Friday, October 28, 2011

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

‘Popcorn’ photo by Petr Kratochvil

It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning Friday, October 28, 2011 along with current film industry news.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

NEW TRAILERS FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED UPCOMING FILMS

THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY
DISNEY
Disney.com/Arrietty


Genre:                                            Animation/Adventure
Rating:                                           To be determined
Release Date:                               February 17, 2012
Voice Cast:                                    Bridgit Mendler, Amy Poehler, Carol Burnett, Will Arnett,   David Henrie, Moises Arias 
Director:                                   Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Producer:                                 Toshio Suzuki
Screenplay by: :                       Hayao Miyazaki and Keiko Niwa
Based on “The Borrowers” by:  Mary Norton
Director – English Language Version: Gary Rydstrom
Executive Producers – English Language Version:Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall 
English Language Screenplay by: Karey Kirkpatrick


Residing quietly beneath the floorboards are little people who live undetected in a secret world to be discovered, where the smallest may stand tallest of all.  From the legendary Studio Ghibli (“Spirited Away,” “Ponyo”) comes “The Secret World of Arrietty,” an animated adventure based on Mary Norton’s acclaimed children’s book series “The Borrowers.”


Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett).

Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger. 

The English language version of “The Secret World of Arrietty” was executive produced by Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall, and directed by Gary Rydstrom. The film hits theaters Feb. 17, 2012.

Studio Notes:
Hayao Miyazaki is one of the most influential and admired filmmakers working in animation today and is a major figure in the Japanese cinematic landscape. His films have inspired moviegoers and colleagues around the world, from Pixar's John Lasseter to fantasist Guillermo del Toro to Chinese director Tsui Hark, and consistently top the box office in his native Japan

Director Hiromasa Yonebayashi, a top animator at Studio Ghibli, was responsible for the animation in a signature scene in “Ponyo,” in which Ponyo runs atop ocean waves.

English language voice talent director Gary Rydstrom is a seven-time Academy Award® winning sound designer/mixer (“Terminator 2: Judgment Day”). He joined Pixar Animation Studios as an animation film director in 2003.  His directorial debut for the studio was the Academy Award®-nominated short film “Lifted,” and he directed the short film “Hawaiian Vacation,” which was released with “Cars 2” in June 2011.

Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall are highly successful producing partners whose films, separately and together, include “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “E.T.,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” the Indiana Jones films and the Jurassic Park films. In total, Kennedy and Marshall have earned 11 Oscar® nominations. 

English language screenplay writer Karey Kilpatrick’s credits include “Spiderwick Chronicles” and “Over the Hedge,” which he also directed (with Tim Johnson).



STUDIO NOTES


CHIMPANZEE
DISNEYNATURE


In theaters Earth Day 2012, Disneynature’s newest True Life Adventure introduces Oscar, a baby chimp whose playful curiosity and zest for discovery light up the African forest until a twist of fate leaves Oscar to fend for himself with a little help from an unexpected ally.  



Genre:                                    True Life Adventure
Rating:                                    To be determined
U.S. Release Date:               April 20, 2012

Directors:                                Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield
Producers:                              Alastair Fothergill, Mark Linfield, Alix Tidmarsh
Executive producer:             Don Hahn

Disneynature takes moviegoers deep into the forests of Africa with “Chimpanzee,” a new True Life Adventure introducing an adorable baby chimp named Oscar and his entertaining approach to life in a remarkable story of family bonds and individual triumph.  Oscar’s playful curiosity and zest for discovery showcase the intelligence and ingenuity of some of the most extraordinary personalities in the animal kingdom. Working together, Oscar’s chimpanzee family—including his mom and the group’s savvy leader — navigates the complex territory of the forest.

The world is a playground for little Oscar and his fellow young chimps, who’d rather make mayhem than join their parents for an afternoon nap. But when Oscar’s family is confronted by a rival band of chimps, he is left to fend for himself until a surprising ally steps in and changes his life forever.  Directed by Alastair Fothergill (“African Cats” and “Earth”) and Mark Linfield (“Earth”), “Chimpanzee” swings into theaters on Earth Day 2012.

