Zootopia

Three cheers for Zootopia!  I absolutely loved this movie.  It was so cute, so fun and heartwarming, and so relevant.  In the political climate of today, a movie showing the effects of fear and prejudice against those who are different from you is so timely.  I assume it was a coincidence because these animated movies take so long to make, but the fact that it came out this year was a very good coincidence in my opinion.  It opens up great conversation to have with your kids about judging others and seeing beyond one's outer appearance, and hopefully some adults will learn some lessons as well.  It is a really great movie that the entire family will love.  (Even the dad that usually falls asleep in any animated film.)  It is still in regular theaters, but will probably hit the dollar movie next week since it will be out on DVD on June 7.  I highly recommend it!  A+

Top 10 Sports Movies for the WHOLE Family

Movie Night in the Seabolt house lately has had a sports theme.  Since Sam discovered Rocky back in the fall, we have been on a sports movie kick.  Not all sports movies are family friendly, obviously, and some were better back when we were kids (like Karate Kid).  Rocky is the only one I find truly timeless.  Some are great, but not super family friendy (Creed, 42, Rudy, Race).

I thought I would compile a list for you all of my top 10 family friendly, awesome sports movies. These are all great, rated PG or G, with many lessons and stand-up-and-cheer moments. Pretty sure all of them (except Rocky) are even based on true events.  A few of them are based in the 1970's with lots of fun music.  I didn't really rate them, but they are all really good and you and your kids are sure to enjoy them.  Obviously, there are more great sports movies out there, but this will be a good list for those of you with young kids who like sports but not bad words or dirty scenes.  I'm not saying there aren't any bad words, but they are pretty tame.  Go line up your Netflix Queue and enjoy!  Once you've watched a few, you'll find a theme: I love underdogs!

The Jungle Book

Is the new adaptation of The Jungle Book good for kids?  Well, don't expect the light, charming ride that was the original.  This one is intense, sometimes dark and full of adventure.  One long scene inparticular was quite scary.  My kids were holding onto me more in this than they did in The Force Awakens. The story was similar to the original, with a few fun changes.  It was amazing how real the animals and scenery were.  The whole thing was filmed in a studio in LA. The animals were mostly puppets and computer animation, but you would never know it.  John Favreau directed an all-star cast.  Idris Elba as Shere Khan, Ben Kingsley as Bagheera, Lupita Nyong'o as Mowgli's wolf mama, Scarlett Johansson was Kaa the snake, Christopher Walken was perfect as King Louie, and Bill Murray made the movie as Baloo.  I wish there had been more music, but the 2 songs were good.  I loved the new ending. When we left, I asked my two 9-year-olds if they would recommend it for ages 8 and up.  My son said, "An 8 year old would have to be crazy-brave to enjoy that."  So, we would recommend it for Ages 9+, unless they're crazy-brave.

Creed

This movie was the surprise of the year for me.  I didn't even know it was coming out until a couple of months ago.  My 9 year old son has gotten into boxing and the Rocky movies recently, so we have watched nearly all of them in the past 6 months.  If you've seen them, you know... they start out awesome, and then go downhill.  Well, guess what?  They came back with Creed and TOTALLY REDEEMED THEMSELVES!  This movie was GREAT.

Directed by Ryan Coogler of Fruitvale Station-- awesome movie starring Michael B. Jordan, who was amazing in that and awesome in this.  And Sylvester Stallone was so, so good as Rocky. The Rocky from #1 & #2 who we loved for his goofball charm and pet turtles.  He still has the same strut and played the character so well, even at 69.  He is nominated for Best Supporting Actor and he has my vote.

The story is so well done, only slightly corny, and thoroughly entertaining. It had enough connections to the original to make it nostalgic, but was updated enough to feel fresh.  There is an amazing street running scene that it so cool.  I must worn you though, you might cry.

Bridge of Spies

I almost always enjoy movies based on a true story.  This one was interesting and well directed.  I enjoyed it, Stephen fell asleep.  It was a little slow at times, and at the end I had several questions I felt were not answered.  But it was good.  I don't think it will win an Oscar, though. B

Brooklyn

It was good, not great.  I am surprised by its nominations.  I have seen other movies that were more deserving this year.  Wait for video.  Don't vote on it on your Oscar ballots. B-

The Big Short

Even though it got several Oscar nominations, I don't know if this will win much-- but it is highly entertaining.  Based on the book by Michael Lewis (the guy who wrote Moneyball) and directed by Adam McKay (Anchorman?) it is smart, informative and funny.  Clearly an amazing cast.  I learned a lot and left feeling a little sick, but the story is real, and they told it in a creative and riveting way. A