Audrey Hepburn is my daughter’s favorite movie star. She has seen all her movies except for Breakfast at Tiffany’s, which we continue to think is just a little mature for her. Funny Face, however, is one of her favorites. Though there are scenes of people smoking, most of it is pretty tame, though it is the kind of love story little girls love. She has bought three books on Audrey Hepburn with her own money, very quickly realizing that they all use the same photos and have very little new to say. So if anyone is out there thinking of a great book to write for my daughter, an all-new story on Audrey Hepburn would be great. Her birthday is in March, so you have 45 days!

Ghost Town is a very funny movie. If you like Ricky Gervais’ brand of dry, self-deprecating humor (he was the original Michael Scott in the British version of “The Office”), you’re bound to enjoy his character. This is the the story of a socially awkward dentist who has a near-death experience that allows him to act as a bridge between the living and the dead. Just the fact that he can see many people around us who are actually dead creates a lot of confusion and funny situations, as does the fact that they are dressed (or undressed) as they were at the time of their death. Also starring Greg Kinnear and Tea Leoni, Ghost Town has an upbeat hopeful story line, despite the...

Just in time to help you maximize the few minutes left before Christmas, here are the top 16 holiday movies captured in their most famous scenes. This is just enough of a dose of some of them to make you fondly remember your first viewing and save you from a trip to the video store. Many of them, in my opinion, are a bit too cloying for re-viewing again now. And for cynics, read today’s excellent article in the New York Times on the sad dismal life of George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life. The writer, Wendell Jamieson, opines that the world would have actually been a better more prosperous place without George, citing his felony theft, upstate New York economic trends, and the dismal...

What is it about the Shrek franchise that makes both kids and dads laugh out loud? All the Shreks have been good, mostly clean, family fare that work on both adult and kid levels. My kids and I watched Shrek the Halls last night and both my four-year old boy and eight year-old girl laughed through the whole thing. At one point, I even had tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard. Clocking in at 22 minutes, this video is a a very short diversion that may even become a classic about the holiday season like “It’s a Wonderful LIfe” or The Grinch. At least you can tell yourselves that when you take a break from wrapping presents to indulge for a few minutes. The movie’s premise...

Nim’s Island is out on DVD and it’s a good movie for dads and kids. With some interesting graphics and a fantastical series of events, kids and dads should stay entertained throughout this 90 minute adventure. Abigail Breslin, from Definitely, Maybe, plays 11 year old Nim. She is trapped on a South Pacific island when her scientist father leaves her for two days and then runs into a massive storm. Her only lifeline is an agorophobic adventure story writer (Jody Foster) living in San Francisco. When her island comes under siege from a cruise ship itching to spoil her deserted island, she calls her for help. The story then follows their parallel adventures as Nim fights off the tourists...

Definitely Maybe (Universal Studios) I have a major problem with the PG warning. It provides so little guidance for parents as to what actually is in a movie. I will let my 8 year-old daughter watch many PG-rated movies, especially if we’re on a plane or even if the theme looks romantic but somewhat adult. At this age, she pretty much ignores what she doesn’t understand, though that is changing very quickly. There is so little time these days, that often, as parents, you end up watching a movie with your child rather than pre-screening it to make sure it’s right. I’m not saying this is the optimum strategy, but sometimes it just happens. Last night, I got a major dose...

Spiderwick Chronicles is out on DVD and a surprise hit in our household. When this movie came out last year, I thought it looked a little goofy and it seemed to be in and out of theatres in short order. Seeing it at home was the first time for us, and it was a happy surprise for both me and my eight year-old. We both enjoyed the story, the action sequences and the funny parts. The story is an imaginative tale of a single mom and her three kids who go to live in a mansion they soon find to be under attack by goblins out to get a book that details the world of creatures ordinary people can’t see. While the movie has scenes that make it a bit too scary for little kids (7 and under), my slightly...

My four year old son loves The Transformers and has been hopping around doing action poses since we got this DVD. He loves the action sequences and the clear line between good and evil. He also likes the frenetic pace and anxiety-producing sound effects. This is definitely entertainment for the on-the-edge-of-the-seat viewer. While all these things make it a hit for him, my wife and I would prefer he watches quieter fare, which also seems to entertain him. I also think this is one cartoon that is probably better for older kids, maybe eight years plus. The action sequences are pretty violent and action-packed, and you’ll have to decide for yourself whether the fact that the action is between...

The Jungle Book 2 (Special Edition) is out and a hit with little kids. This is one movie both my four year and eight year old can enjoy together without too much fighting. They both loved the classic original Jungle Book with those great songs by Louis Prima. This one includes the same characters and a reprise of the song “The Bare necessities,” as well as the modern hit, “I Want to be Like You” by Smash Mouth. With the voices of John Goodman and Haley Joel Osment, Jungle Book 2 is a good movie for young kids. Though there are some scary parts, even two-year-olds can watch this movie without too much anxiety. As an adult, I didn’t enjoy this one as much the original,...