Sandy Maple
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, 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: She's Out of My League
A movie about valuing a person for what's on the inside, "She's Out of My League" spends most of its time doing just the opposite. As a nerdy guy with a dead-end job tries to win the heart of a gorgeous girl, everyone learns a valuable lesson about honesty and being true to oneself. Vulgar humor and sexual situations make it inappropriate for kids. Rated R, Iffy for Kids 15-17
DVD: Bandslam
A more realistic take on the high school musical, "Bandslam" deals with mature themes including bullying, absent and ill parents and the quest for acceptance. The story follows three very different kids as they forge unlikely friendships on the way to a high school music competition. With mild language and very little flirting, it's an appropriate pick for tweens as well as teens. Rated PG, OK for Kids 10+
TV: Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty
"Jessica Simpson's The Price of Beauty" is a VH1 reality series that explores the beauty secrets of women around the world. Simpson, her best friend and her hair stylist travel the globe to get an up-close look at how different cultures define what is attractive. The information is interesting but ultimately works to perpetuate the idea that beauty is only skin deep. Rated TV-PG, OK for Kids 12+
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, 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: Remember Me
"Twilight" hunk Robert Pattinson stars in "Remember Me," a coming-of-age drama featuring two young adults with major issues. The film is dark and serious and features more violence, strong language and sexual content than you might expect in a movie presumably aimed at teens. Rated PG-13, Iffy for Kids 14-15
DVD: Planet 51
An animated film set in an alien version of 1950s America, "Planet 51" is a children's movie that tries hard to entertain parents, as well. While the suggestive humor and cultural references likely will go over their heads, kids will still find something to laugh about as alien kids try to send a wayward Earthling back where he belongs. Rated PG, OK for Kids 7+
TV: Pink Panther and Pals
Conflict and cartoon violence are the hallmarks of "Pink Panther and Pals," an animated series on Cartoon Network. This modern Pink Panther is a teenager, but he's just as silent and sneaky as ever as he battles his arch-nemesis, Big Nose. Despite the modern makeover, the show is as silly and fun as the 1960s original. Rated TV-Y7, OK for Kids 5+
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment, Books
In Theaters Now: Alice in Wonderland
An intense 3-D adventure, "Alice in Wonderland" picks up Lewis Carroll's classic tale some 13 years later. Though the language is mild and there's very little sexual content, there's plenty of fantasy violence, scary looking creatures and some potentially disturbing imagery involving severed body parts. Rated PG, OK for Kids 10+
DVD: Where the Wild Things Are
While director Spike Jonze did a beautiful job bringing Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are" to life on the big screen, the live-action film is probably too wild for the book's youngest fans. At times dark and scary, the film explores complex emotions with a subtlety that will be lost on the little ones. However, older kids will likely delight in the rumpus brought to life. Rated PG, OK for Kids 9+
TV: Parenthood
Although NBC's new series "Parenthood" explores family relationships and the trials and tribulations of raising children, it is not intended to be family fare. Based on the 1989 film of the same name, the focus of the show is on the adults of a large extended family as they deal with marriage, sex, and the ups and downs of parenting. Rated TV-PG, Iffy for Kids 13-17
ParentDish's 15 Favorite Lullabies
Newborns, Babies, Sleep, Bedtime
Keep singing ... maybe they'll finally fall asleep. Credit: The Little Pecan, Flickr
Whether you are a new mom or dad just learning the ropes or an old pro looking to expand your repertoire, this collection of 15 favorite lullabies is sure to lead to sweet dreams. Click the titles for the full lyrics.
1. Rock-a-Bye Baby: You probably already know the first four lines, but "Rock-a-Bye Baby" is actually a three-stanza song, thought to be the first written on American soil. "Down will come baby, cradle and all" might give parents a jolt, but babies love it and so do we.
2. Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star: No doubt the most popular lullaby, "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" was adapted from a 19th-century English poem by Jane Taylor. "How I wonder what you are" sets a magical tone and is often the first song a child learns to sing.
3. Hush, Little Baby: Promising a child a reward for going to sleep might be a parenting no-no, but if we really could "buy you a mockingbird," we would.
