The Chronicles of Narnia - Prince Caspian

Adventure/Fantasy/Family/Sequel
In Theaters: May 16, 2008
Walt Disney Pictures
Rated: PG

One year after their heroic adventures in Narnia, Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan Pevensie return to the parallel world. They are surprised to learn they have been transported 1300 years into the future. Their mission is to restore Prince Caspian to the throne.

C.S. Lewis' books are a spiritual journey for its readers. The author, however, was not a theologian, nor was he particularly religious in his early years. He was a classics scholar and close friend of J.R. Tolkien, who wrote The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Both influenced the book series and Lewis' personal philosophy.

The latest installment in Disney's film franchise promises to be action-packed with stunning cinematography, but does have a fair amount of violence. It is, however, one of the few family films that has a positive message for all ages, without a condescending tone. Even if you aren't looking for a film to enlighten you, the story in and of itself is compelling enough to spend a couple of hours at the theater.

Prince Caspian Synopsis and Cast >>

Speed Racer

Speed Racer
In Theaters: May 9, 2008
Action/Kids/Family
Warner Bros. Pictures / Village Roadshow Pictures
Rated: PG for sequences of action, some violence and language. (Parents cautioned.)

This live-action adaptation of the classic anime series was overshadowed by Iron Man. While I'm not knocking the blockbuster, it's a shame that more families didn't go to Speed Racer's opening. The Wachowski Brothers remembered that the cartoons were written for kids, keeping the movie's parental guideline rating to a mere PG, making it suitable for all but the youngest children. It is another film with a positive message as Speed, his stylish girlfriend, Trixie, and his family fulfill their drive to win, as they defeat corruption and bad guys. Besides, the visual and special effects are stunning.

Speed Racer Synopsis, Cast, Characters and Fast Cars, Daring Tracks, Combative Races.

Bob the Builder - The Three Muksetrucks

Bob the Builder continues to be an inspiring children's series, especially for preschool boys. The release of The Three Musketrucks showcases Dodger the Milk Truck, Packer the Delivery Truck, and Scrambler the four-wheeler's adventures. Oh! Bob has a different voice in this collection.

In the title episode, Dodger, Packer, and Scrambler call themselves the Three Musketrucks when Bob and Wendy send them off together for a pick-up and delivery. They get into all kinds of trouble, of course. In the end, they get the job done and have learned important life lessons along the way. Other episodes center on building a creamery, a weaving studio, and a general store.

The DVD also contains episodes of Fireman Sam and the always charming Fifi and the Flowertots. These supplement Bob the Builder themes with lessons on outdoor play, cooperation and playing nicely. Fireman Sam also shows by example the necessity of doing as adults say and following safety rules.

The Three Musketrucks DVD Review >>

Other recent Bob the Bilder DVD releases are Building Bobland Bay and the excellent Bob Onsite: Building Roads and Bridges, which features real-life segments of construction projects. The Hit Favorites: Summertime Fun DVD centers on seasonal activities and outdoor play. Bob the Builder: Dizzy goes Camping is included. There is also an excellent Barney episode, titled The Wind and the Sun, as well as episodes of Thomas and Friends, Angelina Ballerina, Fireman Sam, and Fifi and the Flowertots.