"Babe: Pig in the City" deserves all the rave reviews it got when it first came out. Standing on its own, it is good enough. But as a sequel, it is stupendous! The storyline is a bit bizarre, for it begins on the farm; with Fly, Ferdinand, Farmer Hoggett, and even those singing mice! But when Babe accidentally sends his master tumbling down a well and getting seriously injured, the farm is put in jeopardy. Mrs. Hoggett takes Babe to the city, hoping to have him perform his famous sheepherding for a financial reward. What city this is is never specified; however, upon seeing the skyline we can tell that it is all the big cities of the world mashed into one! A metaphor for how intimidating and new it is for the little pig? Perhaps. But since the farm is in New Zealand, we can safely assume that if the city MUST be just one, it would likely be Sydney, Australia.

The movie has a great deal of humor in it; and not just an occasional chuckle. Some of it is real rip-roaring, side-splitting laughter. For instance, Mrs. Hoggett (who does provide most of this humor, come to think of it), bouncing around an elaborate banquet hall in an overinflated rubber clown suit. Or, speaking rapidly about the "blessed pig" to a pig-nosed judge. Or, losing Babe at the airport because a "sniffer beagle" pretended to alert his people that Babe was carrying illegal substances. (You see, the dog doesn't know WHY he sniffs, only that he gets rewarded when he barks.)

Now, before I get into the charm of the story and characters, I'll address the pressing issue of "darkness" in this film. Perhaps it isn't the happy, cheery, sunshiny childrens' story everyone hoped for, or found in the original "Babe." But let's face it: there IS evil and tragedy in the world. This movie IS NOT a gruesome, grotesque, overly-strange nightmare, as some have described it. Kids can certainly enjoy this without getting disturbed. Adults are being too sensitive. There are scenes of fear and danger; such as the goldish flopping on the floor (and getting tossed into the water by Babe), the Bull Terrier (not pitbull, as stated in the movie!) hanging by his leash from the bridge and almost drowning (ALSO getting resuced by Babe), Zootie's baby falling from the ceiling (and getting caught by Thelonius), the cancer-stricken children being entertained by Uncle Fugly Floom (hey, people, cancer exists! Instead of shielding kids, make them aware and let them learn to care!), and Flealick, the wheelchair-bound Jack Russell Terrier who gets thrown from a truck and almost dies. It is a very sad moment. My kid brother was touched, but not deeply disturbed. The dog was alive and peppy, anyway, within moments. It wouldn't have hurt too badly if he actually HAD died; it just would have been sadder (because we ALL know that we always care more about the animals than the humans in moves, right?). But I knew they just couldn't have anyone die in a kids' movie. So please, people, quit your whining. This is FAR from "rated-R" material.

The waterfront neighborhood in the city which Babe visits is adorable. The characters he meets, both human and animal, are very endearing. Mrs. Hoggett takes him to the only hotel in the area that allows animals (and is therefore despised by the neighbors and must keep it a secret that they have animals.) There he meets a family of monkeys, who are VERY good actors, I must say! They are waiting for "Himself," whom we find out in the end is the name for their master. Sadly, "Himself" dies, because he is a very old man. "Himself"'s niece is Miss Floom, the kindly landlady with a habit of asking questions and then answering them in order to tell people things. A real animal lover, she is devestated when Babe invites a Southern belle pink poodle, the Bull Terrier (who, after being rescued by Babe, turns into his personal bodyguard instead of hunter), and a huge array of other homeless animals into her hotel. The neighbors contact the police, and the entire place is invaded, with the animals being taken away in cages. The chase scenes surrounding this part are VERY impressive and thrilling. It's up to Babe, of course, and Mrs. Hoggett (the funniest person in the movie) and Miss Floom (possibly the most likable person in the movie) to save the animals and, hence, the day.

The ending is a real charmer. Miss Floom moves to the country with Mrs. Hoggett. The hotel is converted into a loud but legal dance hall to annoy the neighbors even more. The animals all move in with "Herself" (Mrs. Hoggett.) And the Bull Terrier has pups with the pink poodle. The sets in this movie are absolutely adorable. And the movie itself is incredibly insightful; I once watched it and wrote THIRTEEN ENTIRE PAGES of notes on all the "underlying messages" and interesting things I noticed in it & its characters! I find myself longing to watch it every day and never tiring of it. On the whole this is one of the most adorable, thoroughly enjoyable movies you will ever see.

