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, Dec. 16, 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 may 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.

NEWS

On November 27, 2011, one of the most anticipated films for the holiday season, WAR HORSE, was presented in an advanced screening in New York City by DreamWorks Pictures.

The event, offered fans from around the globe the opportunity to submit questions to WAR HORSE director Steven Spielberg, and the 54-minute video below gives an in-depth look into this upcoming film and one of the greatest directors of all time.

WAR HORSE opens in theaters nationwide, Sunday, December 25, 2011

FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK

Opened December 15, 2011 Addiction Incorporated – Documentary, Biography- PG-13- because of “brief language.” NOTE: New York City only.

Opening December 21, 2011 The Adventures of Tintin– Animation, Action, Adventure, Family, Mystery-PG- because of “adventure action violence, some drunkenness and brief smoking.”

Opened December 16, 2011 Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked! – Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Music- G- Suitable for all audiences.

Opened December 16, 2011 Carnage – Comedy, Drama- R- because of “language.”

Opened December 16, 2011 Cook County–Drama- R- NOTE: Reason for MPAA rating not available at the time of publication.

Opened December 16, 2011 Corman's World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel – Documentary - R- because of “some violent images, nudity and language.”

Opening December 20, 2011 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo –Drama, Thriller- R- because of “brutal violent content including rape and torture, strong sexuality, graphic nudity, and language.”

Opening December 21, 2011 Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol – Action, Adventure, Thriller-PG-13- because of “sequences of intense action and violence disturbing violence and behavior, some sexuality and language.” NOTE: Opening in wide release on this date (limited release on 12/15 and selected IMAX theaters on 12/16).

Opened December 16, 2011 Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows– Action, Adventure, Crime, Mystery, Thriller- PG-13- because of “intense sequences of violence and action, and some drug material.”

For information on films that opened December 9, 2011 which included:  I Melt with You;    Knuckle:    New Year’s Eve;    The Sitter;    Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy;    W.E.;    We Need to Talk About Kevin,  and Young Adult, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies


For information on films that opened December 2, 2011 which included:  Answers to Nothing;    Coriolanus;    Kinyarwanda;    Outrage;  Pastorela;….Shame, and  Sleeping Beauty, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened November 18, 2011 through November 25, 2011 (Thanksgiving Week Report) which included:  Another Happy Day;    The Artist;    Arthur Christmas;    A Dangerous Method;    The Descendants;    Happy Two Feet;    Hugo;    The Lie;    The Muppets;    My Week with Marilyn;    Tomboy;    The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1  and  Tyrannosaur, please click on the link below.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened November 11, 2011, which included:  11-11-11;    The Greening of Whitney Brown;    Immortals;    Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life;    J. Edgar;    Jack and Jill;    London Boulevard;    Melancholia  and  Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within), please click on the link below.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened November 4, 2011, which included:  A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas;    Killing Bono;    The Son of No One and  Tower Heist, please click on the link below.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened September 23 to October 28, 2011, 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.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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.

2011 Holiday Guide: Apps for iPad, iPhones and iPod Touch

"All Kinds of Santas" photo by Paula Slade

This is the ninth installment of this series that provides numerous entertainment options for holiday gift giving for children and teens, and today we turn our attention to one of the hottest emerging categories for entertainment- applications (also known as “apps”) for iPads, iPod Touch and iPhones.

Children and teens are rapidly embracing these new technologies and there are numerous apps provided for entertainment, many of them extremely affordable, once you determine the choice of your technology device.

The applications for the devices appear below and have been researched for quality as well as value. All are geared to provide hours of positive and fun-filled entertainment.

If you happened to have missed earlier posts to this series, which began in November, links are provided in the right hand column on this page. Also, be sure to check out archived posts from this year and last year, as many products, in multiple categories, have been featured.

As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate for your child’s entertainment.

The Night Before Christmas

Based on the 5-star book and recording published by Imagine Books, this recently released app is a totally charming interactive and musical re-telling of the all-time favorite holiday tale by Clement C. Moore.

The Night Before Christmas includes magnificent illustrations by Eric Puybaret; narration, music and sounds by Peter Paul and Mary, and interactive magic added by Touchoo.

