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David Dickstein Movie Review Igor Hunchbacks in film are either bell ringers at Notre Dame or lab assistants to mad scientists, and if the latter their name is usually Igor. So with a movie named “Igor,” we already know a bit of what this animated feature is about. What is different about this Igor is he’s not content in a supporting role; he dreams of becoming a scientist in his own right and winning the upcoming annual Evil Science Fair. Heard, but not seen are John Cusack, Eddie Izzard, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Molly Shannon, Arsenio “where is he now?” Hall and Jay Leno. Phoebe in Wonderland Hunchbacks in film are either bell ringers at Notre Dame or lab assistants to mad scientists, and if the latter their name is usually Igor. So with a movie named “Igor,” we already know a bit of what this animated feature is about. What is different about this Igor is he’s not content in a supporting role; he dreams of becoming a scientist in his own right and winning the upcoming annual Evil Science Fair. Heard, but not seen are John Cusack, Eddie Izzard, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Molly Shannon, Arsenio “where is he now?” Hall and Jay Leno. Beverly Hills Chihuahua We’re letting the dog loose in this issue because of the early October release date and, well, September is low on family films compared to what’s on tap for next month. George Lopez voices a Casanova of a chihuahua who helps Chloe (Drew Barrymore), a pampered pup of the same breed, find her way back to swanky Beverly Hills after getting lost on the mean streets of Mexico. No doubt Chloe has a bone to pick with Piper Perabo, who plays the negligent, yet heart-broken dog owner. On DVD: Abby in Wonderland (Sept. 30, not rated, ages 2-7): Sesame Street’s resident fairy-in-training, Abby Cadabby, goes on a storybook adventure with Elmo in a spin on the Lewis Carroll classic perfect for those far too young to see “Phoebe in Wonderland” this month in theaters. Muppet favorites abound at every corner after Abby falls asleep and dreams about an enchanted “Wonderland.” Cute stuff. Grade: A- Barbie & the Diamond Castle (available now, not rated, ages 3-9): Friendship, empowerment and perseverance are lessons to be learned in this animated direct-to-DVD feature that has Barbie teaming up with best friend Teresa to play two other characters who embark on a journey to save a girl trapped on the other side of a magical mirror. So-so animation, but will appeal to the target audience. Contemporary music is a nice bonus. Grade: B The Best of Barney (available now; not rated, ages 2-7): Whoever didn’t just chuckle after reading the title should check out this bonus-filled DVD that celebrates 20 years of imagination, fun and life lessons. Nearly two dozen songs will test your parental tolerance while the little one has a super-dee-duper time. Grade: A The Blue Elephant (available now, not rated, ages 4-8): Sort of the counter tale of “Kung Fu Panda,” this animated feature follows a young elephant who is groomed to be a warrior, but instead wants to live in peace. A strong voice cast is led by Martin Short and Carl Reiner, who add watchability for interactive parents. Grade: A It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition (available now, rated G, ages 3-adult): I’ve lost count of how many times it’s been re-released on DVD, but I guess they’ll keep doing it until every household owns this must-have animated classic. The Peanuts Halloween TV special originally aired in 1966, yet it still holds up for all generations. Linus anxiously awaiting the arrival of his gourd superhero in the pumpkin patch never looked better in this umpteenth re-mastering. Grade: A+ |
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