Summary: The Dark Knight movie reviews are bursting out like a huge bat colony from a cave at nightfall.
Heath Ledger's performance is getting raves. Below are some selected quotes, with links to reviews I found interesting:

OfficialHeat.com

"I have NEVER seen a movie with this much hype not only live up to the hype, but
surpass any expectation you have due to it. ... It’s FLAWLESS. All the hype in
the world can’t properly prepare you for what they don’t tell or show you."

Passionforcinema.com

"I almost didn’t know how to absorb and analyze the movie at the same time. But
this is a high water mark in big budget cinema that almost seems untouchable."

AtomicPopcorn.com

"So first things first. Does Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” deserve
all the praise it’s been getting? The answer to that is a resounding
“YES!” With “The Dark Knight”, Nolan has not only crafted a film that
easily surpasses his original (and that’s saying something), but he’s also
created a truly memorable filmgoing experience that is without a doubt the best
movie of the year."

RollingStone.com

"I can only speak superlatives of Ledger, who is mad-crazy-blazing brilliant as the Joker."

Comcast.net

"So go, see "The Dark Knight" and revel in the fact that a "popcorn movie" just might be the best film of the year."

One word of caution. Several reviews said the movie is very DARK, and the Joker is no comic, he's a sadistic, evil killer. You may want to think twice before taking young kids.

Summary: Grandparents.com has posted a review of Horton Hears a Who, Seuss-style!

Now here's a review of Horton Hears a Who!
The third Dr. Seuss flick tops the other two.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas was good for a laugh,
But The Cat in the Hat was a mess and a half.

Both were live action, which felt off the mark,
But here's animation that's got the right spark.

It matches the absurdist style of Seuss,
And captures young viewers with just the right juice.

The story on tap, as if you don't know,
Involves a fun jungle where beasts come and go.

Horton's an elephant, playful and kind,
With hearing as sharp as his remarkable mind.

When he thinks there's a scream from a small speck of dust,
He can't really see it, but guard it he must.

Sure, they're microscopic, these people called Whos,
But this is their world, which they don’t want to lose.

Horton's friends ridicule him, and they don’t believe,
That the mayor of Whoville is not make-believe.

He's one tiny creature who turns up one morning,
Issuing Whoville a true global warning.

So each of these heroic outcasts persists,
In seeking to prove that the other exists.

Jim Carrey gives voice to a Horton who's swell,
While Whoville's odd mayor comes from Steve Carell.

Lucky young viewers have a real treat in store,
With food for thought and sight gags galore.

This little flick's message to folks one and all:
A person's a person, no matter how small.

Few movies are aimed right at kids three to nine,
But here's one cartoon that's both humble and fine.

So grandparents seeking a G-rated flick,
Will find that this Horton is one nifty trick.

It won’t do your grandchildren one ounce of harm,
And will impress you with its wit and its charm.



Scooped a movie review? KidReviewer welcomes contributing reviews of movies, games, and more. If you've written a good review and would like to share it at KidReviewer, email me at: nick @ kidreviewer.com. I'm happy to give full credit.

Overall, I thought there was lots of excitement. At times my heart was beating very fast. It's one thing to be in a dark tunnel full of rats, it's quite another when those rats are running from some sick creatures that will jump your face and sink their teeth in your chest. I thought the movie was awesome as a roller coaster ride, especially as a fan of the marketing campaign since the day the trailer hit last July. However it wasn't quite the whole theme park. The characters were realistic, but rather normal. No outstanding performances, and the movie just didn't have the full-story feel of a classic five star release. In some scenes people were giggling, when the director may have meant for it to be serious. One amusing twist, I think HUD was the fav character in the movie, supplying nerdy humor throughout. Since he is holding the camera he's the least seen but most heard.

The Cloverfield Monster
Of course, most 'pre-fans' won't give a w00t! about character performances, it's the action and monster they want to see, and they get plenty of looks before it's all over. The monster was def awesome. I think it will surprise many who were trying to guess its nature. It was big, maybe several blocks long when looking down from head to tale. It could rise up skyscraper high when it wanted, crawl around on weird arthropod legs, and even pull itself along like a slug with elbows. I'm glad producer JJ Abrams and/or director Matt Reeves chose this to be the 'American Monster'.
It wasn't Voltron, it wasn't a whale, it wasn't Cthulu, but it was one big ugly mess! It was as if they took parts of sea animals, threw in some extra arms and legs, and put them in a blender 400 hundred feet tall. I saw some definite similarities between the four creatures featured on the hack of the Tagruato site. (Tanner Crab, Irukandji Jellyfish, Dumbo Octopus, and Ogre fish) I'd be comfortable if they suggested it was a mutation involving all those deep sea creatures. Because there are no photos of the monster yet, below is my second attempt to draw the monster from memory.

