Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising
(PG; In Theaters)
Based on the first in a best-selling series of young adult fantasy novels, think of this as 'Harry Potter' lite. If your tween or teen is into the books, he'll surely want to see the movie; for the 'rents, there's Ian McShane. Just imagine his 'Deadwood' character Al Swearengen saying the lines -- that'll distract you.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
The Final Season
(PG; In Theaters)
A based-on-real-life inspiring film about a high school baseball team's, um, 'Final Season' before their program is terminated. Starring Sean Astin ('Lord of the Rings') and Rachael Leigh Cook, this one's bound to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Sarah Landon and the Paranormal Hour
(PG; In Theaters)
'Tis the season ... for spooks and ghosts and ghoulies, oh my, and here's one you can enjoy with older kids (the only live-action flick out in theaters now that's appropriate for them, actually). So get into the trick-or-treat spirit and grab your jackets -- this one may cause some chills.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
The Ten Commandments
(PG; In Theaters)
Let his people go! Here's a movie that is exactly what it sounds like, except CGI animated. Ben Kingsley, Elliott Gould, Alfred Molina and Christian Slater (really?) voice the biblical tale of Moses and his exodus out of slavery and into possession of those stone tablets.
- More about: 'The Ten Commandments'
- Get showtimes and tix
- http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-ten-commandments-2007/31274/trailer
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Disney Digital 3D
(PG; In Theaters)
Disney has been rereleasing this contemporary Halloween classic in its spiffy 3-D incarnation for two fall seasons now. Perfect for laughs and scares and cool 3-D glasses for the entire family. And it means that Johnny Depp has depth, even as a toon.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Dan in Real Life
(PG-13; Oct. 26, 2007)
Steve Carell makes his dramedy debut as Dan, a widower raising three girls who falls for a woman who turns out to be his brother's girlfriend. Sound complicated? It is, and a little messy, like life. Parents and older kids will really fall for this one.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Bee Movie
(PG; Nov. 2, 2007)
Grown-ups who've been waiting for the return of Jerry Seinfeld, good news: He's baaack! And he's certainly animated, in this toon about a bee who sues mankind for taking honey without paying. More good news for Seinfeld fans -- the long-absent star also wrote the movie.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Martian Child
(PG; Nov. 2, 2007)
In this dramedy for the 'rents and older kids, John Cusack adopts a boy who's a little unusual, has emotional issues ... and turns out to be just what his new dad needs. Amanda Peet co-stars as the gal pal who helps with the transition.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Fred Claus
(PG; Nov. 9, 2007)
Vince Vaughn is Santa Claus' big bro; when he shows up at Santa's Workshop, it's a sure bet North Pole protocol is gonna be breached. It's this year's 'Elf' -- silly for the kids, hilarious for the grown-ups. It's a win-win situation.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
(G; Nov. 16, 2007)
Dustin Hoffman hasn't been this goofy in ... well, ever. He's the Willy Wonka of toy stores; Natalie Portman and Jason Bateman are straight men to Hoffman's oddball owner of the magical shop, the Wonder Emporium if you will.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Enchanted
(PG; Nov. 21, 2007)
Lovely fairy tale for couples, or mom, dad & teen or tween girls. All will be head over heels for the true-love-conquers-all romance, with Amy Adams and Patrick Dempsey as the meant-to-be lovers. James Marsden is a treat as a Prince Charming who's not the smartest stallion in the barn.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Christmas in Wonderland
(NA; Nov. 21, 2007)
It's a little bit 'Home Alone,' a little bit 'Unaccompanied Minors.' Patrick Swayze and his two kids have to do all the Xmas shopping -- which could be a bummer, but turns out pretty good for the kids, who find a couple thieves' cache of a cool mil. And then of course, high jinks ensue.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
August Rush
(PG; Nov. 21, 2007)
Wunderkind Freddie Highmore ('Finding Neverland,' 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory') plays a wunderkind musical prodigy in this heartwarming family dramedy. Keri Russell and Jonathan Rhys-Meyers are his parents ... who don't know they're his parents yet.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
The Golden Compass
(NA; Dec. 7, 2007)
Daniel Craig and Nicole Kidman bring star power to the first of the mega-popular dark fantasy series of books. Dakota Blue Richards brings the new, as Lyra Belacqua, who holds the key to the survival of the world. If the film brings half the wonder of the novels, this'll be a vision.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Alvin and the Chipmunks
(NA; Dec. 14, 2007)
A blend of CGI (those cute little rodents) and live action (Jason Lee as their manager Dave), this adaptation from the cartoon TV show promises to be family holiday candy. You know the kids love those little high-pitched songsters singing that 'Christmas' song -- now here's the movie.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
National Treasure: Book of Secrets
(NA; Dec. 21, 2007)
The sequel to Nic Cage's surprise hit takes the same formula of its winning predecessor -- big action, pseudo history, priceless treasure. Diane Kruger, Justin Bartha and Jon Voight return for the fun; Helen Mirren and Ed Harris join the party.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep
(PG; Dec. 25, 2007)
Based on a fantasy book about a magical creature in a Scottish loch and the boy who loves him, this one has no big stars but promises to be a heartwarming confection for the whole family nonetheless.
Family Films for Fall and the Holiday Season
Persepolis
(PG-13; Dec. 25, 2007)
Marjane Satrapi's acclaimed graphic novel about growing up in Iran during the cultural revolution has been given the big-screen treatment in this starkly animated film. Adults, and thoughtful teens, will find much to admire.
Star Sightings
Seeing Double
Angelina Jolie worked the red carpet with babies on board at the Cannes premiere of 'Kung Fu Panda.'
Plus, check these out:
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