Reviews: What's New This Week
Toys & Games, Gadgets & Tech, That's Entertainment, Shopping, Music
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: Ramona and Beezus
Beverly Cleary's beloved book series comes to the big screen in "Ramona and Beezus," a kid-friendly movie about a mischievous little girl and the family who loves her. The central storyline is taken from "Ramona and Her Father" with secondary elements borrowed from other books in the series. It works beautifully thanks to the casting of Joey King, who perfectly captures the free spirit of Ramona Quimby. Rated G, OK for kids 6+
DVD: The Runaways
While most teens will be familiar with the lead actresses in "The Runaways," this film is intended for older audiences. Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning play rockers Joan Jett and Cherie Currie as young girls making their mark on the male-dominated world of rock and roll. No surprise, there's lots of sex, drugs and violence in the realistic retelling of the rise and fall of The Runaways. Rated R, iffy for kids 16-18
TV: If You Really Knew Me
MTV takes aim at teenagers in "If You Really Knew Me," a reality show that lifts the veil on the secret lives of high school students. Each episode takes viewers to "Challenge Day" workshops at different high schools where students open up about who they really are and what their lives are really like. Although it can be painful to watch, the show presents an eye-opening and often inspiring look at the modern teenager. Rated TV-PG, iffy for kids 13-15
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment, Music, Books, Movies
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: The Sorcerer's Apprentice
A mix of comedy, mythology, drama and romance, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" has a little something for everyone. Partly inspired by the Disney classic "Fantasia," the film puts a fantastical spin on the classic good-against-evil story. There are some violent scenes, but they are mostly bloodless and the romance is limited to a few kisses. Rated PG, OK for kids 9+
DVD: Our Family Wedding
The impending marriage of an interracial couple causes friction among their family members in "Our Family Wedding." As the soon-to-be marrieds plan their big day, their respective families go to war in a culture clash of stereotypes and prejudices. In addition to the mature theme, some heavy kissing and rough language make it unsuitable for pre-teens. Rated PG-13, OK for kids 14+
TV: Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated
The classic mystery cartoon gets an update in "Scooby-Doo Mystery Incorporated." Fred, Shaggy, Velma and Daphne now have parents and, when they aren't out solving mysteries, attend high school. While the addition of family drama, relationship issues and school stuff may irk fans of the original, pre-teens will likely love it. Rated TV-Y7, OK for kids 7+
10 Things You Never Thought of to Combat Summer Boredom
Beat the summertime blues with some fresh ideas. Credit: Getty Images
Ah, summertime. Those long, lazy days of sleeping in, lounging around and generally taking it easy. Who doesn't look forward to the end of the school year and the beginning of day upon day of doing absolutely nothing?
But as much as we enjoy the summer months, they can sometimes find us woefully unprepared for the inevitable moment when the sweet taste of freedom takes on the bitter taste of boredom. All those unstructured hours stretching out ahead can incite panic in a parent without a plan.
Don't let this happen to you. Once the novelty of wearing pajamas all day has worn off, be prepared with our list of 10 things you never thought of to combat summer boredom. Whether you're staying home or traveling far and wide, keep this list handy and you just might make it to fall with your sanity intact.
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, Music, Books, Movies
In Theaters: Despicable Me
An evil villain with mommy issues adopts three little girls in "Despicable Me," an animated comedy featuring the voice talent of Steve Carell. Some families may take issue with the film's portrayal of the adoption process, which is as unrealistic as it could be. Otherwise, the movie is silly fun with a positive message about the underlying good that can be found in everyone. Rated PG, OK for kids 6+
DVD: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
An average boy turned half-god hero must visit the underworld and save his mother in "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief." The film is dark and violent and Percy's battles with gruesome creatures can be intense. While the language is fairly tame, there are a few sexually suggestive scenes and some reckless behavior by teens and adults. Rated PG, OK for kids 11+
TV: The Choir
A BBC America docuseries, "The Choir" features the trials and tribulations of Gareth Malone as he struggles to create a competitive choir in a school full of apathetic students. Through auditions, selection and practice for the choir Olympics in China, the master and his students are transformed. Rated TV-PG, OK for kids 12+
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment, Music, Books, Movies
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: The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
Bella, Edward and Jacob continue their supernatural love triangle in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse." This third installment in the series is the most violent and features a more sexually charged atmosphere. While the underlying theme of love, friendship and loyalty is a positive one, the obsessive nature of Bella's affections make her a poor role model for the film's impressionable fans. Rated PG-13, OK for kids 13+
DVD: Hot Tub Time Machine
The positive message about having the power to change your life is buried beneath the constant swearing, objectification of women and general bad behavior of the main characters in "Hot Tub Time Machine." It's a raunchy ride in a hot tub-powered time machine that is better left to the adults. Rated R, not for kids
TV: JONAS L.A.
