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Snow White and the HuntsmanAnd again: The Wicked Queen, here named Ravenna (Charlize Theron), maintains her youthful beauty by evil means, until she meets the girl who is “fairest of them all,” Snow White (Kristen Stewart). The two women act out a kind of battle between good and evil, if not precisely dark and light, and the nicest one wins. In this case, that one is also a decent sword and knife fighter, and a good horseback rider.
Crocodile’s TearsWhat are crocodile tears anyway? That’s the question this story answers. The setting is Africa, and main characters Rhino and Tickbird happen upon a crocodile who’s shedding those famed tears. The duo won’t dare ask him because they are afraid of crocodiles. So, they set out to find a wise golden eagle who might shed some light on the mystery. Though wise, the eagle wouldn’t dare ask anything of a crocodile either, and guesses that he’s crying because he misses the dwindling population of elephants. He suggests they find an elephant and ask him. The story goes on in a similar way through…
Men in Black 3It’s almost as if 15 years haven’t passed since last we saw Agent J (Will Smith). It’s almost unbelievable, that his face remains so unlined, his physique so toned, and his attitude so... er, juvenile. There’s something to be said for consistency, but, as J himself might put it, “Damn!”
Suppose You Meet a DinosaurWhat do you do when you meet a dinosaur at the supermarket? This newer title is a sweet fantasy about a polite little girl who meets an equally polite dinosaur at her neighborhood grocery store. The narrative offers scenarios in which simple good manners are required, and asks readers to provide the appropriate response. For example, the little girl bumps into the dinosaur with her cart. What should she say? “I’m sorry,” of course, is the correct response. The story continues in the same fashion until the two part ways with a polite “Goodbye. It was nice to meet you.”
BattleshipMostly, Battleship is explosions. In between explosions, and sometimes in the middle of them, it features aliens that look like robots, some super-special-outfitted Naval destroyers, a few shots of beautiful Hawaiian mountains, a brief appearance by Liam Neeson, and an old-fashioned battleship. It also includes some poignant appearances by real-life WWII US Navy veterans. And oh yes, Rihanna and Brooklyn Decker.
Miracle-Gro Root ViewerI was sent the Miracle-Grow Root Viewer to review. It is listed for ages 5 and up, but my four year old was able to help. The object of the viewer is to be able to see your plant growing not only from the top but be able to see the root system as well. This is a novel idea, as we have never been able to see the root system before. It comes with dirt, seeds and the actual viewer.
Remembering the TitanicThis new release is a brief history of the Titanic in honor of the 100th anniversary of its tragic sinking. Historic pictures, paintings and screen grabs from James Cameron’s film illustrate the story of the Titanic from its sailing on April 10, 1912, to its sinking five days later and the rescue of just over 700 survivors out of 2,227 passengers and crew. Also featured are the discovery of the Titantic’s wreckage in 1985 and the last survivor who passed away in 2009.
All Kinds of Kisses“Little ones love kisses” is the opening line of this new picture book which celebrates the kisses mommies bestow on their little ones. The setting is a barnyard and the subjects are animals such as calves, kids, piglets and so on. With each kiss given is the sound each animal makes — “baaa” kisses, “woof” kisses, etc. As the story concludes, readers are led inside the farmhouse where the best kisses of all happen. Of course, those kisses are a mommy’s good night kiss.
The Avengers“I don’t get a suit of armor,” says Bruce Banner. “I’m exposed.” It’s a joke, sort of, when the nerdish scientist describes himself like this, because everyone knows that when he transforms into the Hulk, he basically is a walking suit of armor, unstoppable and not a little impressive. (He’s also survived a series of re-castings, from Eric Bana to Edward Norton and now to Ruffalo, since 2003.) But still, when Banner says it — near the beginning of The Avengers, surrounded by other superheroes aboard the super-tech-outfitted S.H.I.E.L.D. Helicarrier — you…
Cinco de Mouse-O!Mouse wakes up on May 5th to the scent of “beany, cheesy, ricey” smells. He hunts for the aromas’ source and finds them at a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Mouse has a ball eating all the crumbs that people drop from authentic Mexican dishes such as tacos, tamales and chorizos, and sets his sights on a candy-filled piñata. Mouse’s fun ends when Cat begins chasing Mouse through the fiesta, past the lively dancers and mariachi band. Mouse finds refuge, at last, on top of the piñata, but as the children start to take swings at it, Cat patiently waits for Mouse to fall into his paws.…
