WAMG’s Guide To 2015 Family Films

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Photo Credit: Open Road

Going to see a movie is a great idea for weekend family outings, but sometimes it can be difficult to find movies that are appropriate and enjoyable for the whole family! We’ve put together a list of the best upcoming film releases that are a must-see for the whole family.

For your viewing pleasure, here’s a list of the top ten movies to catch with your family this year, starting with the uplifting and inspiring LITTLE BOY in theaters this Friday April 24th!

LITTLE BOY

This is the type of movie that will resonate with everyone in the family! LITTLE BOY is a powerful and moving film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive. The heartwarming story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son. Set in the 1940s, LITTLE BOY is an instant cinematic classic that captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a 7- year-old little boy. Coming to theaters this Friday April 24th, LITTLE BOY is a must-see for the entire family.

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Photo Credit: Walt Disney Studios

TOMORROWLAND

TOMORROWLAND, in theaters May 22nd, will be an exciting ride! Take your family an epic adventure with Casey Newton, a girl who discovers TOMORROWLAND in an alternate dimension. In order to save the world she must unravel the mysteries behind the enigmatic location.

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Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar

INSIDE OUT

INSIDE OUT explores, in a fun and imaginative way, how our emotions work. The film gives a glimpse into the mind of a young girl, Riley, where you’ll meet 5 of her emotions- Joy, Anger, Disgust, Fear, and Sadness. Watch as Riley’s emotions lead her through her move to a new city, house and school! INSIDE OUT will be in theaters June 19.

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Photo Credit: Illumination Entertainment

MINIONS

Everyone’s favorite MINIONS are coming back to theaters this summer, July 10th! The MINIONS are embarking on a new journey to find a new master and save all Minionkind from annihilation. MINIONS is sure to be fun adventure for everyone in the family!

MAX
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

MAX

In theaters August 21, MAX tells the heartfelt story of a precision-trained military dog who serves on the frontlines in Afghanistan alongside his handler, US Marine Kyle Wincott. When Kyle’s family eventually adopts Max the whole family might find an unlikely new best friend. MAX is sure to be a great film for the whole family and an obvious choice for dog lovers!

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Photo Credit: Sony Pictures Animation

HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2

Following the success of HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA, the sequel comes to theaters September 25. When vampire Vlad comes to town and unexpectedly visits his estranged son Drac, the entire hotel is turned upside down and they’re all in for a brand new monster adventure!

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Photo Credit: Columbia Pictures

GOOSEBUMPS

The classic children’s scary stories by R.L. Stine are being brought to the big screen October 16th! Hannah, R.L. Stine’s daughter, befriends the town’s new kid, Zach. But, when Zach accidentally unleashes all the monsters from R.L. Stine’s books, the three of them must team up to put the monsters back where they came from. This will be sure to be a family adventure to look forward to!

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Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox

THE PEANUTS MOVIE

The Peanuts are back on November 6th with THE PEANUTS MOVIE! The classic gang is coming to the big screen and are sure to capture the hearts of audiences no matter what age. THE PEANUTS MOVIE is a great choice for nostalgic parents who want to introduce the beloved characters to their children!

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Photo Credit: Disney/Pixar

THE GOOD DINOSAUR

Find out what Earth would be like if dinosaurs never became extinct in this humorous adventure that will hit theaters November 25th. THE GOOD DINOSAUR will definitely be a great animated adventure that will be enjoyed by everyone in the family!

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Photo Credit: Twentieth Century Fox

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: ROAD CHIP

Alvin and the Chipmunks are on a new adventure December 23rd! After coming to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in New York City the Chipmunks are afraid they will be left behind. They have 3 days to stop the proposal and save themselves from losing Dave! The Chipmunks is sure to be a great family film and a hilarious music-filled family adventure.

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LITTLE BOY is a powerful and moving film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive. The heartwarming story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son. Set in the 1940s, LITTLE BOY is an instant cinematic classic that captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a 7- year-old little boy. Written and directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde, LITTLE BOY highlights themes of faith, hope and love in the face of adversity.

A moviegoing experience for all ages, LITTLE BOY features an all-star cast/crew including Oscar® nominated actors Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson as well as Ben Chaplin, Michael Rapaport, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Ted Levine, David Henrie, Eduardo Verastegui and newcomer Jakob Salvati (the seven-year-old lead actor who delivered an extraordinary, Oscar caliber performance). The film is directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde (BELLA) from a screenplay by Monteverde and Pepe Portillo. Executive produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett (Son of God, upcoming NBC series A.D. and Paramount’s remake of Ben-Hur), the film is produced by Eduardo Verastegui, Leo Severino, Alejandro Monteverde, Emilio Azcarraga (Televisa/Univision), Bernardo Gomez (Televisa), Micky Ohare and Sean Wolfington.

