Home Screening Room - Paul is here, Mars doesn't need him

Just from Theaters

Jumping the Broom – Rated PG-13 (Paula Patton, Angela Basset)

Families have to come together when their kids do.

Mars Needs Moms – Rated PG (Seth Green, Joan Cusack, Dan Fogler)

Mars has a shortage of something that is really important to the nurturing and growth of the youth. MOMS!

THEATRICAL REVIEW

Paul – Rated R (Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Jason Bateman, voice of Seth Rogen)

From The Real Milwaukee Set

Ok, I’ve finally come to the realization that this is not about me. Though the side by side comparison is eerily similar. Anyway, the alien Paul meets up with some of the biggest alien fans!

THEATRICAL REVIEW

Super – Rated R (Rainn Wilson, Ellen Page, Liv Tyler)

The names are good; but is the movie? Might be the right time to check it out on DVD.

Your Highness – Rated R (James Franco, Danny McBride, Natalie Portman)

There is a damsel and smoking…hence the double meaning behind the title…in case you are under a rock.

Also New this Week

Camp Hell – Rated R (Dana Delany, Bruce Davison) Ok, so how did this one get hidden to this point? A horror movie, in case you hadn’t noticed.

Fox and the Hound / Fox And the Hound II – The Blu-Ray combo pack is available know with all the glory of Hi-Def for you to enjoy.

Webster: Season 3 – Aww…I didn’t remember Webster being around that long.

And Finally…

Tactical Force – Rated R (Steve Austin, Michael Jai White)

The Texas Rattlesnake has got to be my and finally pick (one of Steve Austin’s nicknames, in case you didn’t know). Austin and Michael Jai White make me say…HELLO.

Pick of the Week

I’ve got to add the movie about me, wait…ok, I get it…Paul is not about me. Still it’s fun, and of course Mars Needs Moms might be fun to revisit with the animation it works with in about 5 years.

Pop Popcorn, Do the Dew, Bust out the Blu and remember to Save Me A Seat!

Review - Mars Needs Moms

Moms Know Everything

Milo (Seth Green) and his mom (Joan Cusack) have a little strain in their relationship. It’s the typical mother/son disputes that happen during childhood. And it leads to that harsh confrontation where Milo wishes he didn’t have to deal with his mom anymore. That night, he will face the prospect of losing his mom and hitching a ride to Mars.

You see, Mars Need Moms. Why? They need what mom’s know, what mom’s feel and the knowledge that mom’s posses. Martians needed that special love and bond that moms of earth know. They’ve been at this for years and are still looking to gain that special knowledge.

Now Milo joins forces with Gribble (Dan Fogler), a man who knows the ins and outs of the red planet. He knows what the Martians are doing with moms of the world and will help Milo find his mom, but can they do it in time?

This is a pretty garden variety animated film. The story is simple but reinforces the importance of moms in the family unit. Most of the action takes place on the world of the other worldly surface of Mars so there are some crazy creatures in the mix for your enjoyment.

The motion capture animation for the stars is a bit unnerving at first, but once you are into the film it resonates with the viewer.

Mars Needs Moms is fun for the little ones, though the perilous state of mom could lead to some tears. A trip to Mars has never been quite this interesting. Not that you need a movie to prove the point, but Moms ARE really important! As my brother once said, “moms know everything”.

C+

Mars Needs Moms
Walt Disney Pictures

Director: Simon Wells
Cast: Seth Green, Dan Fogler, Joan Cusack, Mindy Sterling

Rating: PG for sci-fi action and peril.
Runtime: 88 minutes.

SNAPSHOTS - Battle, Mars and Red Riding Hood?

A quick snapshot this morning -- full reviews go live later today.

Battle: Los Angeles
Fun, popcorn film. The aliens are coming but we are strong! Fight them!!!! Do you realize it's been 15 years (this year) since Independence Day? This will not break any groundbreaking film standards, and some people might not like it...but dang...I just felt this was a non-stop action, fun film! (B)

Mars Needs Moms
This is a neat little kids film, well kinda. The ending might bother the youngest...but it shows EVERYONE needs their Mom. (B-/C+)

Red Riding Hood
Ok, the title means this is going to be a tame and nice fairy tale, right? RIGHT? NO! this is for the teens trying to make the Big Bad Wolf hip! Yes, there is blood and stuff. It's like the Twilight of Big Bad Wolf movies...did I just say that? (C+/C)

I'll be on Real Milwaukee this morning talking about some of these titles, then over to KMOX this afternoon to chat with Mark Reardon on the new movies....and the full reviews will be up tonight.