(click picture for full page view)

[edit: I just found the below sketch posted by Chuparex at the Unfiction forums. It is my favorite depiction of the monster so far, and I've seen it twice now and discussed it with many}


This image just posted in at NYmag.com:



MGP seemed to have the teeth of the ogre fish (known as a fangtooth), definitely something around the ears akin to the Dumbo Octopus, as they swelled, ala the ear of Grendel in the recent Beowulf. It also had grey skin along the head which was similar in texture to an octopus, as opposed to scales, fins or ridges. The 'arms' are much like a crab or spider. It also might have had some long tentacles it could whip out and smack things, and I think that was the part it may have gotten from the jellyfish. That could have been the tail I saw, perhaps similar to a giant squid's tentacle, but I can't be sure on one viewing. As a refresher, below are the four deep sea creatures cut from the Tagruato hack page: (and for those unfamiliar with the rather involved story leading up to the movie, go to CloverfieldClues and start reading from the beginning of that excellent resource.)


Critters
There are smaller creatures, lots of them, and they fall off of Mr. Grumpy Pants (MGP). I think MGP can actually choose to shake them loose when he wants to really cause problems for those pesky military assaults. The critters are crablike, (remind me of Zergs from the Starcraft video game, or the bugs in Starship Troopers). They are fast, like to spring at you, and leave a nasty bite. I think most of the pre-fans know what happens to someone when they get bitten. I won't tell you what happens when Marlene grows 40 pant sizes in two seconds, but there will be blood.

First Person View
Watching the story through the first-person view was very realistic, and helped create a sense of panic and fear. There were also several 'gotcha' moments, which brought a reaction from the audience. BE WARNED, the camera is very shaky and downright dizzying at times. There were maybe half a dozen times when the characters were in a pinch, and had to take off running. HUD would forget looking through the lens and just book it with the camera running. It was the realistic thing to do, but jarring and spinning views of feet on passing pavement, blurred buildings, and taking corners, can make you dizzy. Three ladies I interviewed afterwards said they felt queasy, and I was told there was another woman in the restroom that was really nauseous/sick. Another blogger mentioned this in his Cloverfield Sick review. If you get motion sick easy, you might want to take some meds before going. I didn't feel anything, but do admit the camera was all over the place at times. There was no other view during the film. It started with the tape rolling, and ended that way. However, they used a really brilliant idea to show some back-story, without interferring with the hand-held camera idea. Also, as predicted, there were a few situations where the camera looked at a tv screen, to show a wider view of what was going on in the city.

Marketing vs Movie
Just wanted to add that I didn't see any part of the viral marketing back-story with a significant role in the movie. Yes, there's a tanker burning that looks like it's from Tagruato, but the company, the Chuai station, Slusho!, Myspace pages, jamielovesteddy.com, nor seabed nectar is not important in the movie. For that reason, I think the marketing campaign gives the 'pre-fans' a much more entertaining experience than those who haven't checked out the history or participated in the fun. I hold out hope for a dessert on this 7 course meal: I'm hoping that after the movie has launched for a few weeks, that the producers may continue some of the story elements to wrap up loose ends with Tagruato/Chaui, so we can extend our fun. BTW, there's no cause given for the monster's appearance in the city, and he seems to have no purpose other than to walk around tearing stuff up and killing folks.

The Ending -- well, you'll just have to see for yourself. I do plan to see the movie again, probably several times. Cloverfield is the type of movie where I'll probably notice quite a number of things the more I see it, especially with my heart a little calmer, and my eyes knowing just where to look next.

Recommend for: 12 years and above.

Summary: A Japanese cartoon turned into a fun summer blockbuster.

What I liked: Transformers has fantastic camera work and special effects. My favorite of the movie was just watching the robots transform. They took the time to make every metal rod slide into place. My favorite transformer was Bumblebee; it would be fun to have him watching my back. Megatron was one seriously bad dude.

This really was Shia LaBeouf’s breakout movie. I think he pulled it off quite nicely. The action was so jam-packed into Transformers that by the end you just want to walk out and buy another ticket so you can watch it again; just to make sure you didn’t miss any. There was alot of humor in the movie too, the audience was laughing plenty.

Didn't like: They might have put some parts in that didn’t need to be there, and it used up some time that they could have used to put more story in. In some action scenes, the robots smashed around so much debris it was hard to tell the rumble from the robots.

