Movie Review:
Ice Age 4
Madagascar 3
Brave
Snow White and the Huntsman
The Avengers
(scale based on typical 5 stars)


We took the kids to the drive-in movies last night (Fair Oaks Drive-in, Pine Bush, NY) and saw Ice Age 4. Let me tell you, the clips they show on the trailers are the ONLY good parts of the movie! Blue Sky is really reaching with this movie. The bad guy is an ugly ape-like "pirate" who's bent on revenge, and they stoop to a musical interlude! 
So my official critique: don't waste your money, just watch the trailers! * (one star)


Now if you want to see a better kids movie, Madagascar 3 is much better! If you're a Madagascar fan, all the favorite characters are back in this trip to Europe. I'm not saying this is a GOOD movie, just better than Ice Age 4, but that's not difficult. It's entertaining and worth the price of a drive-in (not a full priced theater ticket, though!). *** (3 stars)


Disney has come through again with the head-strong Princess Merida in their new movie Brave. Unlike Ice Age 4, they don't give away the whole movie in the trailers. Be prepared to hold your younger children in this movie, as there are some scary parts.  In all it's a good animated film about forgiveness. I'd definately see this one again and might even purchase it when it comes out on DVD.  **** (4 stars)


A not-for-kids movie I saw recently is Snow White and the Huntsman. This action packed, visual adventure is definately NOT for kids under a certain age. The classic fairy tale is transformed into a dark but entertaining 2 hours.
I'd see it again. ****  (4 stars)


Finally, Marvel's The Avengers, was entertaining, for those that like the movies that have been translated into film. Disney has been leading up to the release of this film for some time with the character building of The Hulk, Iron Man, and Thor.  There are pleanty of laughs in this movie to counter balance the violence. My kids favorite part is where Loki tells Hulk he is a GOD and Hulk's... "response". 
I'd see this one again too (but remember, I'm a comic book fan). **** (4 stars)