ParentDish's 27 Top Web Sites for Kids
Fun & Activities, Education, That's Entertainment
Your kid might already be more Web savvy than you. Credit: chungeez, Flickr
- 1. National Geographic Little Kids: Created with preschoolers in mind, this site introduces kids to science and nature and also offers access to lots of educational games and activities. From growing plants to cooking and crafts, this site has a little something for everyone. Ages 4 and up
- 2. GridClub: Popular in UK schools, GridClub offers fun and games that are linked to actual educational curriculum. Covering math, science, history, geography, art, music and more, the site is subscription-only but offers a free trial membership. Ages 5 and up
- 3. Kidnetic: Created by the International Food Information Council, Kidnetic exists to help kids and their families get serious about good health. The site lets users set health goals and then gives them the tools to achieve them. Ages 7 and up
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment
In Theaters Now: The Yellow Handkerchief
Despite the presence of "Twilight" star Kristen Stewart, "The Yellow Handkerchief" is not a tween-friendly film. The story revolves around a misfit group of strangers traveling together in search of love and redemption in New Orleans. Stewart's character is sexually assertive and, although ultimately uplifting, the film is far too mature for young teens. Rated PG-13, Iffy for Kids 14-16
DVD: LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers
A lesson on problem-solving and the importance of teamwork, "LEGO: The Adventures of Clutch Powers" is a kid-friendly adventure film set in a LEGO world. It's a good-against-evil story in which the hero and his companions use their smarts as well as their LEGO weapons to defeat a dastardly wizard bent on world domination. Not Rated, OK for Kids 6+
TV: Funny or Die Presents
Some web-surfing kids may already be familiar with the online counterpart to "Funny or Die Presents," but this show is not intended for them. Cynical, slapsticky, and often violent, the show's sketch comedy bits are for mature audiences only. Rated TV-MA, Not for Kids
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, 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: Shutter Island
Set in a 1950's asylum for the criminally insane, "Shutter Island" stars Leonardo DiCaprio as federal marshal hunting for an escaped murderess. Based on Dennis Lehane's novel of the same name, the film is a nightmarish thriller filled with dark and disturbing imagery. With scenes of drowned children, Nazi concentration camps and piles of dead bodies, the movie is far too scary for kids. Rated R, Iffy for Kids 17-18
DVD: Alice Through the Looking Glass
A 1966 NBC special, "Alice Through the Looking Glass" is a family-friendly musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's beloved book. Featuring live-action performances by such old-school actors as Ricardo Montalban and the Smothers Brothers, the movie will likely appeal to grandparents as well as grade-schoolers. Although a few characters might be a bit frightening for very young kids, the film is pure 1960's innocence. Not Rated, OK for Kids 6+
Intended to empower young girls, "SciGirls" is a new PBS show that features real tweens solving science-related problems. With an emphasis on teamwork and cooperation, the show hopes to inspire females to consider careers in such male-dominated fields as science, engineering and technology. A companion Web site allows science-minded girls to interact with one another and continue the learning online. Not Rated, OK for Kids 7+
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment
Here's a look at what's new in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.
New in Theaters: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
Based on Rick Riordan's children's book series, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" tells the story of a boy who, after discovering he is the son of Poseidon, is drawn into a battle of the gods. Although Percy is a tween in the book, here he's a teen and the action is likewise a bit more grown up. The intense battles with scary-looking creatures may be too much for Riordan's youngest fans. Rated PG, OK for Kids 11+
DVD: Free Style
"High School Musical" star Corbin Bleu grows up a little in "Free Style," a film about a motocross-obsessed teen trying to make it in the big leagues. Without a father around, he works hard to juggle his family responsibilities while pursuing his dream. Some mild language and scenes of underage drinking, along with the mature theme of the film, may make it inappropriate for younger tweens. Rated PG, OK for Kids 11+
TV: Star Struck
An ordinary girl meets a teen heartthrob in "Star Struck," a Disney drama starring Sterling Knight and Danielle Campbell. Accustomed to having girls fall at his feet, the teen superstar is surprised to find that his new acquaintance isn't the least bit impressed. With a strong theme of honesty and self-acceptance, the film is clean and tween-friendly in every way. Not Rated, OK for Kids 8+
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment
Here's a look at what's new in family entertainment as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.
New in Theaters: Dear John
Featuring a wartime romance between a young college student and a soldier, "Dear John" is based on author Nicholas Sparks' best-selling novel of the same name. A weepy drama about honesty and love, the film has a positive message and, aside from some nongraphic love scenes and a few harsh words, no objectionable content. Rated PG-13, OK for kids 13+.
DVD: Zombieland
It is no surprise that "Zombieland" is chock full of bloody horror scenes in which characters are shot, bludgeoned, stabbed and separated from their limbs. But what might surprise is the fact that the violence is played for laughs and that it's actually quite funny. However, the abundance of gore, strong language and drug and sexual references make the film a no-go for kids. Rated R, Iffy for kids 16-18.
TV: Undercover Boss
A reality series in which CEOs go undercover as entry-level employees to see how their businesses are being run, "Undercover Boss" features such corporate giants including 7-11, White Castle and Hooters. As these big bosses spend a week in the trenches, they ostensibly learn how be more mindful and respectful of the little people who power their companies. Rated TV-PG, OK for kids 10+.
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment
New in Theaters: When in Rome
A romantic comedy with a supernatural twist, "When in Rome" tells the story of a work-obsessed woman who has magically drawn the attention of a bevy of romance-minded men. As she sorts through her possible suitors, there's a fair amount of sexual innuendo, creepy stalker-type behavior and objectionable language. Rated PG-13, Iffy for Kids 13-15
DVD: Michael Jackson's This is It
The late, great King of Pop prepares for the tour that never was in "Michael Jackson's This is It." This behind-the-scenes look at the mega star at work reveals a surprisingly kind and gentle perfectionist and is absent any evidence of his well-publicized problems. Other than the usual suggestive dancing and a few frightening images from "Thriller," the film is age-appropriate and wholly entertaining. Rated PG, OK for Kids 10+
TV: Caprica
A new show on the Syfy network, "Caprica" is a prequel to the television series "Battlestar Galactica." Delving into the world of the Cylons, the story centers around a distraught father as he tries to resurrect his murdered daughter by implanting her electronic essence into a warrior robot. While the language is clean and there's very little violence, the virtual-reality nightclub scenes feature glimpses of unsavory activities. Rated NR, OK for Kids 15+
















