by Caterina Jacobs (10 years old)

 When you think of Winnie the Pooh you always think of the red shirt, big belly, and the cute face. Well that’s exactly what Winnie the Pooh was. Disney brought it to life like no one else ever could.

Through the hundred acre forest, across the river, and over the mountains. The movie is all about Winnie the Pooh and his friends: Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Kanga, and her baby, Roo, and of course you can’t forget, the one and only, Christopher Robin.

I loved every detail about this movie! Especially the cartoon, it’s exactly out of the book. Also, Winnie talks to you, which is really cute. Disney did their magic, and waved their wands, and out three stories together.

I am going to warn you right now, the movie is only about one hour and thirteen minutes. I went to go see it with my dad, sister, and BFF, and we were very surprised that it ended so early, but, that’s coming from a girl who has sat through Avatar (a three hour movie).

It is the perfect length for your toddler.  I don’t know if your kid my age would want to see Winnie the Pooh, but me just being me, I have always loved Winnie the Pooh, so when my mom offered me, I couldn’t take down the offer (LOL)!!!

The one thing I would change about seeing the movie was, to see it with my mom (sorry dad), because we have always been Pooh lovers. Haha. Love you mom.

P.S. There is a really cute movie before Winnie the Pooh called The Ballad of Nessie.

P.S.S. Check out this fun video clip that shows the voices of the characters!!!

By Caterina (age 10, 5th grade)

Click on picture to download coupeonThis glamorous, yet humorous movie would be perfect for anyone who is obsessed with fashion, pink, and sparkles! I loved it, and couldn’t get out of my seat! My sister (a.k.a. Mini Sharpay) were very fortunate to get to watch it and review it, we absolutely loved it! I mean, who wouldn’t.

As a tomboy, I found this movie quite interesting and a moving story. Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure is about Sharpay, a girl who loves pink and sparkles, and her dog, Boi. She gets an offer to audition for a Broadway show to which she cannot say no. After convincing her dad, she goes to New York to live. But, there is one problem--she only has one month to prove to her dad that she can make up her mind and decide what she wants to be.  Thinking the audition is for her, she arrives and finds out that the audition is for her dog, Boi. Even though she is disappointed, she still does the audition, singing with her dog. She does great, but there is one problem, there is another person and his dog who also want the part. In New York, she meets cute Peyton who helps her through thick and thin. They slowly become friends, and soon, a couple.

This blu-ray combo pack also includes a blu-ray disc and a regualr DVD disc that you can pop into your car for a long drive. One of my favorite parts is the behind the scenes with Peyton when he takes you on his adventures with Sharpay. See the great video featuring Sharpay that he took for his class at NYU.

There are many great features, including bonus features, sneak peaks, and many other wonderful extras. I hope that you all enjoy it as much as our family did!

Video Clip

The movie is based loosely on the Fantasia animated movie, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, that stars none other than Mickey Mouse. In this version, Nicholas Cage plays the sorcerer and one of Merlin's apprentices. Let me just say that I couldn't quite see Nicholas Cage in this role, but he turned out to be perfect. Read more and Kitty Kat and Sara Cinema's reviews...

My daughters and I recently attended a sneak peek screening of The Sorcerer's Apprentice, the new movie by Jerry Bruckheimer or, as known in our house, the daddy of The Pirates of the Caribbean. The movie is based loosely on the Fantasia animated movie, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, that stars none other than Mickey Mouse. In this version, Nicholas Cage plays the sorcerer and one of Merlin's apprentices. (see official synopsis below) Let me just say that I couldn't quite see Nicholas Cage in this role, but he turned out to be perfect for the role. I guess having a five year old running around his house has softened the Cage's edge. Jay Baruchel as the apprentice was a fun casting choice. I loved him in Knocked Up. He is like a young Ben Stiller-just looking at him makes me smile. My girls loved Teresa Palmer at the girlfriend.