Notes:

“Chimpanzee” is the fourth release for Disneynature, the first new Disney-branded film label from The Walt Disney Studios in more than 60 years.  The label was launched in April 2008 to bring the world’s top nature filmmakers together to capture a variety of wildlife subjects and stories.

The first three releases under the Disneynature label—“Earth,” “Oceans” and “African Cats”—are among the top four highest grossing feature-length nature films of all time. 

Walt Disney was a pioneer in wildlife documentary filmmaking, producing 13 True-Life Adventure motion pictures between 1948 and 1960, including “Seal Island” (1948), “Beaver Valley” (1950), “The Living Desert” (1953) and “Jungle Cat” (1958).  The films earned eight Academy Awards®. 

FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK


Opened October 28, 2011 13 – Drama, Thriller- R-because of “disturbing violence, language and brief drug use.”

Opened October 28, 2011 And They're Off...  – Comedy-PG-13- because of “some crude and sexual references.”

Opened October 28, 2011 Anonymous – Drama-PG-13- because of “some violence and sexual content.” - NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 28, 2011 The Double – Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller- PG-13- because of “intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images and language.”

Opened October 28, 2011 In Time – Crime, Sci-Fi, Thriller- PG-13- because of “violence, some sexuality and partial nudity, and brief strong language.”

Opened October 28, 2011 Janie Jones (2010) – Drama, Music- NOT RATED- NOTE: New York City and Seattle only.

Opened October 28, 2011 Like Crazy – Drama, Romance – PG-13- because of “sexual content and brief strong language.” -NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 26, 2011 Medianeras – Drama- NOT RATED- NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 28, 2011 My Reincarnation – Documentary, Adventure, Biography- NOT RATED – NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 28, 2011 Puss in Boots – Adventure, Animation, Comedy- PG- because of “some adventure action and mild rude humor.”

Opened October 28, 2011 The Rum Diary – R- Drama, Mystery, Thriller- because of “language, brief drug use and sexuality.”


For information on films that opened October 21, 2011, which included:  Being Elmo: A Puppeteers Journey;    Elevate;    Glitch in the Grid;    Johnny English Reborn;    Le Havre;    Margin Call;    Martha Marcy May Marlene;    The Mighty Macs;    Norman;    Oranges and Sunshine;    Paranormal Activity 3;    Revenge of the Electric Car;    Snowmen,  and  The Three Musketeers, please click on the link below.


For information on films that opened October 14, 2011, which included:    The Big Year;    Father of Invention;    Fireflies in the Garden;    Footloose;    The Skin I Live In;    Texas Killing Fields;    The Thing, and Trespass, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened October 7, 2011, which included:    1911;    Blackthorn;    Dirty Girl;    The Human Centipede II;    The Ides of March;    Real Steel and The Way, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened September 30, 2011, which included:    50/50;    Courageous;    Dream House;    Margaret;    Sarah Palin: You Betcha;    Take Shelter;    Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, and What’s Your Number? , please click on the link below.
For information on films that opened September 23, 2011, which included:    Abduction;    Dolphin Tale;    Killer Elite;    Machine Gun Preacher;    Moneyball;    Pearl Jam Twenty;    Puncture, and Thunder Soul, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened August 19, 2011 to September 16, 2011, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened June 24, 2011 to August 12, 2011.

For information on films that opened May 20 to June 17, 2011, please click on the link below.
For information on films that opened April 1 to May 13, 2011, please click on the link below.

For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, February 4 to Friday March 25, 2011 please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Halloween happenings part 5: Musical treats

‘Halloween Decoration’ photo by Petr Kratchovil

This Halloween weekend there are some excellent musical performances coming up for those fortunate to be along the East coast. The artists listed below provide lots of entertaining fun, and if they’re not performing where you live right now, be sure to check out their music and their websites as they may be coming to a venue near you in the coming months.
 
ROCKNOCEROS CELEBRATES HALLOWEEN AT WORLD CAFÉ LIVE

 
NPR has described ROCKNOCEROS as “An outstanding mix of folk and rock...literate songs...poppy approach...multi-generational appeal," and this weekend Northern Virginia’s premier power trio for children is getting ready for Halloween fun in Philly.

Coach Cotton, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie of Rocnoceros will be in full Halloween regalia, and they invite kids to come in costume, too, when the band performs on Saturday, October 29 at 11:30 a.m. at World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA. 
 
