Remember those terrible, live-action movies that were made so awfully and cheaply that it's easy to imagine that the film stock they were printed on cost more than the movies themselves? They had miserable special effects, obnoxious children, misbegotten sets and music that sounded like a circus soundtrack gone horribly awry. Hoodwinked feels a lot like that.

George's enduring charisma has turned this film into a suprise mid-range hit. However, the animation department failed spectacularly.

Splash for tweens! With a screenplay by Jessica (Bring It On) Bendinger!! This was pretty good, but remember: it's a movie for young girls, not surly adult men!!!

The caveman toddler, who was the emotional core of the original Ice Age film, isn't in Ice Age: The Meltdown. His absence is noticed as with him has gone any particular attempt to mount any story at all, leaving "Meltdown" as a string of sight gags and clever conceits with prehistoric animals. It makes for mild entertainment but leaves as much of an impression as a popsicle on a park bench.

You're thinking, "Owls?" But don't make fun; two years ago no one would have said a documentary on penguins would have had a chance. Hoot is like a Pixar movie come to life, and I'd rather watch defiant, environmentally friendly teens than some petulant layabouts.

GREAT! FANTASTIC! LOVED IT!

Robert Zemeckis is using the same motion-capture technology he employed for The Polar Express last year. I love the concept here, the design, and, of course, the cast.

The movie's zoology is all over the place (boy cows with udders?) and its generally a weird ride in places.

This remake of Lassie is part of a planned reintroduction of the beloved collie. But this time? Lassie's female. And, thankfully, she's not animated or portrayed by Andy Serkis in a motion-capture leotard. Contains bit performances from Peter Dinklange, John Standing, Kelly Macdonald, and a handful of UK finery.

The escaped/lost animal idea seems a little played out (ahem, over the hedge), but count on Steve Bencich and Ron Friedman (Chicken Little, Brother Bear) to create a refreshing story for their extra-lively cast.