences. It offers inspiring insights into flight, migration, death and self-strength. Beautiful cinematography - particularly the final scene. The scene where the Mom dies is emotionally upsetting and there is one mild profanity. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

34. 
    Forrest Gump (1994, Paramount, Rated PG, Comedy Drama) A masterful film directed by Robert Zemeckis about a simple man named Forrest, Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks) who is an Alabama boy with a low I.Q., but a big heart. He starts out in life learning one of his biggest lessons from his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, (Robin Penn) and that was to run. Forest goes on to experience a seemingly endless series of some of history’s most important moments. As the two grow up and apart, Forrest’s life story includes the meeting of JFK, Nixon and Johnson and the infamous Elvis Presley, starting a successful shrimping boat and even being a Vietnam hero. Throughout all of these accomplishments, however, he never stopped thinking about his Jenny. Forrest Gump is a great family film showing exactly what Mrs. Gump (Sally Field) always used to say, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what your gonna get.” Even though it contains profanity, sexual situations and mild violence, the film makes such a profound statement about who is really "stupid" - a simple idealistic Forrest Gump or the rest of the world. Forrest remains morally upright through every situation while those around him fall. Stunning performance by Tom Hanks as well as the rest of the cast. Recommended for ages 13-18.
    

35. 
    Freaky Friday (2003, Walt Disney Studios, Rated PG, Family Romantic Comedy) Great entertainment that moms and daughters will enjoy together. It's easy to criticize someone else, especially your parent. But, put yourself in their shoes and it's a different story! Tess Coleman (Jaime Lee Curtis) and her 15 year-old daughter Anna (Lindsay Lohan), have a typical mother-daughter teenage relationship; neither understands the other. One Thursday night they are at a Chinese restaurant arguing and wish that they could switch places so that the other one knows how it feels to be them. They crack open a fortune cookie go home, argue some more and go to sleep. When they awaken on Friday, they are startled to find that they have switched bodies and now have to be the other person until they can figure out what to do. As the day goes on they come to understand, respect and realize how much they love one another. But the problem still exists on how to switch back? Fast paced, great acting by Curtis and Lohan, good values and great directing. Watch it and laugh. It's pure magic. Some crude language such as "sucks" and "blows." Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
    

36. 
    Ghostbusters (1984, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Adventure, Action-Comedy) Three misfit parapsychology professors are booted out of their cushy jobs at New York City's Columbia University. Intrigued with ghosts and spirits they start a company called Ghostbusters and soon are on the tail of a variety of New York’s menacing undead spirits. Things really get exciting when the Stay-Puff Marshmallow Man threatens to destroy Manhattan! Stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and Sigourney Weaver. Definitely a classic comedy of the 80s that holds up remarkably well. The script by Dan Akroyd and Harold Ramis is brilliantly funny, the cast outstanding and the direction right on target. Some would argue that this is one of the funniest films ever made. It is crazy, off-kilter and different. The special effects hold up well. It also has scary scenes which make it unsuitable for little ones under five. Recommended for ages 5 - 10.
    

37. 
    Grease (1978, Paramount, Rated PG, Musical Romantic Comedy) Set in the 50s, goody-two-shoes Sandra Dee (Olivia Newton John) and the leather jacketed leader of the “T-Birds” gang Danny Zuko (John Travolta) have a summer love that the two expect to be just that. But when Sandy’s family decides to stay in America, she finds herself Rydell Hugh alongside Danny, but he’s not the gentleman she fell in love with. He is the cool guy and has a “bad” reputation to maintain and can’t be seen with a girl like Sandy. She tries to fit in with a group of female counterparts to the T-Birds, “The Pink Ladies”, but her prim and proper ways done fit in with either clique. But somehow the two are still destined to be together. Sing along, do the hand-jive and have fun at a school where popularity seems to be the only thing that matters. The best thing about this 70s nostalga film is John Travolta's dancing. The storyline is predictable but the soundtrack is what really makes it an icon. Combine high school romance, comedy with great vocals by Olivia Newton John and John Travolta and you've got a keeper. Yes, the characters are shallow, particularly the women, and yes, there are some implied sexual situations and mild violence. It's for teens. Recommended for ages 12-18.
    

38. 
    Happy Feet (2006, Warner Bros., Rated PG, Computer Animated, Adventure)In the vast land of Antarctica lives a group of Emperor penguins that show their love by singing from the core of their hearts. But one very special penguin named Mumble (Elijah Wood) cannot seem to find his voice. Instead he finds rhythm in tapping his feet and dancing. His mother Norma Jean (Nicole Kidman), thinks this is cute but his father Memphis (Hugh Jackman) disapproves.’ Mumble's gift of dance is finally blamed for the possible cause of their food shortage, which is in reality caused by nearby trawlers depleting local fish stocks. Mumble is exiled and must leave the colony but he soon meets a group of quirky adelie penguins - penguins small in stature, but fiercely loyal to those they call friends. Mumble’s travels and mishaps eventually ends up in a penguin exhibit at a marine park, but scientists are trying to decode his dances and may have a surprising conclusion that affects all of us. Happy Feet ultimately shows that being different is not necessarily a bad thing to be. Cute, cute, cute! These penguins are simply adorable and the dance scenes remarkable. You will want a penguin of your own to take home. Great voice talent, fabulous animation, wonderful musical score. The Broadway style production numbers are cleverly adapted to penguins. Outstanding environmental message which should make everyone want to reduce, reuse, recycle. Some crude language, potty humor and scary monsters. Recommended for ages 5-12.
    

