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Years after the takeover of family entertainment by PG-rated kids cartoons, both companies see consumer value in producing new movies that are made to be entertaining for both kids and adults, without being punctuated by sex, swear words, and too much violence. … I was invited by P&G to the location shooting of the new “Change in Plans,” and also saw the just finished “Walk in My Shoes,” due to air this Fall. … It’s not that it’s too “clean” or too family-friendly, it just isn’t up to high quality standards of top-rated shows we like as adults: “The Good Wife” or “House” or even something completely fantastical, and similar, like “The Event.” … While still not a movie that can compete with highly rated TV shows for adults’ attention, the show was more compelling and I did want to actively watch it. … And after a long day at work, we also would love it if we could share it with them, like in the old days when the family would all watch Ed Sullivan or the World of Disney , but this time, not just because it’s the only thing on.
Category Archives: Movies and DVDs
Review: Toy Story 3 DVD
The studio sent us a preview copy of Toy Story 3. I’ve been waiting a few months since both my son and I missed the theatrical release and my daughter has been raving about it. The family was not disappointed.
First of all, we do not have 3D, but we did spring for a Blu-Ray player after our old DVD gave out a few months ago. Since Netflix doesn’t do Blu-Ray, this was actually my first time watching, and it was undeniably clearer. This is one beautiful movie, in terms of color and clarity.
As for the plot, I have to admit to being somewhat cynical. I can be very sentimental, but I found most of Toy Story 2 to be lachrymose to the extreme, and I found myself anxious for it to end. Having heard that Toy Story 3 was also “emotional,” I wasn’t looking forward to a big tear-fest. Lucky for me, this movie is anything but. As many of the reviews have said, this movie starts in the middle of the action and keeps going for the next 90 out of 100 minutes.
Off-topic – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame DVD
If you’re over 30, you have to buy, rent or borrow the new DVD highlight reel of the induction ceremonies of the 
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Watching the greats, including Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Ray Charles, and Neil Young, as well as probably 30 other legends takes you back to dozens of moments in your life, back when we lived through the radio and what it told us we should like. What is most surprising is that the music holds up, the performances are tight and inspired, and you end up feeling like it was all more than just music.
Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel out on DVD
Besides some flirting, suggestive dance moves by the new female chipmunk group and a few crude jokes, the movie is relatively kid-friendly.
…In Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Alvin, Simon and Theodore find themselves being cared for by a twenty-something nephew of their friend, Dave. The boys have to go to school for the first time and are tasked with saving the school’s music program by winning the $25,000 prize in a battle of the bands.
…Alvin joins the school’s football team and has to choose between the game and the big talent show and his brothers when a game lands on the same day as the big battle of the bands competition with the Chipettes.
Directed by Betty Thomas, the film features Jason Lee, Zachary Levi and David Cross as well as the voices of Justin Long, Amy Poehler, Anna Faris and Christina Applegate.
