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Nell Minow: February 2009 Archives

Saturday February 28, 2009

Categories: Trailers and Previews

Remakes!

"Worth a Mention's" Howie Weed" reports that a number of remakes are in the works. New versions of "Total Recall," based on a Philip K. Dick story, "Clash of the Titans," and "The Never-Ending Story" are all in the works.

The upcoming "Race to Witch Mountain" is being billed as "a "modern re-imagining" of 1975's "Escape to Witch Mountain, not a remake. I'm looking forward to seeing the actors who played the children in the original in cameo appearances. rtwm_pub_still_10_27.000023.jpg

Which remake do you wish had never been released? Is there a movie you'd like to see remade?

Friday February 27, 2009

More 'Watchmen' Goodies!

Friday February 27, 2009

Happy Birthday, Elizabeth Taylor

Today we send birthday greetings to one of Hollywood's all-time most enduring and alluring stars, Elizabeth Taylor. Here are some of my favorite Taylor movies for family viewing:

1. Lassie Come Home Taylor co-stars with Roddy McDowall and cinema's most beloved dog in this classic story.

2. National Velvet The all-time best girl and a horse movie ever stars has Taylor as Velvet Brown, who raced her horse in the Grand National with the help of Mickey Rooney, Angela Lansbury, and the magnificent Ann Revere as her mother.

3. Father of the Bride One of the most beautiful sights ever put on screen is Elizabeth Taylor walking down the aisle in this gentle comedy about a wedding that creates great upheaval in the family, especially for the bride's father (Spencer Tracy).

4. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Mature teens and their parents will appreciate this Tennessee Williams dysfunctional family story about power, money, frustration, and ambition, also starring Paul Newman and Burl Ives.

5. The Taming of the Shrew Taylor and then-husband Richard Burton star in Shakespeare's rowdy comedy about an angry and outspoken woman "tamed" by a high-spirited man who thinks all he wants in a wife is money but finds himself falling in love (some mature material, brief nudity).

6. Little Women Taylor plays the artistic and sometimes socially ambitious daughter Amy, the youngest of the March girls, in this version of Louisa May Alcott's beloved novel.

7. Jane Eyre Taylor has a small but unforgettable part as the young Jane's only friend in the cruel boarding school.

8. Ivanhoe Taylor's performance as Rebecca is so winning that it makes it hard to root for Ivanhoe's romance with Rowena.

Friday February 27, 2009

Father Does Know Best

This is what television used to look like. Watch this beguiling episode of "Father Knows Best" where Bud gets into trouble for shirking his chores to play a baseball game. It is impossible not to charmed by the innocent wholesomeness of the story and by the matter-of-fact portrayal of the role that the church and the clergy plays in the life of the family.


Thursday February 26, 2009

Categories: 3D, Documentary, Music, Musical

Jonas Brothers 3D

No review because they didn't show it to critics, but here's a shot from the new Jonas Brothers concert film.

001_JBC-02157R.jpg

Thursday February 26, 2009

Categories: Contest

Mary Poppins Contest Winners!

The lucky winners of the Mary Poppins 45th anniversary DVD have been notified. Many thanks to all who entered and here are the answers to the quiz: 1. Who is the author of the original book about Mary Poppins? P.L....

Thursday February 26, 2009

Christian Film-makers Find Their Audience

NPR has an excellent column by Barbara Bradley Hagerty about the increasing success of faith-inspired films. The San Antonio (Texas) Independent Christian Film Festival in January attracted more than 2000 audience members. And "Fireproof" has made more money than "Slumdog...

Wednesday February 25, 2009

Categories: Documentary, Interview

Interview: New York Noir

New York Noir is a documentary about the experience and influence of African-Americans in the history and culture of New York City. It will be shown on the Documentary Channel this week and it is available for purchase online. I...

Wednesday February 25, 2009

Interview: Michael Landon, Jr. of 'The Velveteen Rabbit'

Michael Landon Jr.'s new film is The Velveteen Rabbit, based on the classic book by Margery Williams about the stuffed toy bunny loved so dearly that it becomes "real." The movie opens in select cities this Friday, February 27, and...