This app has numerous functions: Auto Play; record; listen to the recording; read to me and read by myself, along with pages that spring to life with touchable surprises.

Below is a video preview of The Night Before Christmas, which is compatible with Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.

Additional information, and screenshots, for The Night Before Christmas are available through iTunes where the app is priced at $1.99.

A Charlie Brown Christmas

From Loud Crow Interactive, comes a true classic translated into an interactive storybook delight.

The whole family will have fun with the entire Peanuts gang as they discover the true meaning of Christmas.

You’ll be able to unlock decorations for a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree; play Schroeder's piano; finger-paint with Peanuts characters and more, while you listen to the story, which is narrated by Peter Robbins, the original voice of Charlie Brown.

Below is a video preview of A Charlie Brown Christmas, which is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, and requires iOS 3.2.2 or later.

Additional information, screenshots, and reviews for A Charlie Brown Christmas are available through iTunes where the app is priced at $6.99.

There’s No Place Like Space!: All About Our Solar System

From Oceanhouse Media, Inc. and The Cat in the Hat's Learning Library, comes an app that not only entertains but educates young ones.

The “Cat in the Hat” is your child’s guide as he takes “Sally” and “Dick” on a voyage through our solar system. Along the way, kids will learn fascinating and fun facts; interact by tapping on stars to see constellations; learn about the planets and more.

This app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.0 or later.

Additional information, screenshots, and reviews for There’s No Place Like Space! : All About Our Solar System is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $5.99.

A Duck in New York City

Kids will have a great time, reading, listening, watching and singing along with this excellent app for iPad.

A Duck in New York City app is based on the critically acclaimed Parents' Choice Gold Award-winning storybook - music CD by author/singer/songwriter Connie Kaldor, illustrated by Fil & Julie, and published by The Secret Mountain.

The story is about a little duck from the prairie that has a big dream—making it to New York City and doing his ducky dance on Broadway.

Filled with stunning illustrations, sophisticated animation, superb musical performance and captivating narration, this is a heartwarming and funny tale about self-esteem and following your dreams.

Below is a preview of A Duck in New York City, which is compatible with iPad, and requires iOS 4.3 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for A Duck in New York City is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $3.99.

Let's Go Chipper - Nature and Environmental Movies, Books and Activities

From IAGmedia, a conscientious green media company that playfully delivers content and programs that instill positive life skills and respect for the environment in young children, comes adventures in nature with Chipper, the ambassador of the great outdoors.

Chipper playfully teaches good character, and a love for animals and the environment in this all-inclusive portal to the parks filled with coloring activities, nature-inspired movies, books, music videos, activities and more.

No in-app purchases are required, plus you get a free gift with download. 

Honored as an I-Parenting "Hot Product" winner, and a Disney Family Fun winner, this app is educational and fun, encompassing academic standards in Science, Arts, Literature, and Social Skills.

Chipper and friends sing songs, tell stories, and provide games that help foster the social and emotional growth of young children - playfully. 

To learn more about Let's Go Chipper! Into the Great Outdoors series, please visit www.letsgochipper.com.

The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad and requires iOS 3.1 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for Lets Go Chipper is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $0.99.

Not Without Bear

This is an absolutely endearing story about a little girl,”Audrey” and her best friend “Bear,” who goes missing at bedtime.

This app, published by appropo llc, is sure to become a bedtime favorite.

Children will listen to the story or have it read to them; they’ll be able to move pillows; travel around the world; open cupboards, smooth blankets, listen to music and so much more –all enhanced with sound effects and the ability to touch words and hear them spoken.

Based on Anna Grossnickle Hines charming picture book, this app is a delight.

Check out the animated screen shots at: http://www.appropo.co/appropo/home.html

This app is compatible with iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for Not Without Bear is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $3.99.

NASA App HD by NASA Ames Research Center

This is a totally FREE app from NASA for iPad, sure to be treasured by teens who are interested in science and astronomy. They will be amazed at the number of features in this app- everything from live-streaming of NASA TV and launch information as well as countdown clocks to ISS and an Earth Orbiting Satellite Tracker, plus Facebook® Connect and Integrated Twitter™ for sharing.