The details of the story were hard for my girls to grasp (The whole Merlin descendant thing) but they enjoyed it just the same. It is a perfect summer movie that starts moving from the moment you sit down. My favorite scene was an ode to the original film. I think 8 years old is about the youngest I would take, although some people had their toddlers watching it. But who cares what I think? The real reviewers (my daughters) have written their reviews below:

From my nine-year old, Kitty Kat:

I remember that when I was five, one of my favorite movies was The Sorcerer's Apprentice in Fantasia, so I connected the movies to each other.What I really liked about this version of The Sorcerer's Apprentice was that they used the Fantasia version in the middle of the movie. They also used that story and created an outside world or story based on the Mickey Mouse version. They added A LOT of action which made more scary and interesting. On the other hand, Nicholas Cage made it funny. I would rate it 91/2 out of 10.

From my eight-year old, Sara Cinema

I think that The Sorcerer's Apprentice is a great action movie! If I was a mom, I would only allow a child that's older than 7 or 8 to see it. I think that there is a huge difference between the Mickey Mouse Sorcerer's Apprentice and the new Sorcerer's Apprentice! But I also am a person that does not like cartoon movies or videos. If your chid/children like action, this is the right movie for them!  I would rate this movie one million!

Official Synopsis

Walt Disney Studios, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Jon Turteltaub, the creators of the “National Treasure” franchise, present THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE -- an innovative and epic comedy adventure about a sorcerer and his hapless apprentice who are swept into the center of an ancient conflict between good and evil. Balthazar Blake (NICOLAS CAGE) is a master sorcerer in modern-day Manhattan trying to defend the city from his arch-nemesis, Maxim Horvath (ALFRED MOLINA). Balthazar can't do it alone, so he recruits Dave Stutler (JAY BARUCHEL), a seemingly average guy who demonstrates hidden potential, as his reluctant protégé. The sorcerer gives his unwilling accomplice a crash course in the art and science of magic, and together, these unlikely partners work to stop the forces of darkness. It'll take all the courage Dave can muster to survive his training, save the city and get the girl as he becomes THE SORCERER'S APPRENTICE.

The motion picture reunites Nicolas Cage, Jerry Bruckheimer and Jon Turteltaub, respectively the star, producer and director of the blockbusters “National Treasure” and “National Treasure: Book of Secrets.”
“The Sorcerer’s Apprentice” marks Nicolas Cage’s seventh collaboration with Jerry Bruckheimer, following “The Rock,” “Con Air,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “National Treasure,” “National Treasure: Book of Secrets” and “G-Force”).

Website and Mobile site: Disney.com/Sorcerer
Become a fan on Facebook: facebook.com/SorcerersApprentice
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/DisneyPictures

Actors: Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, Nick Jonas, Chelsea Staub

Reviewed by Christine Fugate

My 7 and 8 year old daughters loved this DVD set. I have to say that the Jonas Rockin' the House is not nearly as annoying as their music is. The shows always have a good lesson to be learned and the characters, even though they are rock starts in the show, still seem fairly humble annd nice kids.I would recommend the show for kids 8-14.

From Amazon:

Kevin, Nick and Joe are three guys facing the same challenges as teenagers all across America -- the only difference is they are also internationally famous rock stars in the band JONAS! Experience life through the eyes of the world's most popular trio in five episodes of JONAS on JONAS: ROCKIN' THE HOUSE. Plus, this DVD includes two full bonus episodes and premieres the exclusive You've Just Been Jo Bro'd DVD feature that takes you along with the Jonas Brothers on their laugh-out-loud mission to surprise their co-star. Get ready to see even more of your favorite Disney Channel series with JONAS: ROCKIN' THE HOUSE on DVD!

