SuperNewb Reviews

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Great; *IF* you know what to expect

[10/10 · 19 February 2007]

Based on the heartbreaking book, BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA strays from the regular family film, while still delivering a strong message.

Two words you must remember before seeing this movie, though: FALSE ADVERTISING.

Terabithia is NOT another Narnia by any means. It is advertised that way, but it is not what it seems to be. For book fans, however, Terabithia is a great adaption.

The acting is amazing; Josh Hutcherson (Little Manhattan) pulls his part off excellently. Josh is one of the best male child stars of this generation, without a doubt. Annasophia Robb (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) stars in yet another Walden Media film, and, despite her disappointing performance in Because of Winn-Dixie, she gives a great performance. She is able to captivate Leslie's innocence and free-spirited nature without becoming annoying or obnoxious. Putting aside the two wonderful leads, another star shines; The puppy-faced Bailee Madison. Her smile lights up the screen and she is cute without getting on your nerves. She steals every scene she has a line in. The other children and the adults, again, are great and this is what truly makes the movie move along.

The moral? Many worried parents seem to have the wrong idea of this movie. I can understand why, but you must look beyond the obvious. This movie does not just make us realize what reality is, but it shows us love, friendship, and courage. It teaches us how to stand up to our enemies and how to make friends; How to love, and how to deal with the issues of everyday life. The movie shows us that love comes in every shape, size, and way, and that a true bond cannot be broken, despite road blocks. The ones you love are always with you.

And, with ending this, I will put a quote that most people have heard, but it truly fits this movie; Fairy tales are more than real: Not because they tell us that dragons exist, but that dragons can be defeated.

Elf (2003)

A cute Christmas movie

[10/10 · 18 November 2006]

This movie came out when I was young, nine or so, and I remember giggling and laughing through this film. C'mon, it was cute, I loved it and still do. But, this is just my personal opinion. I'll give an overview of the movie.

The Plot: The overall plot was...cute. Nothing amazing, just a typical Christmas tale. It tells the story of a young man who was raised by elves, and once finding out who he 'truly is', a human, sets out on a journey to meet his real family. And, before he sets out, Santa gives him horrible news. His father is on the naughty list. Buddy greets this by yelling 'NO!!!' as loudly as he can. Finally, he sets off to New York to find his dad, and meet his brother, a little boy played by the adorable Daniel Tay, and his father's new wife. Overall, it's a sweet plot with a sweet ending. No miracle, but it's cute.

The Jokes: If you're looking for jokes that you'd find on Comedy Central, then don't both with this movie. But if you're looking for primarily kid-appropriate, Nickelodeon-like jokes, then look no further. This is the movie for you. Children from about five/sixish to eleven should enjoy this movie, along with a handful of preteens/teenagers (such as myself).

The Acting: Okay, the acting's not great. It's adequate at the most. Will Ferrell plays his regular yell-out-lines role, though his facial features and comedic timing are pretty good. Zooey Deschanel's good, not perfect, but good. She definitely evens out the movie without trying to overuse comedy or burst out in exaggerated lines like a certain actor in this movie who was mentioned earlier. James Caan was probably the best in this movie. No, his performance wasn't Oscar-worthy, but it was better than the majority of the performances. He believably plays a spiritless man who's in denial of having Buddy as a son, and never really trails out of character. Finally, Daniel Tay, who plays Buddy's brother and, as we see later in the movie, good friend, is absolutely adorable in his snow hat. His acting's pretty good, not perfect, it was just a regular child performance. However, his performance is pretty much brushed aside because he's overshadowed by his adult co-stars. The other cast members were good, not great, and I must add that Lydia Lawson-Baird, who only says two or three lines, will practically melt your heart with her sweet presence upon screen.

Overall, it's a cute movie, good for kids. Don't watch this movie expecting something Oscar-worthy. If you're looking for a kid-appropriate movie, then this is the movie for you.

Unfabulous (2004–2007)

What has this world come to?

