Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Rated PG)
Just as the title states, this is the journal of a year in the life of a “wimpy” kid. Greg Heffley (wonderfully portrayed by Zachary Gordon) records the mishaps and adventures during his first year of middle school, and the audience gets to see how he progresses through the year’s trials and tribulations. This adaptation of Jeff Kinney’s book about growing up and surviving junior high has the same sassy, high spirited attitude as the novel thanks to Thor Freudenthal’s direction and the excellent acting of Robert Capron (Rowley) and Devon Bostick (the “rocker” older brother, Rodrick). 
Unfortunately many children in grades 3 and above may be able to identify with the social dilemmas and bullying encountered by the main characters; but seeing these portrayed on the screen may be helpful to many since the cause-and-effect of chosen reactions play out to their logical ends during the film. The powerful message of just being oneself may be a bit over-emphasized, but it does set a good backdrop for all Greg’s zany “can’t miss” ideas on how to become popular and be “No. 1” on campus. The need and rewards of honesty also are emphasized.

Elementary school children, especially those who have experienced a school setting for a few years, will enjoy this story. And many adults may have some cringing memories of their own years of middle school. Very young  children may not be as interested in the film due to their lack of school experience. Young ones may also be upset by a few scary scenes such as the chase of Greg and Rowley through a wooded area (called “Devil Worshiper’s Woods” ) by some threatening older teens on Halloween night.

For the most part this is a good family film which, if viewed together, has many themes which could be used as jumping off places for discussion. If you liked the book you will not be disappointed in the movie.

The Last Song (Rated PG)
Director Julie Anne Robinson has created a heartfelt and visually lovely film based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks. Most of this story – about the power of love – unfolds in a small beach town in Georgia. It is here where the divorced father (Greg Kinnear) of Ronnie (Miley Cyrus) and Jonah (Bobby Coleman) has a second chance to connect with his estranged children.

Within the film there are several engaging storylines that weave effortlessly through the fabric of relationships: teenage romances – won and lost – caring siblings, parental love and even the quiet love between divorced parents. Of course there is also music.  Through the creation of the father’s final opus the broken bonds between parent and child are mended.

This is the first time Sparks has written the screenplay of one of his own stories, and he highlighted something of interest for almost everyone. Even the youngest viewers will be caught up in the wonder of saving sea turtle hatchlings; teens will understand and perhaps identify with the daughter’s struggle to be seen as mature even when not totally ready to be so; and adults will ponder the wisdom of sometimes “taking the blame” for actions which are not their own. This is a lovely story which may be a bit predictable, but it will still touch your heart.

Review  “Oceans” (Rated G)
Last year Disneynature brought Earth to the silver screen, and everyone was amazed at the beautiful photography. In 2011 Disney plans to bring an investigative film about African Cats. But this year, on Earth Day, Disneynature introduced the public to an awe-inspiring exploration of the oceans.
 
Written by John Collee and smoothly narrated by Pierce Brosnan, Oceans is a delight for the eye and packed full of information about many of the species that live in and around the seas of our planet. Jacques Perrin and Jaques Cluzaud filmed a myriad of creatures over a four year period to produce this fantastic documentary. Many of the fish, whales, crabs, turtles and lizards are photographed extremely up close—above and below the waterline. Fast paced chases of jumping dolphins, swirling sardine “balls,” kelp forests and diving sea birds delight as well as inform viewers. There also are a few infrared photos of river pollution dumping into the blue ocean; these views are accompanied with a warning that “…now [the ocean’s] health depends on us.”

The musical selections and captured sounds of nature compliment the action filmed by a group of very brave divers using the newest underwater technologies. (To see how brave make sure to stay and watch the clips that accompany the credits.) This is a wonderful family film that will delight all ages with its exotic animals, gigantic scale and powerful message about the need to take care of this exquisite, amazing planet which is so beautifully wrapped in oceans.

Review: Letters to Juliet (Rated PG)
This romantic love story explores the joys of having a second chance to find true love.  The film is set in a city known in literature for love—Verona, Italy – Juliet’s home.

In a small courtyard, complete with balcony, there is a stone wall where letters asking for romantic advice are left for Shakespeare’s fictional heroin of love, Juliet. These letters are answered by a group of women called the “secretaries of Juliet.” Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) meets and becomes friends with this group while on a “pre-honeymoon” trip with her fiancée.

Instead of having time together, her intended is more interested in shopping for his new restaurant back in the states. Sophie is left on her own so she joins this group of letter writers to pass the time while her love is off on buying trips. She finds and answers a 50-year-old letter that was hidden behind a brick in the wall, which sets the rest of the story in motion.

The Italian countryside is beautifully filmed as Sophie, Claire (Vanessa Redgrave) – the author of the old letter – and her handsome grandson, Charlie (Christopher Egan), travel in search of her long-lost love. During their search, yet another love story emerges. All ends happily across both generations in this gentle story about love and romance.

Judy Russell teaches music and performing arts at Beauvoir, the National Cathedral Elementary School.