Bonus Features Include: You've Just Been Jo'Bro'd! surprising Chelsea Staub, World Premiere Episodes On DVD: Beauty And The Beat and Cold Shoulder

Book of Jonas (film)

Actors: Mylie Cyrus, Moises Arias, Selena Gomez, Mitchel Musso, Dylan Sprouse

Buy it at Amazon

Reviewed by my 8 year old daughter, Caterina:

I think the best TV show is the one that’s called “Castaway." It’s about when Justin won this essay contest and wins a trip on the Teen Hawaii. Alex is not allowed to go but then the parents find out that there is a school onboard. She begs her Mom and Dad and they say if she promises to go the school. She goes and takes out her wand out and brings Harper, her best friend, to the boat in her suitcase. They switch places. Alex has fun and she does a tug of war and she wins. Alex and Bailey win tickets to the Hannah Montana concert. Max tells the truth that Harper is on the boat. Alex takes out her wand and tries to send her back home, but actually sends her to Rome. The episode is funny and entertaining.

Extras
I liked the “ It’s a Suite Life having Fun with Hannah and Wizards."  It shows you about the sets and that they are so happy that they are together. I think it is appropriate for ages 6-30 years old.

From Amazon:

Product Description
Climb on board for fun on the high seas as three of your favorite Disney Channel shows come together in WIZARDS ON DECK WITH HANNAH MONTANA -- on DVD for the first time ever! The S.S. TIPTON embarks on a triple-length comedy crossover event when Justin wins a Teen Cruise to Hawaii -- and a chance to meet London. Both Justin and Max do their best to win the heiress's affection, while Cody tries to win concert tickets for Bailey, and Alex accuses Zack of being a prankster. Between the kids' pranks (who turned Justin blue?!) and crazy schemes (Alex sneaks Harper on board to take her make-up science class?!), the excitement goes overboard when international superstar Hannah Montana checks in on her way to a sold-out concert in Hawaii. But when Miley Stewart loses her lucky charm anklet and her Hannah wig, are her days as the world's biggest pop star over forever? It's all here in WIZARDS ON DECK WITH HANNAH MONTANA with three times the fun and triple the laughs! Plus, this new full-length adventure includes exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, hilarious cast bloopers and more!

Bonus Features Include: Justin's Award-Winning Essay Watch The Essay Video That Got Justin And His Siblings On The S.S. TIPTON Teen Cruise, It's A Suite Life Having Fun With Hannah & The Wizards Hilarious Bloopers And Backstage Interviews With The Stars!

Running into Zach (film)

• Directors: Andy Fickman
• Writers: Alexander Key, Mark Bomback, Matt Lopez
• Producers: Andrew Gunn, Ann Marie Sanderlin, Mario Iscovich
• Format: AC-3, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: English, French, Spanish
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1
• Number of discs: 3
• Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• DVD Release Date: August 4, 2009
• Run Time: 99 minutes\

by Christine

I don't remember the original movie very well but I do know I liked it. This version is very high tech and for the first fifteen minutes I had no idea what was happening. Eventually, it becomes clear that the Rock is some kind of ex-con loser with a big heart. The kids are aliens, but look like the kids next door. (The girl is from one of our favorite films, "Because of Winn Dixie.") It 's appropriate for 8+ as long as they don't get scared easily. My daughter was scared there were going to die, but of course, they don't. It was a great babysitter for me (my kids watched it twice) and I even enjoyed it. It's funny how The Rock has transformed himself into the new Disney star. Makes me think of my old Disney heart throb, Kurt Russell. Buy or rent it for family movie night or a lazy weekend.

My Review Caterina, age 8

I thought it was good. I don't know why they call it "Witch Mountain" It might be because it is a scary mountain or they don't know witch mountain to race to. I would give it 10 stars.

My Review Sara Jeanne, age 7

I thouht that Race To Witch Mountain was a great movie i wasn't scared of the scary parts i am normally not scared. I love the movie of so much.

DVD Extras

It looks like it has amazing extras but we couldn't watch them since we don't have a BluRay player...yet.