The app is compatible with iPad, and a WiFi or 3G network connection, and needs iOS 4.3 or later.

The application collects, customizes and delivers an extensive selection of dynamically updated mission information, images, videos and Twitter feeds from various online NASA sources in a convenient mobile package.

The video below of the NASA App HD will show you the wealth of NASA information available for your teen’s iPad.

To download FREE, visit iTunes.

A Present for Milo: A Touch-and-Surprise Storybook

From Ruckus Media Group comes an app that provides more than 80 tap-interactive objects that initiate more than 125 animations.

This charming digital storybook provides narration, sound effects, music, read-along function, and surprises on every page that will provide hours of enjoyment for active little minds and busy fingers.

A Present for Milo has been honored with About.com's "2011 Readers' Choice Award for 'Best App for Kids’"; a Parents' Choice Award Winner: Mobile Apps; a “Best Apps Ever Award" Finalist (from 148apps.com) and a " Mom's Choice Award for "App and Software."

Below is a video preview of A Present for Milo, which is compatible with iPad, and requires iOS 3.2 or later.

Additional information as well as screen shots for A Present for Milo is available through iTunes where the app is priced at $3.99.

2011 Holiday Guide: Hanukkah Gifts

Hanukkah, the Festival of Light, which begins at sundown Tuesday, Dec.20, 2011 is celebrated in Jewish households for eight nights, and provides plenty of opportunity for candle lighting, dreidel spinning, latke making (making potato pancakes), gift-giving, gelt-getting (gifts of money), music making and story telling.

Last year, we featured some of the best Hanukkah presents, which are classic entertainment items, many geared toward the four to eight year old range, but when shared in a family’s home setting, these  gems were sure to delight all ages.

This year, we've again included the favorites that have stood the test of time and will probably be around for many more years to engage, inspire and entertain, plus we've also included some new additions that we believe are classics in the making.


Please remember, best pricing at the time of this post has been provided for your convenience, but it is always a good idea to cross compare with your favorite online as well as stick-and brick-retailers.

As always, you are the final authority in selecting appropriate items for your child’s entertainment.

First, we start with books. 


A Faraway Island is the 2010 winner of the Mildred L. Batchelder Award for “an outstanding children's book translated from a foreign language and subsequently published in the United States.”

Originally published in Swedish in 1996 as "En o i havet," the book was written by Annika Thor, translated by Linda Schenck, and published by Delacorte Press (an imprint of Random House Children's Books.)

A poignant and riveting novel that takes a different look at the Holocaust, as two Austrian sisters are separated from their family, and evacuated to an island off the coast of Sweden. Each girl placed with a different foster family.


"From School Library Journal Grade 5–8— In this gripping story, Stephie and Nellie, two Austrian Jewish sisters, are evacuated in 1938 from Vienna to a Swedish island and placed in separate foster homes. Twelve-year-old Stephie has promised her parents that she will try to ease her younger sister's way, a burdensome promise to keep. Auntie Alma, Nellie's Swedish mother, is warmer and more welcoming than Auntie Märta, Stephie's more austere foster parent." (Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Reviews for A Faraway Island are available at Amazon.com, and best pricing for this hardbound edition is through Amazon Marketplace at $2.24.


The items that are listed below were published during the early 1990’s but have remained in print because of their delightful ability to transcend generations, and all are available through favorite booksellers as well as most local libraries.

Latkes and Applesauce: A Hanukkah Story by Fran Manushkin and Robin Spowart





A gentle tale about a peasant family, whose potato crop was buried in a blinding early snowstorm and their apple harvest, meager at best – left them with nothing to eat for the Hanukkah holiday. Despite their poverty, they invite a stray cat and dog into their household for shelter and care from the cruel winter storm, and are blessed with a miracle of sorts on the eighth day of Hanukkah. With beautifully illustrated chalk drawings, the book also includes an explanation of the holiday, directions for playing dreidel and a wonderful recipe for latkes.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks (October 1, 1992)
Best price available is at Amazon Marketplace
ketplace for a new paperback is $1.75

The Chanukah Guest by Eric A. Kimmel and Giora Carmi 

A totally silly story about 97-year old “Bubba” (Grandmother) Brayna, who each year during Hanukkah, makes the best latkes in the village, but this year, because she is very hard of hearing and almost blind, mistakes a hungry bear for her invited guest (the Rabbi), and feeds him all her latkes.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 32 pages
Publisher: Holiday House (September 1992)
Best price for "Collectible" paperback in "very good" condition is at Amazon Marketplace for $1.97.

Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins by Eric A. Kimmel and Trina Schart Hyman

Worse than the “Grinch,” a number of holiday-hating hobgoblins (each a nasty prankster) set out to ruin Hanukkah for an entire village, but “Hershel of Ostropol” outwits them all. Trina Schart’s Caldecott Award-winning illustrations are the perfect match to Kimmel’s cleverly told story.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 30 pages
Publisher: Holiday House (September 1994)
Best price available for paperback "new" condition is at Amazon Marketplace for $3.44





Now, for top recommended DVDs -

Lights: The Miracle Of Chanukah 

 
This 24-minute animated short explains the history behind the celebration of Chanukah, which also includes a special section about the Hebrew alphabet. A wonderful introduction of the holiday for children and features the voice over talents of Paul Michael Glaser, Judd Hirsch and Leonard Nimoy.
Presented in color, Dolby sound and full screen DVD format.
Best price at Amazon Marketplace $10.50.

Lambchop's Chanukah and Passover Surprise 

"Lamb Chop," "Charlie Horse," "Hush Puppy" and of course the beloved and late Shari Lewis tell you everything you need to know about the two Jewish holidays of Chanukah and Passover. This charming, G-Rated, 128 minute DVD also features guest appearances by Dom DeLuise, Robert Guillaume and Alan Thicke.
Best price from Amazon Marketplace for $11.79.

Here are the perfect music choices to ring in the holiday and for all year listening -

Chanukah Fever

"Mama Doni,” also known in real life as Doni Zasloff Thomas, an attractive and energetic 21st century, New Jersey-based Jewish mother and preschool-teacher-turned-entertainer, captivates kids and families with her fun-loving renditions of Chanukah songs.

Winners of the Simcha Award at the 2008 International Jewish Music Festival, Amsterdam, Mama Doni Band serves up a wide range of musical styles from reggae to rock with blends of Klezmer and even disco along with a few other genres mixed in.

Clever lyrics abound along with a bit of wacky shtick to celebrate not only the holiday but a beloved heritage.

You can preview all 14 tracks of Chanukah Fever at Amazon.com where the CD format is available for $13.84, or the option for an MP3 album download for $8.99 or .99 cents per track. Amazon Marketplace also has "new" condition CD's starting at $9.77.

You don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy the following: A video of "Chanukah Fever" by The Mama Doni Band. Enjoy!

Another hit from Mama Doni - Shabbat Shaboom!

Earlier this year the inimitable Mama Doni brought her special brand of “funky music with a Jewish twist” to a new “Challah-Day” album, perfect for year round listening, Shabbat Shaboom.

The original songs and stories on Shabbat Shaboom transport listeners to a place where the album’s warmly sincere pop-rock title track happily melds with a Gloria Estefan-meets-Fiddler on the Roof conga line tune, "Challah-Day,” where the reggae-influenced “Mazel Tov” meets a disco ditty, “Sabbath Queen.”

Shabbat Shaboom touches on such aspects as lighting candles, being with family (mishpocha), celebrating bat mitzvahs, and even the “workout” that Mama Doni mischievously terms "synagoguersizing." 

Shabbat Shaboom marks the first Mama Doni CD to showcase the entire Mama Doni Band.  

The Mama Doni Band photo by Ron Holtz

Sound samples for all 21 tracks of Shabbat Shaboom are available through Amazon.com, where the entire MP3 album is priced at $8.99 or $0.99 per down-loadable track.

Best pricing for the CD version is through Amazon Marketplace for $2.90.

Celebrate Jewish Lullabies Volume 1

In his fifteenth album release, guitarist/singer Craig Taubman has assembled a beautiful lineup of sweet musical treats for children.

