Reviews: What's New This Week
Categories: That's Entertainment
Here is a look at what's new this week in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.
In Theaters Now: Zombieland
Despite being played for laughs, "Zombieland" is an extremely violent film featuring scene after scene of bloody mayhem. Beyond the gore is a fast-paced and clever horror-comedy that more mature viewers will likely find hilarious -- even as they cringe in disgust. Rated R, Iffy for Kids 16-18
DVD: Leap Frog: Let's Go to School
If you've got a reluctant kindergartner in your house, Leapfrog's "Lets' Go to School" may be a worthwhile investment. With catchy tunes and cute characters, the animated feature turn fears into excitement as frog siblings Tad and Lily take a magical tour of their classroom. Not Rated, OK for Kids 4+
TV: Brain Rush
A game show for kids, "Brain Rush" features contestants answering trivia questions and solving puzzles while riding a roller coaster. As the game progresses, the challenges become more difficult and the coaster more intense. The friendly host and age-appropriate trivia will have kids playing along at home and possibly even learning something. Rated TV-G, OK for Kids 6+
Books: Dinosaur Hunt
For beginning readers, "Dinosaur Hunt" explores the joys of make-believe with Max Spaniel, a dog searching for adventure in his own back yard. Beautifully illustrated and laugh-out-loud funny, young readers are sure to fall in love with Max and his enthusiastic imagination. OK for Kids 4+
Music: The Time of Our Lives
A Wal-Mart exclusive mini-CD, Miley Cyrus' "The Time of Our Lives" is another baby step in the pop star's transition from teen to young adult. Her sound is a little edgier on some songs, but her lyrics haven't changed much and she's still obsessed with boys. OK for Kids 10+
Web: Wonder Rotunda
Kids can explore the 1964-65 New York World's Fair in the virtual world of "Wonder Rotunda." Beautiful to look at and easy to navigate, it's educational, fun and totally appropriate for young grade-schoolers. Of course, all this adventure comes at a fairly steep price: $45 for the first year, $35 yearly thereafter. Parents would be well-advised to take the free tour before committing as there are no refunds. OK for Kids 7+
Games: My Sims Agents
For Nintendo Wii, "My Sims Agents" is the latest addition to the popular "My Sims" series. This time, players are searching for clues and solving mysteries as detectives for the Sims Protection Agency. The game requires lots of reading and isn't particularly educational, but it will provide hours of challenging entertainment for sleuths of all ages. Rated E, OK for Kids 8+

In Theaters Now: Zombieland
Despite being played for laughs, "Zombieland" is an extremely violent film featuring scene after scene of bloody mayhem. Beyond the gore is a fast-paced and clever horror-comedy that more mature viewers will likely find hilarious -- even as they cringe in disgust. Rated R, Iffy for Kids 16-18
DVD: Leap Frog: Let's Go to SchoolIf you've got a reluctant kindergartner in your house, Leapfrog's "Lets' Go to School" may be a worthwhile investment. With catchy tunes and cute characters, the animated feature turn fears into excitement as frog siblings Tad and Lily take a magical tour of their classroom. Not Rated, OK for Kids 4+
TV: Brain Rush
A game show for kids, "Brain Rush" features contestants answering trivia questions and solving puzzles while riding a roller coaster. As the game progresses, the challenges become more difficult and the coaster more intense. The friendly host and age-appropriate trivia will have kids playing along at home and possibly even learning something. Rated TV-G, OK for Kids 6+
Books: Dinosaur HuntFor beginning readers, "Dinosaur Hunt" explores the joys of make-believe with Max Spaniel, a dog searching for adventure in his own back yard. Beautifully illustrated and laugh-out-loud funny, young readers are sure to fall in love with Max and his enthusiastic imagination. OK for Kids 4+
Music: The Time of Our Lives
A Wal-Mart exclusive mini-CD, Miley Cyrus' "The Time of Our Lives" is another baby step in the pop star's transition from teen to young adult. Her sound is a little edgier on some songs, but her lyrics haven't changed much and she's still obsessed with boys. OK for Kids 10+
Web: Wonder Rotunda
Kids can explore the 1964-65 New York World's Fair in the virtual world of "Wonder Rotunda." Beautiful to look at and easy to navigate, it's educational, fun and totally appropriate for young grade-schoolers. Of course, all this adventure comes at a fairly steep price: $45 for the first year, $35 yearly thereafter. Parents would be well-advised to take the free tour before committing as there are no refunds. OK for Kids 7+
Games: My Sims AgentsFor Nintendo Wii, "My Sims Agents" is the latest addition to the popular "My Sims" series. This time, players are searching for clues and solving mysteries as detectives for the Sims Protection Agency. The game requires lots of reading and isn't particularly educational, but it will provide hours of challenging entertainment for sleuths of all ages. Rated E, OK for Kids 8+

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