This extremely touching film is adapted from James Herbert's novel about a man who is reincarnated as a dog. His quest to find his human family is plagued with mystery, including the fact that he must unravel the story of his old business partner. Only when he remembers what truly happened between the two of them on the night of his death does "Fluke" realize how he must let his family know who he is and set things right.

This movie is highly emotional and definitely a tear-jerker. I cry almost every time I watch it, at multiple parts; and I am not normally one to cry at movies. Although grossly underrated, this movie has one of the most beautiful soundtracks I have ever heard. Just listen to the music in the background throughout the entire movie; it's magical! Slightly eerie, this film is for anyone who loves animals, mysteries, the supernatural, or just a really good film.

The scene in which Fluke "tells" his wife who he is in the cemetery, before his grave, is particularly poignant. (I tell ya, if that lady doesn't get it by that point, she's thick!)

I actually purchased this movie after hearing the decent reviews it received. It admittedly wasn't the most horrible sequel ever. But it came pretty close. The story is all rehash. The one quote by Mowgli's foster father: "YOU DELIBERATELY DISOBEYED ME!" is ripped right from the "Lion King," where Mufasa tells Simba the same exact thing. The story itself is feeble at best. Shanti is a shallow character who can't really remind you of anyone becuase she's just...there. There's no feeling or creativity in her. I have seen decent Disney sequels with characters I've actually been able to feel for (ie, "101 Dalmatians II" & "Cinderella II"), but this unfortunately isn't one of them. The songs are...how shall we put this, corny? Cheesy? One of those food-related words that generally means "bad" but not "painful to listen to, just annoying."

Okay, the one song with the monkeys (WHY did they not include King Louie, I liked him?!) is all right. Kind of catchy--if I remember correctly. I can't think of the tune right now. But the voice of John Goodman as Baloo just doesn't fit. He's done alot of characters and done them well (ie, Sulley from Monsters Inc, NOT MIKE WAZOWSKI, who was played by Billy Crystal), but Baloo's character doesn't mesh with his voice; the two don't work together. *shrug* It's difficult to explain. It just does not sound right, it's not a good mix.

Ths plot is basically just a redo of the original, with Shere Kahn out stalking Mowgli for revenge and a pretty dumb new vulture named Lucky. The humor is almost not present; I can't remember laughing. It kept me moderately entertained for maybe an hour, then I kinda wished it was over, then I decided I'd probably never end up watching it again and regretting that I'd bought the thing! This movie did have a FEW things going for it, I do know that much....I just can't seem to recall what they were. Which means it gave me a bad impression. Which means it was pretty awful overall.

This, along with "Thumbelina," "All Dogs go to Heaven," and "Rock a Doodle," are among the best Don Bluth films ever made. Why are they so disliked?! In my family, we have watched these movies repeatedly for years and laughed, cried, etc. They are so much fun! The music in this movie is WONDERFUL and the voice acting, particularly Martin Short's Hubie, is great. A cute movie and a cute story.

Other notes: Penguins have eyelashes, deal with it. Drake is an abnormally muscular and busty Adele penguin. Marina's flower is magic. Or plastic.

Even though I have already drawn good pictures of the Nemo characters, I bought this book to see if it would help me improve, and I also hoped it would assist my friends and family (who are a bit artistically challenged, yet still love Nemo). "How to Draw Finding Nemo" is a very cleverly written book, from Marlin's point of view, and he describes each character (as well as the entire movie plot) quite perfectly.

The first day I got this book (today), I drew and colored 24 good pictures of the Nemo characters. Each one is illustrated in detail and various poses, with helpful tips and hints. The book includes Nemo, Marlin, Dory, the sharks, Nemo's school friend trio, and the whole Tank Gang. It's only missing the turtles, for some reason. Anyway, it is a very nice drawing book.

Like any "how to draw" book, you may find it alot easier to draw without all those annoying 'guidelines' that you need to erase. But unlike most "how to draw" books, this one makes it EASY to follow each step individually and come out with a great drawing! Hey, I'm 16 and use it...this is NOT just for eight year olds!