Performed by numerous artists that include Craig Taubman, David Paskin, Yael Meyer and others, this excellent collection of tenderly performed songs with lyrics that paint gentle pictures, is sure to help little ones drift peacefully off to dreamland.

A Fall 2011 Parent’s Choice Award-winning album, Celebrate Jewish Lullabies Volume 1 is available to sound sample and in MP3 download for $0.99 per track or $8.99 for all 14 tracks from Amazon.com, where you will also find the Audio CD available for $13.07.

Now, for something really different...

Bannanagrams Hebrew

One of the most unique and primarily word-of-mouth promoted games, Bananagrams has taken the country by storm, and now it’s gone global with international editions, which now include Hebrew.

As a word formation game, it is slightly similar to Scrabble but it is fast-paced, portable and almost addictive as you can play in groups or solo. The game has simple rules and is very affordable.

Bannanagrams in Hebrew is available only through the following distributor:

http://www.bananagrams.co.il/en/  and is priced at approximately $26.41 US dollars, which includes all shipping.

The video below shows some teens having a great time with this unique edition of Bannanagrams.

2011 Holiday Guide: Children's DVDs

'Mr. & Mrs. Snowman' photo by Paula Slade

Today we turn our attention back to children’s DVDs, specifically some of the newest releases, which not only entertain, but educate and instill positive values.

The products listed below have been researched for quality as well a value.

Best pricing links have been provided at the time of this publication, but it is suggested that you may want to cross compare with your favorite online or stick and brick retailer.

As always, you are the best judge of what is appropriate in terms of your child’s entertainment.

From the NewKideo, comes a new release, SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES CALDECOTT FAVORITES.

This 3-disc DVD set provides over 199 minutes of some of the 20^th Century’s finest children’s picture book classics, beautifully adapted with animation, narration and music, featuring 23 beloved stories.

The Caldecott Medal was named in honor of nineteenth-century English illustrator Randolph Caldecott, and it is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children.

All of the adaptations in this set were hand-picked to beautifully uphold the integrity and prestige of the storybooks awarded the Caldecott medal.

CALDECOTT FAVORITES not only offers a visual feast, but is narrated by such notables as John Lithgow, Laura Dern, Jane Harvey, and many others.

This collection is highlighted by Caldecott Award winners Robert McCloskey’s “Make Way for Ducklings” (1942) and “The Snowy Day” (1963) by Ezra Jack Keats, and Caldecott Honor stories “In the Small, Small Pond” and Jerry Pinkney’s “The Ugly Duckling” -- which are packaged together for the very first time.

The set also features modern classics such as “Bear Snores On”, “Bark George”, “The Story About Ping”, “Antarctic Antics” and lots more.

The stories in this DVD set support all-important themes that include honesty, humor and respect.

The SCHOLASTIC STORYBOOK TREASURES CALDECOTT FAVORITES features the ever-popular enhanced read along function, bonus stories and Spanish versions of “The Snowy Day”, “Whistle for Wille” and “Make Way for Ducklings,” and carries a suggested retail price of $24.95 with current best price available through Amazon Marketplace for $10.79.

From the beloved storybooks, which were translated into the incredibly popular and award-winning HBO series, comes BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER and BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES SCHOOL DAYS, now on DVD.

Based on the Jean and Laurent de Brunhoff’s 1931 storybook classic, Histoire de Babar, these are fully restored and re-mastered animated television episodes from the 1989-91 series. These DVDs are visually beautiful, and gently impart excellent core family values.

The series also teaches the most valuable lesson of all: despite life's challenges, great things are possible if one never gets discouraged.

Babar the Elephant King has, for 80 years, captivated millions around the globe in a multitude of best-selling books (over 12 million sold worldwide and more than 1000 titles in print).

BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES comes to rich life with these two releases from Entertainment One.

BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, features episodes that focus on the bonds Babar shares with his pals and family.

In each of the adventures on BEST FRIENDS FOREVER, the Elephant King discovers important lessons on love, friendship, teamwork and understanding. 

The DVD includes four episodes with an approximate total run time of 90 minutes and includes an 8-page coloring book.

