Enchanted

Todays generation of kids see Disney films as live action films or computer animated, - the wave of the future - Watercolour had its last feature length film 4 years ago. The older generations grew up with traditional hand painted movies about princes and princesses and musicals with songs everyone loved to sing to. Luckily for us musicals are making a comeback in the film world and so the the traditional watercolour film.

So in true Disney fashion what better way to bring it back than with a combined Live Action and water colour fairy tale. Enchanted is a funny family movie about a girl in a cartoon land who meets prince charming and falls in love, thus like a good fairy tale, plans to marry the prince. And what would a Disney movie be without the evil Queen Step mother, so in a twist in order to get rid of the girl who will take her crown, she sends her to our world where "there is no Happily ever after." With its funny lines and unique cast and script adds twist to the traditional fairy tale it leaves you wondering who is the girls real true love and some really good songs too. The costumes are cute and the costumes that seem to fit in nicely in a cartoon world seem outlandish and odd in the real world add a little bit of humor. It's the kind of movie that leaves you feeling good at the end - but then again, it is a Disney film so why shouldn't it.

I had no intention of seeing this movie in theatres, it just didn't grab my attention when I saw previews. But I am glad I did as its a charming family movie. The only thing I found to be disappointing was the cartoon part of the film. It felt un finished and to simple, but I guess when the focus of the movie is live action it's understandable.

I recommend this movie to everyone to see. Its funny and really good.

I give it 5 IceCream Scoops out of 5
Rated PG for some scary images and mild innuendo

Amazing Grace

Everyone knows the song - an old hymn about God's grace "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found. Was blind but now I see." Powerful lyrics that can leave you humbled. Some may wonder who wrote the song and why? as there is always a story behind a song.

This movie does not focus on who wrote the song, but it shared in the movie and the song in itself is a major character in the film. Written by a former Slave Ship captain who repented of his sins, he shares his song with a man who is convicted about slave trade makes it his life goal to abolish it in Europe nearly hundred years prior to America. Based on the true of a man who has a difficult time trying to abolish the trade nearly gives up on the process, but holds tight to the song Amazing Grace.

The movie moved a bit slow, and by far more of an intillectual film than an action film goes on just a little too long. It gives you a picture into the past and allows you to learn something new.

It was a good movie, but needed to be shorter.

I recommend this to those who are interested in some intriging history about the slave trade and song that sung around the world

I give it 3.5 IceCream Scoops out of 5
Rated PG for thematic material involving slavery, and some mild language

One Night with the King

When you mention the name Queen Esther, theres probably some people who don't know who you're talking about, let alone her incredible story about her battle to save her people. You wonder where you can find the story about a Queen who risks her life, you can find it in the Old Testament in the Bible. Those who do know the name know the story of the Jewish girl who becomes Queen, but keeps her faith a secret, until it is declared that all Jewish men, women, and children are to be slaughtered. In order for her to save her people she must go before the King uninvited and risk death.

It's a story about one of the most amazing women in the bible, a Women other look up to. She trusted God and he prevailed. The movie is about this story, but slightly fictionalized as it is based upon a novel written about Esther. It's a unique take on the story, but in a very good way.

The movie starts of sloq, but picks up and makes for a good film. The costume design is amazing and would make any girl wish she was a Queen. The acting was not the best, and had its moments, but for the most part it was good. Some performances were quite well acted as well.

Had the cover of the case not stood out to me, I might not have had the chance to enjoy this movie. I recommend this movie to girls, or anyone who wants to know Esther's story.

I give it 3.5 IceCream Scoops out of 5
Rated PG for violence, some sensuality and thematic elements.

Arctic Tale

First Came "March of the Penguins," a new era of documentary that whole family would enjoy. Narrated by a famous actor, the documentary of following the life of a group of Emperer Penguins becomes more, it becomes a story. But it also takes you on the journey of seeing their trials and sadness and happy moments. So after years of filming a Polar bear and a Walrus we get Arctic tale narrated by Queen Latifa.

The Story of a polar bear and Walrus, doesn't sound all that interesting, but add some global warming and some music and you have a truly remarkable story. Life is difficult when you're way of life becomes threatened by the warming climate and you're taken on their journey to survive. So with that this movie does not come without its share of sad moments, but these and gruesomeness of some aspects of the film have been dumbed down as to make it more family friendly. This movie contains beautiful scenery and an excellent soundtrack adding beauty to this film about Some very different creatures.

I really enjoyed this film and felt they did a good job on the documentary. It wasn't too long which made it that much better, not having to sit through endless scenes. I recommend this to those who liked March of the Penguins or if you're up for something a little different.

I give it 3.5 IceCream Scoops out of 5

Sicko

You Never know what to expect when you sit down to watch a Michael Moore documentary. The only thing you can guarantee is that it's controversial and some will like it, while others will down right despise it. So what better way to start the movie off with than showing the documentary is not about - the millions of people in the U.S. without healthcare. It's about the millions that do have healthcare.

Moore intent is to take you on a trip to show you how corrupt the privatized healthcare system is. How the insurance companies will try and find any loop hole or way possible to get out of paying any money. The less money spent...means more money for the company. It's the type of documentary the just may leave you in disgust.

Michael Moore's narration takes you as far as why the american government is afraid of public healthcare (oh no! It's socialism, our society shall crumble) and showing that it can work by taking us to Canada, England, and France. He continued his story by introducing us to some 9/11 volunteer rescue workers who are now suffering for their acts of heroism, but are not qualified for the benefits simply because they were volunteers. So what does Moore do, He takes them to Cuba (which is illegal for Americans). As for the outcome, I guess you'll just have to watch to find out.

It is by far the best of Moore's documentaries to date, my favourite so far. He leaves with questions, wondering what America's future holds.

I liked this film and recommend it to those who enjoy documentaries even if you're not a moore fan.

I give this Film 4 IceCream Scoops out of 5

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language.

August Rush

How do you start a movie about an orphan boy who hopes to use music to find his parents even though He has never played an instrument in his life? In a field listening to the wind move the grass and all the surrounding sounds give this film its fairy tale feel, and completes it with a voice over from the Boy. This is a movie that takes into the past as well as the present as we follow our main character on his journey as well as what the story behind him is. How his parents met and what happened to them.

The Movie has a good plot line following August on his quest in New York City to find his parents using music. In true fairy tale Fashion his parents meet and have one amazing night together and they fall in love, but the girls father will not have it and they never see each other again. Leaving you wondering if by the powers of fate and they boy they do not know exists (as her father told her he died when he was born) bring them back together.

The actors all did an incredible job in this, we learn Rhys-Meyers is in fact a talented singer and guitar player. Freddie Highmore who was cast as August, reflects is great acting ability in this film making room for him to be an Oscar winner one day. Robin Williams gives a brilliantly terrifying performance as Wizard the villain of the film as the keeper of the homeless children he teaches to play music so that they can earn him money. His characters frightening ability to need to own August keeps you wondering what the outcome for August will be.

The film has a great soundtrack with some really good songs and instrumentals, adding just the right amount to then movie. My only disappointment was that I felt the ending was incomplete and that it seemed to be missing something.

All in all, this is a good film to see. It is family friendly and it keeps you wondering what will happen next.

I give it 4.5 IceCream Scoops out of 5
Rated PG for some thematic elements, mild violence and language.