Additional:
>>Dad: “That was a perfect summer movie for a bucket of popcorn and some kids looking for a fun afternoon. The effects were amazing, though too fast some times. The lead actor, Shia, has good timing and expressions on humorous lines.

Recommend for: All ages.

Summary: ***WARNING: This movie is not for young kids, even though the trailer might seem so. It is an unexpected and original mixture of adult conflict and kid fairy tales.

What I liked: Pan’s Labyrinth is a serious story of a Fascist army versus rebels fighting for their freedom, while at the same time an outstanding story of a young girl’s journey through a wondrous fairy tale. The plot was flawless and the characters are all unforgettable. There’s a perfectly ruthless bad guy, and a horrifying monster that could give a kid nightmares. I can’t classify one person as the hero/heroine, but the lead girl was brave, innocent, and creative.

Didn't like: The only thing stopping me from giving this a five is some unnecessary images that definitely could have been left out: sawing a leg, a brutal and graphic murder. Then there’s the fact that the entire movie is in subtitles; you have to read it.

Additional:
>>Dad: “Mixes a harsh story of war with child’s fantasy; dainty fairies alongside torture and inhumane treatment. It was beautiful, but I kept thinking “who did they make this for?”

Recommend for: DEFINATLY NOT A KIDS MOVIE

Summary: Wow.

What I liked: Oliver Stone’s World Trade Center is a real tear-jerker. The lead actors, Nicholas Cage and Michael Peña talked with the actual survivors, John McLoughlin and Will Jimeno, to get the part right down to the last word. This movie showed John and Will’s story as the World Trade Center came down on top of them, and they lay buried in the rubble waiting for rescue. Their family’s hardship is also shown through this film. You should really get the DVD to see all of the real people in commentaries talking. John had so many operations, and so much muscle removed that he had to re-learn how to walk. This movie is incredible.

Didn't like: No complaints.

Additional:
>>Dad: “Haunting images of that day. Very well delivered, but I would have liked to see a few more shots depicting the variety of help afterward. The iron workers, the posters everywhere, the flowers. A good one to buy and keep."

Recommend for: All ages, not for the faint-hearted, or relatives of 9/11 victims.

Summary: Pirates of the Caribbean At World’s End is full of amazing characters and wonderful action scenes! The third movie doesn’t disappoint.

What I liked: The fight scenes in this movie were incredible! There were so many cool highlights, like cannon battles in a whirlpool, a ship sailing through the desert, and the world turning upside down! So much goes on it is almost impossible to follow every story at once. There are tons of wicked looking characters in this movie, including the nine pirate lords, from cultures around the world. The places they go and things they do in some of the scenes are tightly choreographed and it’s a terrific idea for a story. For those that love Cap’n Jack Sparrow, you’ll get a real eye-full in the scenes at Davy Jones’ Locker.

Captain Jack continues to be the coolest; but the Davy Jones performance was excellent. He has a way of snapping off his lines, and showing intensity that works well. The use of the animated tentacles and appendages adds to his menace in this one.

Didn't like: A lot of stuff in Pirates of the Caribbean III doesn’t make sense. There is a bunch of double crossing, sneaky dealing, and anger at Captain Jack. I don’t think anyone stays close to anyone else the entire time. And be warned, this movie builds up a big event through the character of Calypso, but in the end that part of the plot is no big deal. They missed a potential big special effects hoorah for their finish. And some of the stuff was cheesy, like a wedding proposal in the middle of a fight scene. But all three of the movies had cheesy here and there.

Additional:
>>Dad: “Meanders at some points, and the backstabbing can get confusing, but the villains are outstanding actors and the high-seas action is plenty fun. It opens with a pretty harsh scene that prompted questions from the four year olds in the row behind us.”

Recommend for: All ages.

Summary: Brings out the bad boy in Spiderman. Terrific fun.

What I liked: Great movie, hence the five donuts! The great thing about Spiderman 3 is that there is 3 and a half villains in this movie: Sandman, Venom, Spidey’s dark side, and a vengeful Harry Osborne. It takes the time to show every villain’s story, and how Peter Parker (Toby) deals with them. This movie takes numerous good stories and intertwines them to make one big thrilling action movie. This movie slides together perfectly.
You figure out what is going to happen seconds before it does, keeping you on the edge of your seat until one line is laid and a long “Ohhhh” is heard throughout the theater. This movie really shows the hardship and emotional storms of reality, it adds the responsibility of being a superhero in New York, and smashes them into one jam-packed movie.

Didn't like: Nothing really bad about this movie, a lot of demons are let out of Spidey’s heart, and tied into a knot. I thought this could be the last of the series. And then I thought, “Wait….this is Spiderman”. So you can count on more.