PERFORMANCE NOTES:

Coach Cotton, the ringleader, can frequently be observed immersed in a sea of knee-high concertgoers. Wearing a wireless headset microphone, he wades through masses of dancing children, simultaneously high-fiveing and tambourining. 

Williebob joyfully offers the required string work for the show, juggling a collection of guitars, mandolins, and banjos with the occasional comment from a kazoo he wears around his neck.

Boogie Woogie Bennie plays the role of the resident “one-man-band” by employing a contraption (famously described by one four-year-old fan as "the piano-drum,”  which allows Boogie Bennie to play the bass drum with his right foot, the snare drum and hi-hat cymbal with his left foot, a keyboard with his right hand, and a keyboard bass with his left hand, while simultaneously covering his vocal part.

Their performances cover a dizzying range of musical styles- from Tin Pan Alley to the shores of Jamaica.

Rocknoceros promises no tricks, but lots of musical treats.

WHERE:           World Café Live, 3025 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19104
WHEN:             
11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 29
ADMISSION:    $6 children under 12; $7 adults


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AS
WELL AS TICKETING http://tickets.worldcafelive.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=4123

Be sure to Check out the Rocknoceros website at www.rocknoceros.com


BEN RUDNICK AND FRIENDS PERFORM A ‘JUST KIDDING’ CONCERT AT SYMPHONY SPACE
The Washington Post describes BEN RUDNICK AND FRIENDS as, “Sophisticated melodies, precise instrumentation and witty lyrics that delight the entire family," and on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11:00 a.m., Symphony Space will host a special performance with this engaging musical group.

PERFORMANCE NOTES:

Ben Rudnick and Friends present high-energy, witty songs with a full acoustic band sound.

With countless awards to their credit, including five Parents' Choice awards, their adventurous, high-energy blend of happy, upbeat acoustic music sees roots in everything from country to bluegrass, and from rock and roll to second-line New Orleans.

Since the release of 
Emily Songs in 2000, Ben Rudnick and Friends have been playing family friendly music, building a reputation for their instantly hummable original songs and whimsical spins on well-known traditional material.

Ben  (a native of Queens, NY) and his band seamlessly integrate their original songs with classics like “Route 66,” “Oh Boy!,” “Jambalaya/Hey Good Looking", “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and Beatles hits.

Watch Ben Rudnick and Friends' ribbity good animated video "A Frog Named Sam" on the YouTube video below.

Be sure to check out their website too at http://benrudnick.com/

BEN RUDNICK AND FRIENDS
WHERE:           Symphony Space, Leonard Nimoy Thalia
                           2537 Broadway at 95th Street, New York
WHEN:             11:00 a.m.
ADMISSION:   
$13 to $20

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AS
WELL AS TICKETING:
http://www.symphonyspace.org/genre/family or Box Office phone (212) 864-5400


BABY LOVES DISCO AT THE LIVINGSTON MALL

A fun-filled afternoon for little ones at the best family disco around, BABY LOVES DISCO. Children will enjoy real DJs, real music, dancing and activities – kids be sure to come in costume. 

WHERE:           Livingston Mall
                           112 Eisenhower Parkway, Livingston, NJ 07039
WHEN:             1:00 p.m.
ADMISSION:    
FREE - no purchase necessary, tickets are available at H&M locations in the mall beginning the Friday 2 weeks before the event. Maximum of 4 per person, entry is free but all guests are required to have a ticket; all children must be accompanied by an adult or guardian. Tickets will also be available the day of the event first come first serve.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND OTHER UPCOMING BABY LOVES DISCO TOUR STOPS


THE DEEDLE DEES PRESENT ‘STRANGE DEES INDEED’

The Deedle Dees, a Brooklyn based educational rock band which Paste magazine hailed as one of the top “Music Picks for Families” this year, will release Strange Dees, Indeed at a family concert at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Massachusetts on October 29th, and at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on November 5th.

The Dees’ new album of 19 new songs pays tribute to heroes like Marie Curie, Abigail Adams, Sacagawea and Cool Papa Bell, plus a host of unusual places and people.