[1/10 · 26 September 2006]

From the point I saw it advertised, I had a feeling that this was going to be another Nick flop. Boy, was I right. Now, I did not want to watch it, it looked stupid and pointless. Unfortunately, my neighbor has a tendency to ignore child abuse laws (even though she is one herself), and made me sit through three painful episodes over Comcast. First off, the acting is absolutely terrible. Emma Roberts can't act her way out of a plastic bag, and seems to find herself amusing by putting on the fakest of facial expressions. She says her lines like a robot. In fact, I believe that basically everyone on the show is that bad. Pathetic, really. Second off, the girls are apparently very sweet, welcome everyone, and hate the popular folk. However, they are just as nasty and cruel as Maris and Cranberry. Very hypocritical. The show is cheesy, basically lives off of teenybopper romance, and uses good-looking actors instead of those with real skill. Lord, save us. This is child abuse.

Akeelah and the Bee (2006)

A great, inspirational, feel-good movie

[10/10 · 1 September 2006]

The commercial made me smile. It made me think 'That looks like a good kids movie', but at the same time it made me think 'It kind of looks stupid...' Boy, I was wrong. Akeelah and the Bee is an inspirational movie, and is definitely great for those who share an interest in spelling bees.

I went to the movies with my friends for her birthday, expecting little about the bee at all and more about a love relationship between Akeelah and her newfound friend, Javier. Surprisingly enough, very little of the content was anything to do with romance, and thank goodness.

The acting, oh my goodness. It was wonderful. Especially Keke Palmer's performance. Her face told the story, really. Facial acting was wonderful, no doubt. Keke's performance perfectly matches up to her being as good as young Dakota Fanning, without her having to bawl out crying in any scenes. And the rest of the cast was great, too. The ending is very sweet, but I certainly won't spoil it for anyone.

Overall, a very inspirational movie. 10/10

The Sandlot 2 (2005 Video)

Ugh...

[4/10 · 28 August 2006]

Don't go about with this 'it's a kids movie' stuff, because aren't kids supposed to enjoy a kids movie? Still a child, I thought that this movie was rather boring and if there were razzies for kids movies, this one could deserve one.

First off, the acting was bland and wooden. Instead of using talented children, they went ahead and hired a few good-looking or cute kids with no experience, or at least that's what it seems. The boy who played 'Smalls' was actually alright, but beside him the casting couldn't have been worse.

It's cheesy, too. Very cheesy. Just the things that happen, the script, just everything. And, apparently, because everyone got such a kick out of seeing a boy kiss an attractive lifeguard through pretending to drown in the sequel, the writers decided that everyone would laugh just as much this time. Not really.

The plot line takes too much from the original and changes it around, with the evil animals and such. Why not use some imagination, eh? But, you've got to give it a little credit. There were times when a smile lingered upon my face, and I find it fairly good that they included girls this time--except for the fact they made them pretty wimpy, sticking to stereotypes as boys being tough and girls being wimpy and finding even a worm disgusting. No 'tomboy' about them, which kind of irritated me. But, thanks for at least including a girl.

I give it a 4/10.

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody (2005–2008)

Bad Show

[3/10 · 2 June 2006]

I'm probably going to be hated, yelled at, and possibly ignored by all Cole and Dylan Sprouse fan girls from this comment, but I'm going to express my opinion: This is a bad show.

The acting, first off, is very bad. The Sprouse Twins cannot seem to give any of their lines believability or even a hint of emotion. They are very 'wooden' in their acting, along with basically every actor of this show.

The script is also poorly written, which may explain some of the bad acting. The lines are very corny, and not the least bit funny in my opinion. Most of the experiences in this show are fake and could never happen, therefore adding another negative to this show.

The characters in this show have not been developed very well. Cody, who is apparently a smart, intelligent child, seems to be just as girl-obsessed and dimwitted as Zack's character.

Lastly, this show just seems to be a 'wannabe' Mary-Cate and Ashley show, creating it even worse.