Tuesday February 24, 2009

Gustafer Yellowgold's Mellow Fever

The third in the award-winning series of Gustafer Yellowgold is coming out on DVD March 17, featuring guest artists Lisa Loeb and Wilco's John Stirratt and Pat Sansone. These tuneful treats from artist/songwriter Morgan Taylor are family favorites, with singable...

Tuesday February 24, 2009

More on Scary Movies -- from Christianity Today

Christianity Today asked parents what scary movies have "worked" with their kids -- scared them enough to be entertaining and instructive but not too much to be truly upsetting. I found the comments very insightful. Here are some excerpts: I...

Monday February 23, 2009

Categories: Media Appearances

More on CEO Pay and Boards of Directors

My other job is in the news: Interview in Business Week with Maria Bartiromo: With regard to the subprime mess, compensation was structured so that people were paid based on the number of transactions rather than the quality of transaction....

Monday February 23, 2009

Categories: Trailers and Previews

Great News from Pixar

Howie Weed of the industry newsletter "Worth a Mention" has some news very much worth a mention indeed. He reports that "'Toy Story 3' is definitely on its way (This eagerly awaited sequel will roll into theaters on June 10,...

Sunday February 22, 2009

Coraline's Special Effects

Wired Magazine has a fascinating story about the breathtaking special effects in "Coraline." In an era when we are used to astonishingly "true" images generated by computers, the old-school charms of this stop-motion movie, where everything you see was actually...

Sunday February 22, 2009

Categories: Awards

Oscar Thoughts from Three Top Critics

Jeannette Catsoulis tells us the Oscars should embrace the lowbrow in Las Vegas CityLife: [S]tudios spend all year milking dollars from young people only to turn around at Oscar time, overcome with shame and a newly minted commitment to quality,...

Sunday February 22, 2009

Categories: Awards

The Spirits and the Razzies

Just before the Oscars every year, two other important awards are announced. The Razzies (named for the rude noise called a "raspberry") are given to the worst of the year from Hollywood. This year the recipients are: Worst Picture: The...

Sunday February 22, 2009

Debate: Is 'The Reader' Great Art or Hackneyed Tripe?

"Don't Give an Oscar to 'The Reader'" is the headline of an angry Slate essay by Ron Rosenbaum, author of Explaining Hitler: The Search for the Origins of His Evil. Rosenbaum says it is "a film in which all the...

Saturday February 21, 2009

The Latest from 'The Watchmen'

One of the most intriguing elements of the graphic novel is the excerpts from other documents that provide a glimpse into the story's layered and fullly-imagined world. Warner Home Video is supplementing the feature film release with Watchmen: Tales...

Saturday February 21, 2009

Categories: Books, Spiritual films

Lights, Camera, Faith -- Inspiration and Meaning in the Movies

The Lights, Camera ... Faith! A Movie Lectionary book series by Peter Malone, MSC with Rose Pacatte, FSP, explores movies that highlight themes or issues emphasized in the Gospel. The books propose practical points for reflection, conversation and personal growth,...

Friday February 20, 2009

Beliefnet Movie Awards

The results are in! Beliefnet's movie awards have been announced. The judges picked: "WallE" for best film, Richard Jenkins in "The Visitor" for best performance, and "Lord Save Us From Your Followers" for best documentary. Audience picks: "Gran Torino," Queen...

Thursday February 19, 2009

Categories: Comedy, Gross-out, Movies

Fanboys

"Fanboys" has less of a sense of humor about its subjects than they do about themselves. It is so afraid of offending the demographic that it cannot decide if it is making fun of passionate fans of popular culture or...

Thursday February 19, 2009

Must Read After My Death

A-
Audience: Adult
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Movie Release Date: February 20, 2009
A generation ago the technology first became widely available to allow families to document their lives with home movies and audio recordings. The use of these artifacts has transcended the "can you believe I used to look like that" and...

Thursday February 19, 2009

List: Black History Month

Every family should observe Black History Month and movies like these are a good way to begin discussions and further study. 1. Glory The true story of the US Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of their own...

Wednesday February 18, 2009

Categories: Contest, Quiz

Contest: Mary Poppins!