My recommendations when using this book? First of all, USE IT. Don't just buy it, flip through, and never draw any of the pictures. It shows you how to do so quite simply. I know it's cheap. But still, use the thing! For instance, you may find Sheldon, as I did, easier to draw from his final result (all those little lines on his head are complex.) For another, they lie only once in this book. Jacques, it says, is half the size of Nemo? No, that's impossible. Jacques MUST BE BIGGER than Nemo (just a bit, as in the film), or he would also be able to fit inside the filter.

More examples you wish? I shall gladly oblige! Gill is alot of fun to draw. So is Bloat--you can make him inflated or deflated! Bubbles is a ton of fun because once you get the hang of him, you can make various cute poses! Deb is tricky because you must draw her whispering to her reflection/sister, Flo. Gurgle, the "fish after Marlin's own heart," is also alot of fun and fairly simple: just watch the diamond pattern, it's a bit tricky. I found a flat, head-on Peach difficult, but the shaded picture you can draw of her peeling off the tank glass is VERY COOL! The sharks do not look much like themselves in this book, sadly...except for Chum, he's ok. Anchor is kind of tough to draw, even though he looks simple, for they've given him a humpback. Bruce looks like a meat cleaver.

Tad and Sheldon come out nicely if you draw them properly. And Pearl is THE EASIEST character of all to draw, bar none. She is good for the absolute beginning child artist. The other nice thing I noticed about this book is that, unlike other "how to draw" books, it doesn't keep hammering over and over: "It's YOUR drawing! Make it unique!" and such. Yes, you SHOULD make your drawing personal, but...it's more important that you make it look like what it IS, AND have your own style. Accomplish first the task of making it look good and distinguishable. Then get fancy, if you please. I read this other "how to draw" book, and it must have said "It's YOUR drawing!" at least 25 times! I KNOW it's my drawing. It serves to make readers feel embarrassed/ashamed/harrassed/pressured about their artwork! Marlin makes gentle suggestions. Overall, this book is great for providing hours of entertainment!

I adore this film. It is the absolute essence of what a "Good Sequel" should be. And so often Disney has made us believe that "Good Sequel" is an oxymoron! This one doesn't disappoint and definitely delivers the goods. "Homeward Bound" was an amazing movie. So was "The Incredible Journey." But "Homeward Bound II" is an entirely original, hilarious, beautifully made family movie. I watch it over and over, each time being as good as the first. I saw it with a friend and a sleepover recently and she'd never seen it before; she naturally found it wonderful.

NOT just a rehash of the original, "HB2" takes us on an adventure through San Francisco with the still-funny Chance, Shadow, and Sassy. Perfectly in sync with its predecessor yet pleasingly different enough, "HB2" is a love story as well. The best part of the film is Riley's gang of stray dogs. They are by far the most interesting characters in the movie, including Delilah, the Kuvasz who is Chance's love interest. (My question: Bando? What happens to the old bluetick coonhound after Delilah hooks up with Chance? Does he get with Sledge, the sheltie mix girl from the gang? Or does she like Stokey, the flea-infested terrier mix who is surprisingly charming and funny?)

From gorgeous scenery to run-ins with Ashcan & Pete, a boxer and bullmastiff just out looking for trouble, "HB2" is a great story from beginning to end. The score is superb. I read some crazy review of this movie which stated that the makers actually put gay jokes about animals in San Francisco!! I can assure you this is NOT true at ALL, and I don't know WHAT movie that reviewer was watching!!! There is nothing offensive in this film; it's perfect for family. Heck, I'm 16 and I've loved it for years.

Certainly underrated and underappreciated, "HB2" should not be missed! Let me recommend it to you so you don't miss out. It's a touching tale and a whole lot of meaningful fun.

Your "Finding Nemo" collection is just not complete until you own the 2004 calendar! This magnificent calendar (not a cheap little piece of junk) will remind you of your love for the movie and its marvelous characters all year long! It is quite a large calendar, and even includes September-December of 2003! The pictures on each month are bright, colorful, and eye-catching: sure to make 2004 the best year ever! The date 'boxes' are actually bubbles--BUBBLES!!--surrounded by cartoon-like drawings of the characters. (It's a bubbly, cheerful calendar overall.) The bubbles are big enough to write daily notes inside. The character/month breakdown is as follows:

Marlin: September-December '03!
Nemo: January. (My grandparents' birthdays!)
Dory: Fenruary.
Gill: March.
Sheldon/Tad/Pearl: April. (My brother's birthday!)
Bubbles: May.
Bloat: June. (My mom's birthday!)
Peach/Deb: July. (MY birthday!)
Gurgle: August. (Now! & my dog's birthday!)
Bruce/Anchor/Chum: September.

