Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!
In theaters now:
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.
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, which Common Sense Media says includes shootings and beatings. Read the full Common Sense review!
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 her Dolphin 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!
In case you missed:
I Don't Know How She Does It
Short Story:
Kate Ready (Sarah Jessica Parker) is a finance executive during the day and a wife and mother at night. Happily married to unemployed architech Richard (Greg Kinnear), Kate must juggle the responsiblies of a modern-day working mom. Although she usually manages to come out on top with the support of her best friend Allison (Christina Hendricks), things get complicated when she lands a lucrative deal with a flirtatious new client (Pierce Brosnan).
What They're Saying:
"Parker reminds you what a dizzy, all-in, high-risk comic actress she can be when she's not too busy showing off the couture." -- New York Magazine
"I don't know why she does it." -- Entertainment Weekly
Good for Kids?
This film is great for moms trying to do it all, especially those needing a trip to the theater! With a rating of PG-13 for sexual references, though, the movie is better for teens than the little ones. Common Sense Media says viewers may find the concept relatable as it centers around the story of an absentee partent. Click to read the full Common Sense review!
Drive
Short Story:
Driver (Ryan Gosling) leads a double life. During the day he is a stunt man for movie productions, but when the sun goes down he's the getaway driver for armed heists. But when he falls in love with the beautiful Irene (Carey Mulligan) and agrees to a job with Irene's ex-convict husband (Oscar Isaac), the heist goes sour and he finds himself fleeing for his life.
What They're Saying:
"Here is still another illustration of the old Hollywood noir principle that a movie lives its life not through its hero, but within its shadows." --Chicago Sun-Times
"Drive revels in sensory detail; it's a visually and aurally edgy Euro-influenced American genre movie about the coolness of noir-influenced American genre movies about the coolness of driving -- especially in L.A." -- Entertainment Weekly
Good for Kids?
Though the film has been greeted with great reviews and already won an award for best director at the Cannes Film Festival, Common Sense recommends Drive for ages 17 and above only. Although this drama starts quietly it eventually "contains shocking amounts of violence." But that shouldn't stop women from checking out the film, which features Ryan Gosling at his smoldering best! Read the full Common Sense review!
Straw Dogs
Short Story:
In this remake of the 1971 Sam Peckinpah classic (which starredDustin Hoffman), Hollywood screenwriter David Sumner (James Marsden) and his wife Amy (Kate Bosworth) return to Amy's small hometown in the South after her father passes away. But as they prepare the family house for sale, and old conflict with Amy's ex-boyfriend Charlie (Alexander Skarsgard) is reigniting, leading to a violent -- and deadly -- seige of Amy's family home.
What They're Saying:
"(Director Rod) Lurie wants us to see the moral wounds that come from losing control, a solid reason for a remake. Both takes on Straw Dogshold up a dark mirror to humanity. Choose your own bad medicine." --Rolling Stone
"The filmmaker's ham-fisted attempts to supply some socio-political relevance to such intractable material finally lands him in a deeper, murkier swamp..." -- MSN Movies
Good for Kids?
If you're looking for a scare and a hot young cast, this movie is a must-see. But don't even think about bringing the kids! Rated R for strong, brutal violence and sexual content, Straw Dogs is officially for adults only.
Source: http://www.ivillage.com/moneyball-abduction-dolphin-tale-reviews/1-a-385021
Lake Bell Larissa Meek Laura Harring Laura Prepon Lauren Bush
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