Overall, I dislike this show and I really haven't any idea what makes it so enjoyable. I can barely watch a full episode without turning off the TV in annoyance from the character's and the plots. Of course, it's a worthy effort, giving it three more stars than it really deserves. Lastly, I know that this show is supposed to be for children, but I am twelve years old-therefore, I should still quialify as a child. Therefore, with proof that I am still a child, I simply give this statement: This show is unenjoyable, corny, and overall plain bad.

Drake & Josh: Megan's New Teacher (2006) Season 3, Episode 12

Very Funny Episode

[9/10 · 25 May 2006]

This has to be one of my favorite episodes; It is cute, well-acted, and the script is very good.

In this episode, Josh (Josh Peck) becomes part of a program which lets high school students teach a class of younger students. Ironically, Josh is assigned to teach the class of his younger sister, Megan (Miranda Cosgrove). Including these students are Katie (Tara Lynne Barr), a sassy eleven-year-old, and Neil (Ridge Canipe), an eleven-year-old who can play the drums like a maniac. Drake (Drake Bell), looking for a drummer to play in his band, discover Neil's talents and immediately pleads him to be in the band. Like most eleven-year-old children would, Neil accepts to invitation with a grin upon his face. Josh starts teaching the children college material, which leads to an unhappy class, which then produces an angry Megan. The class becomes angry at Megan because her brother game them a pop quiz in which they all failed. Then, Neil sadly admits to Drake that he is unable to play in his band because he failed the quiz. Therefore, Megan and Drake become extremely angered toward Josh. In order to get their payback, Megan breaks into the classroom. The rest, however, I certainly won't spoil.

This episode is very funny; I would give it a ten if it weren't for the fact the cruelty Megan and Drake have toward Josh. It seems to get a bit overboard; They are a tad bit too mean. Overall, though, most Drake and Josh fans should enjoy this episode.

Daddy Day Care (2003)

Wonderful, Humorous, Heartwarming Movie

[9/10 · 24 May 2006]

Not many movies can mix together the feeling of love and humor together, though Daddy Daycare is one of the few that were able to.

Filled with laughter, Eddie Murphy is at his best. The acting is amazing; Even the young children have pulled off an amazing act. Khamani Gryffin delivered his childish lines with such believability that one could be close to tears with the simple line of 'You can sell my toys.', and Max Burkholder can truly portray a cute, trouble making child with ease. The adults are amazing actors to, especially Eddie Murphy. The use of young children is very good, especially since they are portrayed with such innocence that one can tell they are in for trouble.

The plot is original and very good, and the script is written quite well. This movie is, without a doubt, the perfect family film.

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (2005)

Wonderful Movie

[9/10 · 27 February 2006]

If I were to sum this movie up in one world: Wonderful.

This movie was fantastic, with the world created by C.S. Lewis almost perfectly depicted, from the personalities of the characters to each stick and stone in the land of Narnia. The animation was incredibly realistic and the actors were wonderful.

Tilda Swinton played the White Witch with gusto and every word out of her mouth seemed to fit her character; Cruel and cold. The cold stare of her eyes and the loud, projective voice made it seem you were standing beside her. Then, Anna Popplewell did a tremendous job playing the lady-like, motherly Susan. She kept her voice calm and the expressions on her face made you believe she was really Susan. William Moseley did a fantastic job for his first major role in a movie. His facial expressions were knightly and strong, as well as his voice. Then, Skandar Keynes played Edmund wonderfully. When he tried to lead his family toward the White Witch, the tone of his voice sounded uneasy and fake, just as it would in real life if you tried to betray your own friends and/or family. And then there was little Georgie Henley, a little girl who can make anyone's heart melt. She's a wonderful actor, especially for this being her first movie.

Overall, the movie is great, but there are things everyone should be warned about: 1. There is some violence near the end of the movie, so parents of young children should be alert of that. 2. Some of the dark creatures are frightening, so those who are scared somewhat easily should be aware. 3. The movie is a bit dark, and somewhat frightening at the beginning of the movie in a 'bombing' scene.

In conclusion, the Chronicles of Narnia is a wonderful movie any fantasy lover would adore, but be aware of darker parts!