Are you ready for a jolly holiday with Mary Poppins? Take this quiz about everyone's favorite nanny! Send your answers to me at moviemom@moviemom.com with "Mary Poppins" in the subject line before midnight on February 25 and three random entries...

Wednesday February 18, 2009

Categories: Interview

Interview: Keshia Knight Pulliam of 'Madea Goes to Jail'

Keshia Knight Pulliam, who played Rudy, the littlest child on The Cosby Show and now plays Miranda on Tyler Perry's House of Payne, stars in Perry's latest film, "Madea Goes to Jail." I was thrilled to get a chance to...

Tuesday February 17, 2009

Changeling

B
Audience: Mature High Schooler
MPAA Rating: Rated R for some violent and disturbing content, and language.
Movie Release Date: October 25, 2008
Radiantly beatific, Angelina Jolie glows with mother love in bright red lipstick and a series of divine cloche hats as Christine Collins, a devoted single mother, in this fact-based drama directed by Clint Eastwood. In 1928 Los Angeles, while she...

Tuesday February 17, 2009

Behind the Scenes with HSM3!

Disney reveals the bloopers and accidents behind the scenes at "High School Musical 3: Senior Year." It's fun to see how the young stars bounce back from their mistakes with such good spirits and good humor. Get ready to giggle...

Tuesday February 17, 2009

List: NR's Best Conservative Movies of the Last 25 Years

The National Review has updated its 1994 list of the top conservative movies with selections from the best conservative movies of the past 25 years, including films like The Incredibles, 300, Forrest Gump, and Braveheart. As with their last list,...

Tuesday February 17, 2009

Categories: DVDs, Documentary

Religulous

The most important moment in Bill Maher's new documentary about the dangers and hypocrisy of religion is at the conclusion of his visit to a tiny trucker's chapel. As he does throughout the movie Maher challenges the very notion of...

Tuesday February 17, 2009

Flash of Genius

B
Audience: Middle School
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for brief strong language
Movie Release Date: October 3, 2008
Americans do love our underdog stories and this one has the ingredients. There's a David -- an engineering professor named Robert Kearns (Greg Kinnear), who had a "flash of genius" and invented a gadget that all the geniuses in Detroit...

Tuesday February 17, 2009

Categories: Action/Adventure, Crime, DVDs, Drama

Body of Lies

Once movie spies were sleek and cool and impeccably dressed. They were devil-may-care, they had joie de vivre, they seemed to know everything, and they were unstoppable. The bad guys had endless money to spend on sociopathic sidekicks and elaborate...

Monday February 16, 2009

The Best Political Movie?

This Week with George Stephanopolous is conducting a poll on the best-ever movies about politics. Visit the site to vote -- and I'd like to hear your picks as well. Mine would include "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "State of...

Monday February 16, 2009

Categories: Interview

HSM3 -- Interview with Kenny Ortega

In honor of the upcoming release of "High School Musical 3" on DVD, Disney was nice enough to send along this interview with director Kenny Ortega of the series about the audition process. He talks about what he looks for,...

Monday February 16, 2009

High School Musical 3: Senior Year

Sometimes "nice" can be very high praise, and that is the way I mean it when I say that the utterly snark-free "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" is as nice as it gets. With a gossamer-weight plot line that...

Sunday February 15, 2009

Miley Cyrus Apologizes Again (Twice)

It seems like a very minor infraction compared to the recent Chris Brown/Michael Phelps/A-Rod transgressions, but Miley Cyrus had to apologize again -- twice -- for a photograph that appeared to mock Asians. Her first apology was a bit defensive...

Sunday February 15, 2009

Categories: Media Appearances

Movie Mom on the Radio

If you are in the Washington DC area, you can hear me almost every Sunday on Kevin McCarthy's BDK Movie Show around 4:40 on WJFK. Last week we talked about whether "Coraline" is too scary for kids. Past shows are...

Sunday February 15, 2009

Interview: Rob Margolies of 'Lifelines'

"Lifelines," which I wrote about as one of the overlooked gems of 2008, opens April 3 in New York. It is about a deeply wounded family's visit to a therapist and the revelations and connections and consequences that result. I...