The Deedle Deedle Dees are four teachers and musicians who were raised on Schoolhouse Rock, the Pixies, the Muppets and Tom Waits and have a unique approach to children’s music – they are not content to offer fluffy-happy tunes. Each catchy piece is based upon something from history, science and folklore, and the Dees offer a fresh perspective even on the most familiar people and places.

Strange Dees, Indeed opens with a practical exploration of the Hindu philosophy of Ahimsa (“no harm” in Sanskrit), with the acknowledgment that even grownups have a hard time staying Gandhi-cool in the face of aggression. Another song follows the famous scientist Marie Curie as she smuggles radium in her suitcase.

Every song in their new album tells a story or paints a picture, whether it be Sojourner Truth singing to a hostile crowd on a moonlit mountaintop, or Sacagawea seeing the ocean for the first time with her baby on her back, or an eerie view of the detritus at Dead Horse Bay. In “a song for Abigail Adams,” John Adams sends an indie-rock love letter to his wife. And one of the Dees’ grandmothers remembers what it was like to bump into NYC Mayor LaGuardia’s big belly back in the day.

The Deedle Deedle Dees’ music consistently wins raves from teachers, parents, and radio DJs alike. Lloyd Miller provides lead vocals, bass and rhythm guitar. The other Dees sing and play along: Ari Dolegowski (Moby Dee) on mandolin and guitar; Chris Johnson (Booker Dee) on piano, keyboards, melodica, stylophone, electric bass, banjo, accordion and ukulele; and Ely Levin (Otto von Dee) on drums and percussion. Dean Jones, a fixture in the “kindie rock” movement, produced this wide-ranging album, with musical styles that will appeal to music fans of all ages.
 
The Deedle Deedle Dees’ two previous family music CDs, Freedom in a Box (2007) and American History+ Rock and Roll = The Deedle Deedle Dees (2009), won national acclaim.

The Dees perform interactive, educational shows throughout the year at schools, libraries, theaters, parks and other family venues. They also develop original songs and shows based on curriculum via in-class workshops, long-term residencies, and other cooperative programs with schools.
 
To get the full story behind each song, go to the band blog: http://teachddd.blogspot.com/ , and to learn more about the Deedle Dees visit their website at: http://thedeedledeedledees.com/

For sound samples of Strange Dees, Indeed before the official national release of the album, visit Amazon.com where MP3 downloads are also available to purchase starting October 31.

THE DEEDLE DEES CD RELEASE PERFORMANCE
WHERE:           The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art - Auditorium
                           125 West Bay Road | Amherst, MA 01002
WHEN:              1:00 p.m.
ADMISSION:    
$6 at the door (cash only) Museum Admission extra
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
www.carlemuseum.org or phone (413) 658-1100


There is also another fun event going on at the Carle on the same day - a special story time and pre-Halloween Party with Jarrett J. Krosoczka at 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

EVENT NOTES:

Join author/illustrator Jarrett J. Krosoczka as he celebrates his newest book, Ollie The Purple Elephant


He will read from his books, give a drawing demonstration and talk about his creative process. Then join Jarrett in the Café for a book signing, and an “Ollie-inspired” dance party complete with treats. A great opportunity to “test drive” your Halloween costume and have some fun! 

This event is FREE with standard Museum Admission.

For more Halloween articles, you may want to see:



Halloween happenings part 4: Books to celebrate the season

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Everyone loves a birthday party: Kids celebrate with ‘Chipper’


During the remainder of October, in addition to Halloween fun, parents, children and caregivers have an opportunity to celebrate nature and the environment with ”Chipper,” the squirrel who is known as the “eco-educational ambassador of the great outdoors. “

Chipper is also celebrating his fifth birthday this month, and he’s inviting families for games and activities that help reinforce the positive messages, which are consistently delivered in the Let’s Go Chipper series of apps, books, movies and community programs.

Below is Chipper’s special invitation to visit his website at www.letsgochipper.com , as well as a cute video to share with the kids in your life.


Saturday, October 22, 2011

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week's movies with ratings and trailers

‘Popcorn’ photo by Petr Kratochvil

It’s time to make weekend family entertainment plans and see if this week’s current crop of films will be part of your schedule. The following report covers motion picture theatrical releases opening nationwide beginning Friday, October 21, 2011 along with current film industry news.