LITTLE BOY opens April 24

http://littleboymovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/littleboymovie
https://twitter.com/LittleBoyFilm

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Watch Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson In Inspirational Trailer For LITTLE BOY

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Watch the trailer for the upcoming film LITTLE BOY.

LITTLE BOY is a powerful and moving film about a little boy who is willing to do whatever it takes to bring his dad home from World War II alive. The heartwarming story will capture your heart and lift your spirits as it reveals the indescribable love a little boy has for his father and the love a father has for his son.

Set in the 1940s, LITTLE BOY is an instant cinematic classic that captures the wonder of life through the eyes of a 7- year-old little boy. Written and directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde, LITTLE BOY highlights themes of faith, hope and love in the face of adversity.

A moviegoing experience for all ages, LITTLE BOY features an all-star cast/crew including Oscar nominated actors Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson as well as Ben Chaplin, Michael Rapaport, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Ted Levine, David Henrie, Eduardo Verastegui and newcomer Jakob Salvati.

The film is directed by Smithsonian Institute Award winning director Alejandro Monteverde (BELLA) from a screenplay by Monteverde and Pepe Portillo. Executive produced by Roma Downey and Mark Burnett (Son of God, upcoming NBC series A.D. and Paramount’s remake of Ben-Hur), the film is produced by Eduardo Verastegui, Leo Severino, Alejandro Monteverde, Emilio Azcarraga (Televisa/Univision), Bernardo Gomez (Televisa), Micky Ohare and Sean Wolfington.

From Open Road Films, LITTLE BOY opens in theaters on April 24.

http://littleboymovie.com/
https://www.facebook.com/littleboymovie
https://twitter.com/LittleBoyFilm

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DVD Review: ‘Bella’

*Bella is a gentle introspective film by Mexican born director Alejandro Gomez Monteverde. It stars Mexican heartthrob Eduardo Verastegui and newcomer Tammy Blanchard. The film was the surprise winner of the 2006 People’s Choice award at the Toronto Film Festival. Bella skillfully details both sides of a highly emotional issue in such a leisurely way that I barely noticed it until the end.

Jose (Verastegui) is a soccer star on his way to a press conference to announce his new big contract. Suddenly, a young child runs out in front of his car. He runs her over and kills her. Jose spends the next several years in jail.

Fast-forward to bustling New York City. Jose is the head chef at his brother’s restaurant. Jose’s brother, Manny (Manny Perez) is a hard task master expecting his employees to be as perfect as himself. Nina (Blanchard), a waitress at Manny’s restaurant, is late for work again. In front of all of the employees, Manny fires Nina without allowing her to explain her reason for being delayed.

Feeling sorry for Nina, Jose chases after her leaving his brother without a head chef for the lunch time rush. When Jose catches up to Nina, she explains she was tardy because of morning sickness. Throughout their day together Jose tries to convince Nina to keep the baby. He takes Nina to his parent’s home showing her that a loving close family is possible. Then they go to the beach where Nina shares her painful childhood involving the death of her father. Jose seems desperate to save the life of the unborn child to atone for the life that he took.

Throughout the majority of the film Verastegui has a full unkempt beard and long hair. He looks dirty. Someone on the street even mistakes him for a homeless person. I know the beard represented his depression and haunted past, but it was too much. I would not eat a meal made by anyone with such poor hygiene. Besides the facial hair, Verastegui’s performance was spot on and captivating. Tammy Blanchard as Nina was delightful to watch. She had noticeable chemistry with Verastegui. I could feel and see her struggle over her decision. I’m looking forward to seeing more from her in the future.

This was a risky and heavy topic to tackle for first time director Monteverde. This film flowed so smoothly and seamlessly that the profound message was almost lost. The movie is only an hour and a half long, but it felt slow and long. It definitely could have used some testosterone. I hope Monteverde has learned that he does not have to walk on egg shells to appease everyone when focusing on a taboo issue.  Ã‚  

Overall, the film was thought provoking and touching, but not for everyone.

Rated: PG-13Â  

DVD features include a making of documentary and interviews with the cast and director.

[rating:3/5]

*Review first appeared at www.moviefilmreview.com