Category Archives: CHILDRENS

THROWBACK THURSDAY – THE NEVERENDING STORY

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The Story That Never Ended in Our Hearts

Only the kids from a certain generation can truly appreciate what a movie like The NeverEnding Story did for them and their childhood. Although there are noticeable differences from how it might be remembered and how it really is, this is still an imaginative story that even kids today could find joy in.

The NeverEnding Story was brought to us in 1984 by director Wolfgang Petersen as he took us to a world none of us would have ever been able to think up on our own. The story follows the young boy Bastian (Barret Oliver) who is dealing with his mother death and a group of bullies. After taking shelter from them in an old book store, Bastian is introduced to a story he is told is unlike any other he has read. Curiosity gets the best of him and he ‘borrows’ the book to see for himself.

He takes the book to the attic of his school (which I wasn’t aware schools had) and begins to read as he’s taken to the world of Fantasia where the Nothing threatens to wipe it out if a hero doesn’t come to stop it. The unlikely hero known as Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) comes forth and offers to stop the Nothing. He journeys across Fantasia dealing with such obstacles as the Swamps of Sadness, the Magic Mirror Gate, and the Southern Oracle and meeting characters like the Rockbiter, G’mork, Engywook and Urgl, and Falkor.

The story as a whole is very imaginative and off the edge as Petersen’s mind creates a wondrous world. Given that it was made in 1984, the visuals are stunning for that time as the effects rival some of that which we see in movies today (which is a scary thought). Where some viewers might get lost is in the story itself and its ability to jump about from one random situation to another. The ultimate goal is clear as day, but the route taken to get there can seem out of whack at times. And with its PG (PG-13 back then) rating, this can be watched by kids of all ages, but might also scary some of those same kids with its characters.

It may not be the best movie ever made (or even one in the top ten or fifty even) and yet it is still a movie that any kids from the 80’s and 90’s will know just at the calling of its name.

Throwback Lesson: Never underestimate the power of books. They allow your imagination to run wild, take you to places you otherwise couldn’t go to (sometimes even literally), and they let you create their world in your own mind rather than watching someone else’s vision of that same world on a screen.

ROASTED RIPPER SCORE: B (7.5/10 Lucky Dragons)

THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS

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Ever wonder what pets do when we leave for the day? Doubtful they go on a quest in NYC, encountering vipers, bunnies, hawks, and countless other animals. Yet as unrealistic as it sounds that’s why we love movies and kids will be begging you to buy them more pets after seeing this film.

The secret life of pets follows Max, a loving and loyal dog to his owner Katie. In Max’s words they have the perfect relationship, that is until Katie brings home Duke, a large rowdy dog she rescued from the pound. They clash immediately and end up getting lost in the big city trying to find their way back to Katie and develop a friendship along the way.

For adults it will be extremely predictable as we’ve seen this same story done in many other films, but it’s still entertaining and funny even though you’ll know how it’s going to end. Kids will love every minute as it’s a lighter film then some of rival Pixar’s recent releases. The message kids will hopefully walk away with is “Don’t judge a book by its cover”.

If you go to the movies or watch TV on a regular basis, no doubt you have seen the plethora of advertising for “The Secret Life of Pets”. Having seen many trailers and TV spots for this film over the better part of a year there weren’t too many funny parts that I hadn’t already seen. For most movies that’s enough to lose my attention but this is the exception, mainly because I can relate having pets of my own. If you do not have pets or kids this one might not be for you.

ROASTED RIPPER SCORE = B- (7/10 Tail Wags)

FINDING DORY

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Disney and Pixar have extended their animated winning streak with the long awaited sequel to Finding Nemo. Skeptical as always with sequels, I was pleasantly surprised with Finding Dory, a sequel that feels like a companion piece.

We follow along with our friends Nemo and Dory shortly after the events of the first film. Dory begins having flashbacks to her early childhood and remembers her parents, desperate to find somewhere she belongs she begins her quest alongside our favorite clownfish.

Meeting a bunch of new friends along the way keeps this installment fresh and entertaining (of course old favorites are there too). Predictable like most pixar films it is still able to make young children laugh while making the adults tear up. Visually stunning like the first film, the oceans come to life on the big screen while also educated the young audience about the creatures of the sea.

Finding Dory also is able to put into focus the issue of how we are treating our oceans, many scenes show messy and trash infested water. I believe it is never to early to teach children to respect ocean and aquatic life and Finding Dory effectively spreads the message!

Not much bad to say about this one, if you loved the first you will love this one equally, and I encourage parents to point out the educational and environmental points while your kids laugh and cheer for their favorite fish in the sea!

ROASTED RIPPER SCORE – A (9/10 Sea Shells)