Gill/Nemo: October.
Dory/Nemo: November. (Brother's birthday!)
Marlin/Nemo: December. (Dad's birthday!)
So you too can now place characters with birthdays of family and friends! ^_^ Buy this calendar, it's the best 2004 character out there!! You'll love it!

A perfect blend of many things I adore, I had never been a Lou Reed fan before this--to be honest. In fact, I like Lou Rawls more! But this is a *very* good CD. It is excellent! Edgar Allan Poe poems...I have always loved 'em. And the sexy voices of two hot actors? Forget about it!! Willem Dafoe & Steve Buscemi alone are good enough reasons to buy this. *sigh* I looove them. *swoon over them* So, you can get this and obsess over how delightful they are, or you can get it and appreciate Poe. *shrug* It's up to you. But as you can see, you will like it either way. *Wink*

If what scares you is an axe-wielding psychopath who spends two of your hours chasing around some stupid teenage girl who perpetually runs in the wrong direction, this movie isn't for you. But if you like a good, freaky mystery...if you've got a brain and can put two and two together...if eerie people and scenery and symbols and events give you a thrill, "The Ring" is guaranteed to scare you. Alot. Of course, even if you DON'T meet those criteria, it'll still scare you anyway. Maybe more. It'll haunt you afterward. And you'll wait seven days for your TV to turn on by itself and see the horrifying images on that video...

OK, well, I won't give the story away. But it is VERY SCARY. I watched this movie in the dark, and it was the creepiest thing. It is not a childrens' film, not least of all because they probably won't understand it. You have to pay close attention and maybe watch it more than once to get it all. Another point: I too was bothered by the horse scene. I'm sure that the Humane Society monitored the set and saw to it that no animal was harmed, as they do with almsot all movies, especially big ones like this; and I'm sure that camera tricks and computers were employed to help make it look as bad as it seemed. I have pretty much convinced myself that the horse in the movie was not actually hurt just to film the shot.

"The Ring" is the scariest movie I've ever seen, and I've seen alot. "The Exorcist," "The Omen," "Friday the 13th," "I know what you did last summer"....they're all good, but this one is different. It's a psychological thriller and scary movie and mystery in one. There are symbols and clues and some VERY freaky moments. The scariest? I dare you not to be afraid when Samara climbs out of the well and comes through Noah's TV and gets him. Come on. It's sheer terror. This movie was very well-made and it's a great story. Right from the beginning you've got scariness. The kid, Aidan, is scary. Everything in the tape is scary. The way it ends (as though YOU'RE next because YOU watched the tape) is scary. And clever.

I did enjoy "The Ring" immensely. When people told me they literally could not sleep for days after seeing it, THEY WERE NOT KIDDING. Wait'll you find out just what "the ring" is. It's a great movie. But in case I haven't stressed it enough, it's verrrry scary. I suggest you watch it with company and a pet, a pillow, a blanket...some popcorn maybe...and turn out the lights...

This book is a gem. Reading it, you get an appreciation for all the WORK that was put into this excellent film! The amount of effort these people exerted to create the characters, backgrounds, computer-generated "water," and every other aspect of the movie, is incredible. Flipping through these pages, you really get a feel for that.

The pictures are beautiful and make you realize things you don't think about while watching the movie. You don't realize that the story wasn't always going to play out the same way. You don't realize that the characters may have looked different had the animators chosen to go in another direction. Looking at these early sketches, step by step pastel drawings, and much more, you see what it's really like to make one of these fantastic films.

The quotes throughout are humorous and enlightening. (I particularly like the descriptions of the sharks and the fishtank.) They even reveal a secret I didn't catch after seeing the movie twice; the man in the dentist's office with the skull on his shirt is supposed to be a grown-up Sid from "Toy Story!" That kid needed a trip to the dentist! Overall, "The Art of Finding Nemo" is an unbeatable coffee table book.