Holes
The problem with most kids movies is they feel they have to talk down to kids. Everyone thinks their child is smart and exceptional. But everyone tolerates kids movies that insult the intelligence of even preschoolers.
This is not the case with Holes. Holes is an intelligent, complex story for kids that has a nice easy flow. Yes, the characters are slight caricatures, but they are believable ones. Yes, like so many kids films, there is a “message” here, but it doesn’t beat you over the head with it, it’s deftly interwoven into the story.
Based on an award winning children’s book, the story deals with Stanley, a city boy who is wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to a juvenile labor camp where he and the other boys are forced to dig holes in the desert “to build character”. But is there really another reason behind this seemingly mindless exercise?
Highly recommended for kids and adults alike.
Bernard and the Genie
Bernard and the Genie isn’t really the most original film ever made. Average guy, Bernard, has the worst day of his life – loses his job, loses his girlfriend, etc. – but happens to rub a magic lamp producing a genie who grants him anything he wishes for. What follows is the standard wishes for money, revenge against the ex-boss, etc. We’ve seen this storyline a million times before – mostly on sitcoms. Still, the film is handled well; its a lightweight romp with an unpretentious charm.
Lenny Henry steals the show in his over-the-top performance as the genie (possibly the inspiration for Robin Williams’ genie in Aladin). Also watch for cameos by Bob Geldof and one of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