Saturday February 14, 2009

Categories: Awards

Epiphany's Most Inspiring Film Award Winners

Epiphany has announced the winners of its most inspiring film awards. Fireproof," from Samuel Goldwyn Films and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, has won the $100,000 Epiphany Prize for "Most Inspiring Movie of 2008," sponsored by the John Templeton Foundation, a...

Saturday February 14, 2009

Categories: Romance, Teenagers, Television

TV First Kisses

A Valentine for my readers -- this YouTube compilation of 10 great first kisses from recent television series, including "The O.C," "One Tree Hill," "Veronica Mars," and "Gilmore Girls."...

Friday February 13, 2009

Categories: Commentary

How Tolerant Should We Be of Intolerance?

I received warring press releases this week from both sides in the controversy over a film called Silencing Christians, each accusing the other side of intolerance and censorship. Each side believes that the other is infringing on its right to...

Friday February 13, 2009

Bad Timing -- This Week's Releases

Both of this week's big mainstream releases are suffering from bad timing. "The International," inspired by the BCCI banking scandal of 1991, is about a multi-national bank that is involved in everything from weapons sales to political payoffs and even...

Friday February 13, 2009

List: More Valentine Movies

Mark Jordan Legan of NPR has a great list of Valentine movies....

Thursday February 12, 2009

Young Mr. Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was born 200 years ago today. This film, directed by John Ford and starring Henry Fonda, is an appealing look at his early law practice and his tragic romance with Ann Rutledge. Particularly exciting and moving are the...

Wednesday February 11, 2009

The Uninvited (1944)

The new release called "The Uninvited," based on a Korean horror film, reminded me of the unrelated (but very spooky) 1944 movie of the same name, starring one of my favorites, Ray Milland. The original The Uninvited is the story...

Tuesday February 10, 2009

Categories: Media Appearances

Thanks to the Bannockburn Elementary School

Many thanks to Liza Levenson and Meredith Stone of the Bannockburn Elementary School for hosting me in the 4th grade yesterday! I loved talking to your students about movies....

Tuesday February 10, 2009

Categories: Awards

Epiphany Nominees for Most Inspiring Movies and Television Programs

Dr. Ted Baehr, founder of the Movieguide® family guide to movies and entertainment, has announced in a Hollywood online press conference the nominees for the $100,000 Epiphany Prize for Most Inspiring Movie of 2008 and the $100,000 Epiphany Prize for...

Tuesday February 10, 2009

Categories: Comedy, DVDs, Musical

Soul Men

C+
Audience: Adult
MPAA Rating: Rated R for pervasive language, and sexual content including nudity
Movie Release Date: November 7, 2008
If you see this movie, stay through the end credits to watch an interview with co-star Bernie Mac, who died not long after filming was completed. It is a better reminder of his gifts than the movie itself, a formulaic...

Tuesday February 10, 2009

W.

Maybe it is just too soon, maybe we are just too used to the high-gloss satire of "Saturday Night Live" and "The Daily Show," maybe it's the kaleidoscopic structure, but this movie feels like a rough draft. Director Oliver Stone...

Monday February 9, 2009

Chris Brown and Michael Phelps -- What Do We Tell Kids?

This has been something of a bad boy week. A-Rod confessed to steroid use. "Dark Knight" star Christian Bale was taped when he erupted into a furious and very profane rage at a technician on his set. A photograph of...

Monday February 9, 2009

List: Movies to Share With Your Valentine

Last year, I did a Valentine's Day tribute to great movie couples, from Mickey and Minnie to The Princess Bride and with suggestions for all ages. This year, I'm listing five of my all-time favorite falling-in-love (or realizing you're in...

Monday February 9, 2009

Funny Face

My second DVD pick of the week for Valentine's Day is the other new Audrey Hepburn release, "Funny Face," a gorgeous musical set in Paris with Fred Astaire and songs by Gershwin. The title tune, and "How Long Has This...

Sunday February 8, 2009

Beliefnet Spiritual Film Awards: We Want Your Vote

Be sure to check out the nominees for Beliefnet's Spiritual Film Awards and vote for your favorites....

