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Reviews: What's New This Week
Filed under: New In Pop Culture
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: Where the Wild Things Are
The highly-anticipated big screen adaptation of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" may ultimately be a little too mature for the youngest of fans. While kids will most certainly identify with Max's energy and imagination, the Wild Things and the island they inhabit can at times be a little frightening. In the end, the film has an uplifting and positive message, although it is presented in a way that may be too complex for young children to grasp. Rated PG, OK for Kids 9+
On DVD: Land of the Lost
Another 1970's TV show hits the big screen with "Land of the Lost." Unlike the small-screen version, the movie relies on vulgarity and gross-out humor to earn laughs. The film is peppered with profanity, some mild sexual situations and even a few references to drug use. It's a silly and immature escape that Will Ferrell fans will no doubt enjoy. Rated PG-13, Iffy for Kids 14--15
TV: Head Games
The Science Channel's first game show, "Head Games" is both entertaining and educational. Viewers at home can play along as contestant's test their knowledge about scientific concepts, history and facts. Hosted by comedian Greg Proops, the show also has a companion Web site that allows kids to play along at home. Rated TV-PG, OK for Kids 10+
Books: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days
Fourth in the series by Jeff Kinney, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" features hapless Greg trying to find a way to liven up his summer vacation. As with the other "Wimpy Kid" books, this one showcases teen-aged Greg's lingering immaturity and less-than-honest approach to life. Kinney's understated humor and childish drawings make this a kid favorite. OK for Kids 9+
Music: Eat a Bowl of Cherries
Parents won't find anything objectionable about Rhythm Child's "Eat a Bowl of Cherries." The artist changes up some familiar tunes and introduces some original songs about love, friendship and respect. The music is upbeat and positive and is sure to get the little ones up and dancing. OK For Kids 4+
Web: Wacky Windows
An educational site out of Britain, "Wacky Windows" is a great place to introduce kids to reading, math, shapes and colors. The site is free but has a membership option that opens up the really good stuff, including the ability to track your child's progress. Easy to navigate with verbal instructions, the site is a good place to start with preschoolers. OK for Kids 4+
Games: A Boy and His Blob
For the Nintendo Wii, "A Boy and His Blob" is an adventure game where players try to help an alien blob find his way back home. Using strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, players think outside the box using makeshift tools to accomplish their goals. Challenging and fun, it's a single-player game that will give kids of all ages a good brain workout. Rated E, OK for Kids 8+

In Theaters Now: Where the Wild Things Are
The highly-anticipated big screen adaptation of Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" may ultimately be a little too mature for the youngest of fans. While kids will most certainly identify with Max's energy and imagination, the Wild Things and the island they inhabit can at times be a little frightening. In the end, the film has an uplifting and positive message, although it is presented in a way that may be too complex for young children to grasp. Rated PG, OK for Kids 9+
On DVD: Land of the LostAnother 1970's TV show hits the big screen with "Land of the Lost." Unlike the small-screen version, the movie relies on vulgarity and gross-out humor to earn laughs. The film is peppered with profanity, some mild sexual situations and even a few references to drug use. It's a silly and immature escape that Will Ferrell fans will no doubt enjoy. Rated PG-13, Iffy for Kids 14--15
TV: Head Games
The Science Channel's first game show, "Head Games" is both entertaining and educational. Viewers at home can play along as contestant's test their knowledge about scientific concepts, history and facts. Hosted by comedian Greg Proops, the show also has a companion Web site that allows kids to play along at home. Rated TV-PG, OK for Kids 10+
Books: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog DaysFourth in the series by Jeff Kinney, "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days" features hapless Greg trying to find a way to liven up his summer vacation. As with the other "Wimpy Kid" books, this one showcases teen-aged Greg's lingering immaturity and less-than-honest approach to life. Kinney's understated humor and childish drawings make this a kid favorite. OK for Kids 9+
Music: Eat a Bowl of Cherries
Parents won't find anything objectionable about Rhythm Child's "Eat a Bowl of Cherries." The artist changes up some familiar tunes and introduces some original songs about love, friendship and respect. The music is upbeat and positive and is sure to get the little ones up and dancing. OK For Kids 4+
Web: Wacky Windows
An educational site out of Britain, "Wacky Windows" is a great place to introduce kids to reading, math, shapes and colors. The site is free but has a membership option that opens up the really good stuff, including the ability to track your child's progress. Easy to navigate with verbal instructions, the site is a good place to start with preschoolers. OK for Kids 4+
Games: A Boy and His BlobFor the Nintendo Wii, "A Boy and His Blob" is an adventure game where players try to help an alien blob find his way back home. Using strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, players think outside the box using makeshift tools to accomplish their goals. Challenging and fun, it's a single-player game that will give kids of all ages a good brain workout. Rated E, OK for Kids 8+













ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
10-16-2009 @ 9:23PM
bootsie0000 said...I would like to find the story & video with Merideth V. on "Who wants to be a Millionare", when she lost it over a really cute younger man. thanks bunches in advance,
Juanita
Reply
10-18-2009 @ 10:42AM
Inger said...I think 9+ is a littloe old or Where the Wild Things Are. My hubby took my 6 year old boy to see this yesterday and they both LOVED it! My son usually gets up a zillion times to go to the bathroom, etc but he didn't leave his seat once. I highly recommend this movie to anyone with school age kids!
Reply
10-20-2009 @ 8:29AM
cookingfordads said...I agree with you about the Land of the Lost. I was really disappointed with the easy laughs they tried to invoke. Good humor is hard to write and takes effort. Potty humor is easy, cheap and not really funny.
I just got off a Disney cruise where some performers had a family show and an "adult" show. The family shows were invariably funnier as they had to work harder at funny jokes and skits because they couldn't rely on the baser elements. The adult shows, while still disney clean, were never as funny as the family ones.
hmmm...
Rob Barrett
Reply