The JoBros Disney sitcom gets a new address and a total makeover in "JONAS L.A." Now Kevin, Joe and Nick find themselves amidst the glitz and glamor as they spend their summer vacation in Los Angeles. They may have given up on "keeping it real," but they are as family-friendly as ever. Rated TV-G, OK for kids 8+
New Baby Gifts for Dads
Dads deserve baby gifts, too. Credit: Getty
New baby gifts for moms are no-brainers. Snap up an adorable diaper bag or a pretty baby sling and you're golden. But while there's no shortage of great ideas for new baby gifts for mothers, what about fathers?
Dear old Dad often gets overlooked when it comes to giving new baby gifts and we think that's just wrong. For the most important man in the new baby's life, we bring you our picks for the best new baby gifts for the other parent.
Diaper Dude Messenger II Camo Bag: As the name suggests, there is nothing girlie about this bag. With a camouflage print and a wide, sturdy strap, this one is definitely for dudes. Made from rugged polyester fabric, the Diaper Dude Messenger comes with a matching changing pad and all the pockets, clips and holders Dad needs when on the go with the little one. Measuring 17 inches wide by 14 inches tall, it's man-sized and masculine; the perfect new baby gift for dad. $98
Unique Baby Gifts: Celebrity Picks
Celebrities aren't the only ones who can give great, unique baby gifts. Credit: Getty
Unique baby gifts are the order of the day when someone you love is welcoming a new member of the family. Sure, you could go with a clever diaper cake or a cute layette set, but those are both so expected. Why not think beyond the bottle warmer and opt for something celebrity-inspired instead?
A-list Hollywood parents always seem to have the best of everything and their baby products are no exception. What are these high-profile parents unwrapping at their baby showers and buying for themselves? Read on to get the inside scoop on celebrity-approved and totally unique baby gifts.
Storksak Diaper Bags: Mom-of-six Angelina Jolie was photographed all over the world carrying her Storksak Gigi Chocolate Diaper Bag while dad
Baby Announcements: The Virtual Welcome
Celebrate your baby's arrival via a virtual announcement. Credit: Getty
Back when our mothers and grandmothers had children, baby announcements had to be written and addressed by hand. More modern parents had the option of printing their baby announcements out on home computers and popping them in the mail. And, while all this work was certainly a labor of love, it was still labor -- something most new moms have had quite enough of.
These days, however, new parents have it made with the availability of online virtual baby announcements. Telling the world about your new arrival is just an Internet connection away -- and you don't have to be a designer or wordsmith to take advantage of these services.
Free sites such as Birth Village and Parent Shack offer easy-to-use and customizable templates for creating one-of-a-kind baby announcements. You can choose to use pre-selected announcement text or get creative and use your own words.
Reviews: What's New This Week
Fun & Activities, Toys & Games, That's Entertainment, Music, Books, Kids' Games, Movies
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: Grown Ups
Five friends reunite after the death of their beloved high school coach in "Grown Ups," a comedy about friendship, loss and aging. Despite the presence of wives and children, the film is all about the guys with plenty of sexual innuendo, adult language and drinking. Rated PG-13, iffy for kids 13-14
DVD: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
An aged-up version version of the book of the same name, "Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief" brings mythology to modern times. Action-packed and intense, the film is quite violent and features battle scenes with horrifying and potentially nightmare-inducing creatures. Rated PG, OK for kids 11+
TV: Sixteen Wishes
Disney cutie Debby Ryan stars in "Sixteen Wishes," a cautionary tale in which a young girl with mixed-up priorities learns to value what's really important in life. Wholesome and entirely family-friendly, the made-for-TV movie offers a teachable moment for impressionable tweens. Rated TV-G, OK for kids 8+
Summer Camp and Tipping: What You Need to Know
Kids 5-7, Kids 8-11, Teens & Tweens, Fun & Activities
Should you slip some cash to your kid's camp counselor? Credit: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains / AP
Back in the day, tipping camp counselors was not common. But times have changed and along with it, the expectation of a little something extra for the person who has so lovingly cared for your child at summer camp. Because tipping is generally considered voluntary and different camps have different policies regarding the practice, it can be confusing for a parent to know just who and how much to tip.
The majority of summer camps, whether they are sleep-away or day camps, fall into one of three different categories when it comes to tipping. Some camps actively encourage and expect it, some strictly prohibit it and others take no official position on the matter, leaving it up to parents to read between the lines and determine for themselves if a tip is an appropriate gesture of thanks. In most cases, a camp's tipping policy will be included in the literature provided to families before the first day of camp. If in doubt, always ask the camp director.




