Additional:
>>Dad: “Impressive that an action movie can weave in 5, count ‘em, 5 personal development stories with characters fighting against inner doubts and challenges. Some overcome, others succumb, but it all comes together in the end. Venom should have been bigger, deadlier, and more of a key villain.”

Recommend for: All ages.

Summary: Daniel Craig may be the best bond yet! Great Bond movie.

What I liked: Absolutely brilliant story of Bond before becoming 007 and before gaining his license to kill. This bond is very athletic and swift with his moves. Thrilling movie of deception, mystery, spying, and most importantly, the car chase. Wonderful originality and plotting. The climax of the movie depends on one serious poker game. Nail-biting good time.

Didn't like: Only cons are occasional bad puns, and boring chats. Although, the dialogue can help you, it can be very confusing. I preferred the action, and got more every 5-10 minutes.


Recommend for: Young adults/teens through adults. May be inappropriate for ages 11 and under.

Summary: The fight scenes were awesome. Flippin’ sweet, but not without flaws.

What I liked: Amazing art work and outstanding fight scenes!!! The artwork was fantastic! In some scenes it looked like an oil painting, and anymore artistic, I would of thought the teaser to be a cutscene to the video game!

Didn't like: Well, there a number of flaws in the movie… to begin, too many slow-mo yoda scenes. By yoda, I mean jumping though the air to chop someone's head off in slow-mo and for the head to spin fifty feet in the air and slowly twist around to show the blood spewing at you in three dimensions. I liked the slo-mo a lot, but they just overdid it. There was hardly any story at all really. There would be some talking and then maybe either a huge, graphic slo-mo fight or a graphic slo-mo sex scene. And most of it didn’t make sense.

Some times during the fight the Spartans would stop to make jokes. The crowd was laughing but if this movie was being realistic the soldiers would have died laughing. And the movie talked about learning how to use your head to achieve victory and outsmart the enemy, yet during the fights they just used brute strength and sword skills.

SPOILER >>>>>>> Like in the end they made this awesome formation of a dome with their shields, and their spears sticking out, but they never used it. Instead they broke formation to kill an unimportant messenger of the enemy, and they were open to attack. In about the 20th slo-mo scene, the Spartan king did make the enemy god-king bleed, but the movie didn’t make enough of this. None of the enemy seemed to notice, or flee as you might expect because gods aren’t supposed to bleed.

SPOILER >>>>>>>>> And through the whole movie, the Spartans fought hard and it looked like they would never die, but in the end, it was like the king turned around and all of his guys were dead in seconds.

Additional: Despite the flaws below, I would watch it again in a heartbeat. It is a feast for the eyes.
>>Dad: “A visual treat and something different. Imagine watching about 2 hours of the time-warped fight scenes in the game Prince of Persia (Warrior Within), with the pounding soundtrack to boot. Not graphic in the sense of a horror flick, more in an artistic direction."

Recommend for: Adults only. Definitely adults and mostly guys. Trust me.

Summary:
Epic Movie was hilarious, but filled with crude humor.

What I liked: This movie covered just about every serious movie of 06, and made it look stupid. It makes fun of other movies like Narnia, Snakes on Plane, X-men, Borat and Harry Potter.

Didn't like: I think in some parts they tried too hard to be funny.

Additional: Epic Movie was very crude and inappropriate for young children; I liked it, but if my parents would have seen it first I don’t think I would've went.
Epic Movie Trailer (short 30 second spot, nothing offensive)

Recommend for: Teens through adults.

Summary:
Bridge to Terabithia wasn’t what I expected at all, it was a good movie but had too much drama, not enough action.

What I liked: It was a good movie and story, good acting. I think moms will like the story more than anyone.

Didn't like: In the movie trailers and commercials there was action, action, action. In the actual movie it was drama, drama, drama. The film was meant to be uplifting and happy but it can be very sad and slightly even disturbing.:)

Additional: I would have enjoyed it more if the advertising had explained it better.
>>Mom says, “There were a few of us crying in the theater.”
>>Dad: “A Bridge to Terabithia is a really good movie about friendships, and cherishing our unique talents, but it was not so much about magic and fantasy kingdoms like Narnia was.”
>>Brother (17 yrs): “I’d recommend for some of my friends, not all. It was a good drama.”

Other opinions at:
Man Bytes Dog

KidsPickFlicks

Recommend for: Adults, and some teens. Younger kids may enjoy the few thrilling parts this film has to offer, but the emotional impact it gave me will cause me to think twice before buying my next ticket.