The movies listed below have a rating, which has been established by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and have been provided with an italicized commentary from the Classification and Ratings Administration (CARA).

If a film has not been provided with an official rating, additional information may, or may not be provided.

If a film is designated NC-17, very limited information will be furnished.

For your convenience, each film title links directly to the Internet Movie Data Base, which provides the most comprehensive listing about the movie’s storyline, and includes a trailer, cast and crew information, initial audience reaction (if prior screenings have taken place) and parent advisories when available.

As always, you are the single best judge for determining your child’s choice of entertainment.

NEW TRAILERS FOR THE MOST ANTICIPATED UPCOMING FILMS


Below, is the newly released official trailer for THE MUPPETS, which opens in theaters everywhere on November 23rd.


FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK

Opened October 21, 2011 Being Elmo:A Puppeteers Journey – Documentary- NOT RATED- NOTE: In limited release.
                                
Opened October 21, 2011 Elevate – Documentary-PG- because of “brief mild language.” - NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 21, 2011 Glitch in the Grid – Drama- NOT RATED- NOTE: In limited release

Opened October 21, 2011 Johnny English Reborn – Adventure, Comedy, Thriller- PG- because of “mild action violence, rude humor, some language and brief sensuality.”

Opened October 21, 2011 Le Havre – Comedy, Drama- NOT RATED- NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 21, 2011 Margin Call – Thriller - R- because of “language.”- NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 21, 2011 Martha Marcy May Marlene – Drama, Thriller- R- because of “disturbing violent and sexual content, nudity and language.”- NOTE:In limited release.

Opened October 21, 2011 The Mighty Macs – G- Drama, Action, Sport- Suitable for all audiences.

Opened October 21, 2011 Norman – Comedy, Drama- R-because of “some language. “- NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 15, 2011 Oranges and Sunshine – Drama- R-because of “some strong language.” NOTE: Currently at the Hamptons International Film Festival then opens in limited release 10/28/2011

Opened October 21, 2011 Paranormal Activity 3 – Horror- R-because of “some violence, language, brief sexuality and drug use.”

Opened October 21, 2011 Revenge of the Electric Car – Documentary- PG-13-because of “brief strong language “- NOTE: In limited release.

Opened October 14, 2011 Snowmen – Family- PG-because of “thematic material, some rough bullying and peril, language and brief juvenile humor.”

Opened October 21, 2011 The Three Musketeers – Action, Adventure, Romance- PG-13-because of “sequences of adventure action violence.”


For information on films that opened October 14, 2011, which included:    The Big Year;    Father of Invention;    Fireflies in the Garden;    Footloose;    The Skin I Live In;    Texas Killing Fields;    The Thing, and Trespass, please click on the link below.

For information on films that opened October 7, 2011, which included:    1911;    Blackthorn;    Dirty Girl;    The Human Centipede II;    The Ides of March;    Real Steel and The Way, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened September 30, 2011, which included:    50/50;    Courageous;    Dream House;    Margaret;    Sarah Palin: You Betcha;    Take Shelter;    Tucker & Dale vs. Evil, and What’s Your Number? , please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened September 23, 2011, which included:    Abduction;    Dolphin Tale;    Killer Elite;    Machine Gun Preacher;    Moneyball;    Pearl Jam Twenty;    Puncture, and Thunder Soul, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened August 19, 2011 to September 16, 2011, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened June 24, 2011 to August 12, 2011.

For information on films that opened May 20 to June 17, 2011, please click on the link below.

For information on films that opened April 1 to May 13, 2011, please click on the link below.

For information on films that opened the weeks of Friday, February 4 to Friday March 25, 2011 please click on the link below, where you will also find previous listings and links for prior weeks in January, as well as films that opened in 2010:

G GENERAL AUDIENCES (All Ages Admitted) PG PARENTAL GUIDANCE SUGGESTED (Some Material May Not Be Suitable for Children) PG-13 PARENTS STRONGLY CAUTIONED (Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) R RESTRICTED (Under 17 Requires Accompanying Parent or Adult Guardian) NC-17 NO ONE 17 AND UNDER ADMITTED – As determined by the Rating Board/Motion Picture Association of America.