BABAR: THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS features four episodes about Babar’s own school day adventures as well as those of his friends and family.  In each tale Babar learns important lessons on acceptance, honesty and patience. 

The video below is taken from the BABAR CLASSIC SERIES opening theme song, and it is an excellent example of the timeless and endearing quality of these stories.

The suggested retail price for both BEST FRIENDS FOREVER and SCHOOL DAYS is $14.95 each. 

To learn more about For more information about BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: BEST FRIENDS FOREVER visit Amazon.com.

Best price for this episode is through Amazon Marketplace where it is available “new” for $4.49.

You will also learn more about BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS by visiting this link at Amazon.com.

Best price for BABAR THE CLASSIC SERIES: SCHOOL DAYS is through Amazon Marketplace where it is available “new” for $5.00.

If you're still searching for that perfect gift idea, be sure to check back as more posts in other categories will be provided until December 21, or visit previously published articles.
 

If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:

If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:

2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday DVDs for gift giving

2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday Music for gift giving

2011 Holiday Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas

2011 Holiday Guide: Part 1 Gifts of music for year round listening

2011 Holiday Guide: Part 2 Gifts of music for year round listening

2011 Holiday Guide: Best books of the year

If you found this article to be helpful, but are still searching for additional options, please see links below to previous Gift Guide suggestions:

2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday DVDs for gift giving

2011 Holiday Guide: Holiday Music for gift giving

2011 Holiday Guide: Audio Books and celebrations of Christmas

2011 Holiday Guide: Part 1 Gifts of music for year round listening

2011 Holiday Guide: Part 2 Gifts of music for year round listening

2011 Holiday Guide: Best books of the year

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, Dec. 9, 2011. 

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 may 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.

FILMS OPENING THIS WEEK

Opened December 9, 2011 I Melt with You – Drama- R- because of “pervasive drug use and language, some violence and sexual content.” NOTE: Video on demand.

Opened December 9, 2011 Knuckle – Documentary, Biography, Drama- R- because of “violent content and language.”  NOTE: In limited release.

Opened December 9, 2011 New Year's Eve – Comedy, Romance- PG-13- because of “language including some sexual references.”

Opened December 9, 2011 The Sitter – Comedy - R- because of “crude and sexual content, pervasive language, drug material and some violence.”

Opened December 9, 2011 Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy– Thriller- R- because of “violence, some sexuality/nudity and language.”

Opened December 9, 2011 W.E.– Drama, Romance-R- because of “some domestic violence, nudity, and language.” NOTE: New York City and Los Angeles only.

Opened December 9, 2011 We Need to Talk About Kevin– Drama, Thriller-R- because of “disturbing violence and behavior, some sexuality and language.” NOTE: New York City and Los Angeles only.

Opened December 9, 2011 Young Adult – Comedy, Drama- R- because of “language and some sexual content.” NOTE: In limited release- then opens wide on December 16, 2011.

For information on films that opened December 2, 2011 which included:  Answers to Nothing;    Coriolanus;    Kinyarwanda;    Outrage;  Pastorela;….Shame, and  Sleeping Beauty, please click on the link below.
The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened November 18, 2011 through November 25, 2011 (Thanksgiving Week Report) which included:  Another Happy Day;    The Artist;    Arthur Christmas;    A Dangerous Method;    The Descendants;    Happy Two Feet;    Hugo;    The Lie;    The Muppets;    My Week with Marilyn;    Tomboy;    The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1  and  Tyrannosaur, please click on the link below.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened November 11, 2011, which included:  11-11-11;    The Greening of Whitney Brown;    Immortals;    Into the Abyss - A Tale of Death, a Tale of Life;    J. Edgar;    Jack and Jill;    London Boulevard;    Melancholia  and  Tropa de Elite 2 – O Inimigo Agora E (Elite Squad: The Enemy Within), please click on the link below.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened November 4, 2011, which included:  A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas;    Killing Bono;    The Son of No One and  Tower Heist, please click on the link below.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

For information on films that opened September 23 to October 28, 2011, 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.

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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:

The Popcorn Report: Guide to this week’s movies

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.