39. 
    Harry Potter And The Chamber Of Secrets (2002, Warner Bros., Rated PG, Fantasy Adventure) It's Year 2 at Hogwarts, and Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) are continue their learning, but the year doesn't pass quietly. Members of the school are scared and downright petrified as mysterious bloody writing begins appearing on the walls, revealing to everyone, that the mysterious chamber of secrets has been opened. It’s said that only Salazar Slytherin's true descendent will be able to open it. The attacks continue, bringing the real possibility of the closure of Hogwarts. Harry and his friends are now forced to secretly uncover the truth about the chamber before the school closes forever and lives are taken. The impact of the Harry Potter books on young readers has been nothing short of a phenomenon. The movies, though filled with scary situations at every turn, have explored the imaginary world of wizardry in a brand new way. Wonderful performances and incredible computer generated animation, combined with humor and humanity have created an imaginary world that keeps you on the front of your seat. Scary, violence and some mild profanity. Recommended for ages 8-12.
    

40. 
    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005, Warner Bros. Rated PG-13, Fantasy Adventure) Come with Harry, Ron and Hermione as they leave their childhood forever. Harry’s name mysteriously comes up as an entry in a grand tournament between three wizard academies. Even though he is not yet eligible, Harry agrees to compete. Many questions are raised as he is thrust into the frenzy of the Triwizard Tournament, where he faces a dragon, evil water spirits, and a magic labyrinth. Will Harry make it out alive? And what of the other contestants? And of Ron and Hermione? Audiences will delight in the excitement, tension and drama in this fourth film of J.K. Rowling’s masterful series. Audiences will delight in the excitement, tension and drama in this fourth film of J.K. Rowling’s masterful series. Non-stop action moves this sequel along, fourth in the series, with its superb cast, excellent special effects, great music score and continuation of the magical world of sorcery. Plenty of frightening and graphic scenes and scary monsters, plus some mild profanity that warrant keeping your youngest away. Recommended for ages 8-12.
    

41. 
    Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007, Warner Bros. Rated PG-13, Fantasy Adventure) The last film of the epic Harry Potter series by based on the by J. K. Rowling, The Order of the Phoenix sees Harry returning to Hogwarts to begin his fifth year after a lonely summer. And things are not good at the school. Their predictions about Lord Voldemort's return rebuffed, Harry and Dumbledore are persecuted by the Wizard authorities as an authoritarian bureaucrat slowly seizes power at Hogwarts. The Order of the Phoenix, a secret group sworn against Voldemort, uses an array of wizards and witches to combat Voldemort. Cornelius Fudge, Minister for Magic, also suspects that Dumbledore is using these claims of The Dark Lord's return as a means to over-throw him. So a new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher is appointed by the Ministry in order to spy on the events at Hogwarts. This new teacher/spy is Professor Umbridge and he is a strict disciplinarian, forcing a group of students, led by Harry, to form a secret club called Dumbledore's Army. A confrontation is destined to happen! Stunning special effects, even better than previous films. For Potter fans, this is definitely a must see and even for non-fans, it holds up well as a stand alone. Filled with frighteningly graphic scenes of fantasy violence, perilous behavior and mild profanity. Recommended for ages 8-12.
    

42. 
    Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban (2004, Warner Bros., Rated PG, Fantasy Adventure) In the summer before starting his third year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe ) becomes fed up with his horrible aunt and uncle, and after accidentally inflating his visiting aunt Marge, he runs away. To make matters worse, a convicted mass murderer named Sirius Black, has escaped from the wizard prison at Azkaban and has a vendetta against Harry. Black is known as Lord Voldemort's most devoted follower, and he's after Harry to avenge Voldemort and finish the job. The school calls upon supernatural help against Black in the form of Dementors, but unusual things continue to put Harry in peril. Treachery and deception abound as allegiances shift and nobody is who or what they seem. Who’s the real criminal? What is the real crime? Who is telling or knows the truth? A bit darker than its predecessors, the film continues in the same magical style. The many special effects continue to dazzle us. The actors have grown in their roles and in their bodies. Harry's voice is deeper, he's becoming a young man. There are many perilous situations and scary creatures for which youngest viewers might be tormented. Recommended for ages 8-12.
    

43.