Sunday February 8, 2009

Categories: Shorts

Chick Flick Cliches that are NOT in 'He's Just Not That Into You'

Justin Long, Bradley Cooper, and Kevin Connelly, the male stars of "He's Just Not That Into You," made a very funny short film explaining to men that it is all right for them to see the movie because it does...

Sunday February 8, 2009

'Haunting' Movie Moments from Idol Chatter

On Idol Chatter, Kris Rasmussen has come up with a two-part list of haunting moments in movies that is well worth exploring and every one of the films and those added by the commenters is a worthy addition to your...

Saturday February 7, 2009

Is 'Coraline' Too Scary for Kids?

It is always a challenge to guide parents about how scary a movie is, but it is especially difficult with this week's release of "Coraline," the 3D stop-motion animated film based on a popular book for children by Neil Gaiman....

Saturday February 7, 2009

Memorable Movie Nuns

I love Beliefnet's gallery of Memorable Movie Nuns from Paul Asay. He includes some of my favorites like Lilies of the Field, with Sidney Poitier building a chapel under the direction of flinty Lilia Skala and Susan Sarandon as real-life...

Friday February 6, 2009

Watchmen Extras!

The best news since the settlement of the lawsuit that permits "The Watchmen" to open as scheduled on March 6 is the availability of these new extras and goodies. Check out the Watchmen's YouTube channel, too....

Friday February 6, 2009

Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa

B
Audience: Kindergarten - 3rd Grade
MPAA Rating: Rated PG for some mild crude humor
Movie Release Date: November 7, 2008
The rare sequel that improves on the original, "Madagascar 2" keeps the silliness and steps up the heart. In the first film, four zoo animals run away and after a series of adventures are sent to live in an African...

Friday February 6, 2009

Categories: Commentary

Walden Media to send a Librarian to the ALA Conference

I love Walden Media's commitment to quality entertainment for families. Their films include Bridge to Terabithia and The Chronicles of Narnia. And I am also a very big fan of libraries. I am always inspired by the dedication and generosity...

Thursday February 5, 2009

Categories: Media Appearances

More About Wall Street Bonuses

In my other job, I appeared on the Lehrer Newshour again last night talking about President Obama's limits on executive compensation for the bailout financial services firms. And I wrote a column about it for CNN.com, too. I also got...

Thursday February 5, 2009

Push

If you add up all the recent movies about ordinary-looking people who walk among us with special hidden powers, you might conclude that there are no normal people left. The accountant next door might be a secret mutant, time traveler,...

Thursday February 5, 2009

I Have a Dream (Music Video)

In honor of Black History Month, I am proud to post this wonderful tribute to Martin Luther King from Little Dizzy films. The song was written by Pat Boone the day he heard the news of Martin Luther King Jr's...

Wednesday February 4, 2009

Categories: Documentary, Shorts

Walking Across America With Just $217

Alex Charwick sits down at a table with two microphones and a sign that says "Interviews 50 Cents" and talks to everyday Americans about their lives. The results are enthralling. In this interview, he talks to an Algerian-American man who...

Tuesday February 3, 2009

Categories: Elementary School

Dog Training Tips from the Space Buddies Trainer

The Space Buddies on-set dog trainer, Nicole Zuehl provides a step-by-step guide for teaching your puppy the basics of good behavior....

Monday February 2, 2009

Categories: Media Appearances

Wall Street Bonuses -- Re-calibrating My Outrage

When I'm not being the Movie Mom, I am editor and chair of a small company based in Portland, Maine that evaluates corporate behavior and performance. I've had a lot to say recently about the billions of dollars paid out...

Monday February 2, 2009

Categories: Based on a book, DVDs, Drama

The Secret Life of Bees

B
Audience: High School
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for thematic material and some violence
Movie Release Date: October 17, 2008
The beloved best-seller by Sue Monk Kidd has been brought to screen with great care, deep sincerity, and a perfect cast. Unfortunately, it is so careful, so lovingly burnished, so deliberate that it becomes sluggish, never finding the distinctive voice...

Sunday February 1, 2009

Categories: Television

House and Cuddy -- Should they get together?

In the words of Entertainment Weekly, House and Cuddy will "do the deed" this season. The popular television series is about the irascible doctor who is a master diagnostician but who constantly battles with his frustrated supervisor about his disregard...

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