Wild Thornberrys Movie, The (2002)

Family Rated G

A rare Nickelodeon feature worth paying to see at the theater, The Wild Thornberrys Movie gets a lot of mileage out of its clever concept: the adventures of a 12-year-old girl who has the ability to talk to animals. Unlike most of its Nickelodeon predecessors, this features lively animation and quite a bit of wit.

Kangaroo Jack (2003)

Family Rated PG

Kangaroo Jack, about two buddies who chase a kangaroo across the Australian outback, isn’t half as stupid as it looks – which is to say it just barely escaped my list of the worst movies of 2003. I would say some moments – namely those of the kangaroo watching his pursuers (Jerry O’Connell and Anthony

Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004)

Family Rated PG

One of the most distinct writing voices in children’s literature – the matter-of-fact morbidity of Snicket author Daniel Handler – remains delightfully intact in this witty adaptation, about a trio of orphans left in the sinister care of their uncle, Count Olaf (Jim Carrey, icky and inspired). Add sorrowful sets and smoky cinematography, and the

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Family Rated PG

This adaptation of the children’s novel by Katherine Paterson follows two young friends who create a fantasy world in a forest as a way to escape from the bullies and chores of real life. For the most part, it’s a joy to be able to escape with them. The scenes of Jess (Josh Hutcherson) and

Curious George (2006)

Family Rated G

As long as you like primary colors, you should be satisfied with Curious George. Less a movie than an exercise in bright reds, blues, yellows and greens, this traditionally animated adaptation of the children’s books by Margret and H.A. Rey has the production design of a preschool classroom – which is appropriate, for that is

Are We There Yet? (2005)

Family Rated PG

Consider this title a form of honesty: A movie named after one of the universally annoying whines of childhood isn’t even trying to hide the fact that watching it is a grind for parents. Ice Cube, exploring new dimensions of selling out, plays a committed bachelor who gets stuck on a road trip with his

Around the World in 80 Days (2004)

Family Rated PG

The latest adaptation of the Jules Verne novel about an 1880s adventurer trying to circumnavigate the globe presented a possible new direction for Jackie Chan’s career: Drop him in remakes where the plot comes to an awkward standstill for him to stage one of his comedic fight scenes. This already being a frantic tale, the

The Country Bears (2002)

Family Rated G

“Like a bedtime story on acid, or a Chuck E. Cheese restaurant that’s been commandeered by teen ravers…”

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

Family Rated PG

As overblown as an electrical socket with too many Christmas lights plugged into it, this is a lamentable distortion of Theodor S. Geisel’s 1957 children’s book (kids who get over-stimulated by the movie likely won’t have the patience for the gentle, kind-hearted original story). What’s worse, the Grinch has been transformed from a villain into

Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat (2003)

Family Rated PG

If Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas was a distortion of the original, this is more like an extension of its source material. It helps that spastic action is inherent in the story and that Mike Myers has the right affinity for monkey business for the title role. There are problems, such as an