Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!
In theaters now:
50/50
Short Story:
Things are going well for Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt): He has a beautiful girlfriend Rachel (Bryce Dallas Howard) and devoted best pal in Kyle (Seth Rogen). But his life is suddently turned upside down when he's diagnosed with cancer. Forced to start chemotherapy and fight for his life, Adam quickly learns to appreciate the humor in life and take nothing for granted.
What They're Saying:
"A picture with a commercial sensibility and a quippy streak, yet one honest enough to transcend the usual." -- Chicago Tribune
"It's the Rogen-Goldberg touch, with the duo's characteristic Superbad mash of the sweet and the bracingly coarse, that sells this unusual downer/upper of a life-and-death comedy." -- Entertainment Weekly
Good for Kids?
The film is rated R for sexual content and some drug use. And, not surprisingly, Common Sense Media tells parents to be prepared for some heavy themes. Based on screenwriter Will Reiser's own battle with cancer, the film is centered around the concept of life and death and "what to do when faced with the possibility of not living past 30." With rave reviews, this dramatic comedy is a good fit for adults. Read the full Common Sense review!
Watch the preview!
What's Your Number?
Short Story:
After being fired from her marketing job, Ally Darling (Anna Faris) feels a little lost in life. When she reads an article that leads her to believe she will be alone forever, Ally -- with the help of her neighbor (Chris Evans) -- embarks on a journey to find love among her numerous ex-boyfriends.
What They're Saying:
"There are no surprises, but for once you don't much mind." -- Hollywood Reporter
"What's Your Number? is not much dumber than the average romantic comedy, but there is something sad and infuriating about it -- like running into a high-school friend who seemed destined for greatness and walking away realizing she just picked your pocket." -- TIME magazine
Good for Kids?
The plot of a single girl searching for "the one" may seem charming and kid-friendly, but don't be fooled! Common Sense Media tells parents to be prepared for this R-rated raunchy comedy to include strong sexual content, foul language and a neighbor that "has one-night-stands." Read the full Common Sense review!
Watch the preview!
Dream House
Short Story:
Will Atenton (Daniel Craig) quit his job as a sucessful publisher to relocate his wife (Rachel Weisz) and two daugters to a small New England town. But after they settle into their new dream home, they soon discover that it was the scene of the brutal murder of a mother and her two children. When Will investigates the crime with the help of his neighbor (Naomi Watts), he soon stumbles upon a shocking revelation: He was the father who survived the murders.
What They're Saying:
The film has not been screened for critics.
Good for Kids?
Rated PG-13, this mystery and supsense flick promises violence and terror. But with an A-list cast, it's perfect for teens and adults looking for a good thrill.
Courageous
Short Story:
This Christian drama film from the men behind Fireproof follows four law enforcement officers who all face the daily challenge of fatherhood. When a tragedy hits close to home, they are left figuring out what it means to be a great dad.
What They're Saying:
"Like a pastor so caught up in the moment that he can't see that the air conditioning has given out and the congregation wants to go home, the film travels far beyond its dramatic climax, aiming for an altar call finale." -- Orlando Sentinel
"A moving, modern parable not to be missed by anyone who's always wondering why they don't make wholesome movies with uplifting messages anymore." -- NewsBlaze
Good for Kids?
Although this film centers around faith and spirtuality, parents should know that the PG-13 film includes intense car chases, shoot-outs, fistfights and the tragic death of a child.
In case you missed:
Moneyball
Short Story:
Based on Michael Lewis' nonfiction book of the same name, Moneyball tells the story of Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane (Brad Pitt). Forced to reinvent the A's on a tight budget, Billy teams up with Ivy league graduate Peter Brand (Jonah Hill) to recruit players the scouts refer to as "flawed," challenging the big-money approach to baseball and revolutionizing the game in the process.
What They're Saying:
"It really happened, it's really corny, and it's really great." -- Village Voice
"[It] may be the first baseball film to tap into the thrill of strategizing -- of manipulated cause and effect -- as entertainingly as you'd expect from a movie about chess or a casino heist." -- Entertainment Weekly
Good for Kids?
The film is rated PG-13 for some strong language and might be tough for children to understand, but baseball fans from 13 to 130 will love it, especially since it boasts an all-star cast at the top of their game and rave reviews from critics.
Watch the preview!
Abduction
Short Story:
Nathan Harper (Taylor Lautner) has always had a feeling that he was living someone else's life. His worst fears become reality when he finds his childhood picture on a missing person's website, and soon finds himself on the run from a team of lethal assassins. With the help of his neighbor Karen (Lily Collins), he begins to piece together clues to his true identity -- and ultimately realizes that he must stop running and take the fight to his enemies.
What They're Saying:
"Abduction falls in the same corner of the youth market as the Twilight movies. Some moments and many lines feel cribbed from that series." -- Orlando Sentinel
"Last I checked, tweenage girls weren't too keen on this genre, and the boys who normally would be a fan will likely be disappointed by (Abduction's) bloodless, stagnant lameness." -- Quickflix
Good for Kids?
Despite less-than-impressive reviews, this action-thriller should prove perfect for the teenage audience that loves Lautner for his work in the Twilight films. But it's it's rated PG-13 for some sexual content and scenes of violence, whichCommon Sense Media says includes shootings and beatings. Read the full Common Sense review!
Watch the preview!
Killer Elite
Short Story:
Former British SAS agenet Danny (Jason Statham) is forced into action when his mentor (Robert De Niro) is kidnapped by the leader of a secret military society (Clive Owen).
What They're Saying:
"This is actually a pretty good thriller, based more on character and plot than on action for its own sake." -- Chicago Sun-Times
"And quite the cliché-ridden desultory mess it is, too..." -- MSN Movies
Good for Kids?
If you're looking for more of an adult action film than Abduction, Killer Elite has your name written all over it. But with scenes of intense violence, foul language and some sexuality, this one certainly isn't for kids or tweens.
Dolphin Tale
Short Story:
Based on an inspiring true story, the film tells of a young bottlenose dolphin named Winter who loses the bottom portion of her tail when she's caught in a crab trap. A vet (Harry Connick Jr.) rescues Winter and transports her to Clearwater Marine Hospital in Florida, where a young boy befriends her and enlists those around him -- including his mom (Ashley Judd) and a doctor (Morgan Freeman) -- to create a prosthetic tail for Winter... inspiring everyone along the way.
What They're Saying:
"Kids are going to eat this up. Given what a dismal year it's been for the family film, it's likely their parents will, too." -- TIME magazine
"Winter is friendly, loving, emotional, playful, brave and intelligent. Before herDolphin Tale is over, I dare even the most jaded cynic not to shed a tear of admiration and joy." -- New York Observer
Good for Kids?
After a dismal summer for family films, here comes the perfect movie for young kids and their parents -- with a message that's inspiring and uplifting for all!Common Sense Media says this "family-friendly drama should especially appeal to young animal lovers." Read to full Common Sense review!
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/5050-whats-your-number-dream-house-reviews/1-a-387003
Jules Asner Julia Stiles Julianne Hough
