2008 had some good movies for children, and as a mother that is very important. I enjoy the children movies that have a little “inside joke” for adults, keeping it clean as usual. Earlier this year, I took my children to see Dr. Seuss’s Horton Hears a Who. Anyone and everyone who is familiar with classical Dr. Seuss books know that all of his books are poetic, meaning they rhyme. This movie, with the lead character’s voice, a dense but lovable elephant that finds a flower and realizes it is another world from far away. Played by Jim Carrey, the ever so loved comedian, he gives good laughs and my favorite part is the movie’s flashback of REO Speedwagon’s, “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore.” Especially since I am such an 80’s buff!
The Bee Movie, presented by another lovable comedian, Jerry Seinfeld, was a blockbuster hit. A bee that lived in New York who goes outside of his hive against strict rules, becomes a pollen jock, fights off wasps, and befriends Vanessa, played by Renee Zellweger. Talking to her is a rule he has broken, but quickly learns about how humans live and is misconstrued that people steal honey when he sees jars of it sold in stores.
Next in line to reign as king after his father-in-law has “croaked”, Shrek voiced by Mike Myers, the infamous green cuddly but grumpy ogre, takes the screen again in Shrek the Third. This time, along with his sidekick Donkey and wife Fiona, he is up for ownership of a kingdom he has no idea how to run. Not only that, the very same Prince Charming will not allow Shrek to go down for the palace without a fight, even though Shrek has already married Princess Fiona two movies before. With lots of clean adult humor and new additions to the ogre clan, Shrek the Third is laugh out loud hilarious for those of all ages!
Kung Fu Panda is a movie about a young panda named Po, who dreams of becoming a member of the Furious Five. Jack Black plays this character that is very clumsy and has lots to learn in terms of kung fu skill. He is the son of a noodle maker and becomes “the chosen one” by accident. Trouble is, he has to fight off a villain. Don’t all cartoon films have a villain!
My last but not favorite is a sequel. Madagascar 2 is a movie that anyone can enjoy. The crew that consisted of Alex, Marty, Gloria, and Melman who are Central Park Zoo raised and stuck in Madagascar. This time, with another attempt to go back to the US, they meet rivals and extended members of their family, but not everyone is so hospitable. The infamous lemur who bought back a catchy dance tune from the 90’s and a hippo who has a like interest for Gloria, the group’s mission to get back home finally seems like a mirage. With hilarious lines from both Ben Stiller and Chris Rock, who can’t help but see what goofs they are going to make as they try to get back to New York? Safely!