• Actors  Jim Backus, Walter Barnes, Calvin Bartlett, Red Buttons, Charlie Callas
• Format: AC-3, Animated, Color, Dolby, DVD, Special Edition, Widescreen, NTSC
• Rating: G (General Audience)
• Studio: Walt Disney Video
• DVD Release Date: August 18, 2009
• Run Time: 129 minutes

by Christine

I love Helen Reddy ("Woman Hear Me Roar") and I love this movie! It completely took me by surprise--I thought it was a recent Disney film until I sat down and watched it with my daughters. What a pleasure to watch the true blue Disney film where they break into song with conviction and harmony. Mickey Rooney is also delightful. I highly recommend this film not only for your own family but also as a birthday gift for other families.

by Sara Jeanne, age 7

I think Pete's Dragon is a great movie. It is old fashioned and intelligent. Kids older then six would like it because it is cool. Pete is a little boy who does not have any parents, only Elliot the dragon who is a cartoon. They made Elliot off of the computer.

My kids reviews:

Sara Jeanne, age 7

What I thought of the Hannah Montana: The Movie is that kids older then 5 or 6 would really like it. It is a great movie what I most liked about it is that Miley Cyrus and Hannah had to keep changing wigs because Miley Cyrus and Hannah Montana are the same girl. The movie ends happy.

Caterina Jacobs Age: 8 Grade: 4th

What I thought of the Hannah Montana: The Movie is it was Great Movie!! I don’t watch a lot of TV but I saw the movie two times! I could watch it over and over again and I wouldn’t get sick of it!! I think Hannah Montana is a great singer and I would LOVE to meet her! People should really watch it even if you don’t like Hannah Montana but I Love Her!! If I could I would give The Hannah Montana Movie a 1,0000000000000000000000 Binkies!!!

DVD Extras

I think the Deleted scenes were great!!! My favorite one was when Miley was farting while she was trying to get to sleep. The tour of Franklin with Miley and the tour with Emily around Los Angeles is very fun. You Should Watch EVERYTHING.

Squeals fliled my house when the DVD of the PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM arrived minutes before we left on vacation. And thank goodness for that. It was watched and watched while crossing California, Nevada and Utah! Both of my girls loved it. Here is my eight-year-old's review:

"I thought Princess Protection Program was Awesome!!! A lot of the parts were making me laugh so hard! But for younger kids it might be a little bit scary. For my age (8) I thought I could understand it. The base of the story is when a bad person takes over Princess Rosalina’s (Demi Lovato) country, Costa Luna. Then Carter Mason’s (Selena Gomez) Dad takes her to his house. They meet and don’t really like each other. Then when the ball is close, they go shopping and are best friends to the very end!!!"

My final word: It's hard to find good G rated films. Give yourself some me-time and get a copy of this new film for your next coffee break or cross country drive.

The Official Blurb: A Disney Channel Original Movie PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM is an adventure comedy about two very different girls – a princess from a small kingdom and a small town girl who, when fate brings them together, must team up to help the would-be queen pass for a regular teen.

Disney Channel’s PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM was crowned royalty as TV’s number one entertainment telecast of 2009 in Kids 6-11 (3.1 million) and Tweens 9-14 (3.2 million) and as cable’s most watched scripted telecast (viewers) when the exciting adventure/comedy debuted. Since its premiere in EMEA in May ’09, and now the U.S. and Canada, Disney’s “Princess Protection Program” has reached 28.1 million unique Total Viewers around the world, including 3.7 million Kids 6-11 and 3.5 million Tweens 9-14 for the June 26th premiere.

Now, just days after the record-setting cable debut, two of young Hollywood’s superstars, Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato, head to DVD in the royal journey PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM: ROYAL B.F.F EXTENDED EDITION. The exclusive bonus materials feature the all-new music video “One and the Same” performed by the real life best friends Demi and Selena plus much more. This regal experience is available with a free “Best Friends” necklace set inside the DVD for a limited time from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment.

EXCLUSIVE DVD BONUS FEATURES INCLUDE:
“One and the Same” Music Video performed by Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato.
Royal & Loyal BFFs – stars Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato reveal secrets about their real-life friendship.
A Royal Reality – meet a real-life Princess and learn the realities about gowns, castles and her responsibilities.

PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM is rated ‘G’ in the US and ‘PG’ in Canada.