Big (1988)

Twelve-year old Josh Baskin is an average kid who is frustrated with being a kid. So one night while at a carnival he discovers a machine that can supposedly grant wishes. And John decides to make a wish that he was big. And not surprisingly he wakes up the next morning to discover that he is grown up and in a man's body. He temporarily lives like an adult, working for a toy company and with his best friend Billy's help, he tracks down the wishing machine to transform himself back to his original self. Very funny, one of Tom Hanks' best early roles, for which he was nominated. Starring Tom Hanks, Elizabeth Perkins, Jared Rushton, Robert Loggia, John Heard, Jon Lovitz 7/10 Rated PG

The Witches (1990)

After his parents are killed in an accident, young Luke goes to live with his grandmother in England, telling him tales of witches, how to spot them and how they hate children. They go to spend a holiday at a big and fancy hotel, where Luke discovers that there are witches also staying at the hotel, and that the leader known as the "Grand High Witch" is devising a diabolical plan to get rid of the children of England. A fun and incredibly imaginative story, that once you see it it's sure to become an instant favorite. Based on the children's book by Roald Dahl. Starring Anjelica Huston, Mai Zetterling, Bill Paterson, Brenda Blethyn, Rowan Atkinson, Jasen Fisher 7/10 Rated PG

Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince (2009)

It is Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; former potions professor Horace Slughorn has come back, and the danger of the dark lord is greater than ever. Harry finds a book on Advanced Potion Making, which he discovers was owned by someone named "The Half-Blood Prince". Harry suspects Draco Malfoy maybe a Death Eater, one of Voldemort's followers. Harry finds out more about Tom Riddle (aka Lord Voldemort) and sees what he was like when he was a student at Hogwarts, and discovers what can destroy him. Meanwhile he begins to fall for Ginny, Ron's sister. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Helena Bonham Carter, Jim Broadbent, Robbie Coltrane, Warwick Davis, Tom Felton, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, David Thewlis, Julie Walters 7/10

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (2007)

It is Harry Potter's fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and already he has been expelled for having performed a charm in front of a Muggle (non-wizard person), which he is not allowed to do outside school. Another new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is at Hogwarts named Dolores Umbridge, who appears to be nice, but is absolutely cruel and sadistic. Harry finds out about The Order of the Phoenix, a secret society founded by Albus Dumbledore when they started fighting Lord Voldemort. Sirius Black, Harry's godfather believes that the dark lord has come back and is gathering an army, so Harry is more than eager to fight. When Umbridge refuses to teach the students how to defend themselves against the dark arts, they decide to have Harry Potter teach them. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Ralph Fiennes, Gary Oldman, David Thewlis, Julie Waters, Jason Isaacs, Helena Bonham Carter, Emma Thompson, Robbie Coltrane 8/10

My Girl 2 (1994)

Vada Sultenfuss is now thirteen, her grandmother has died and her new stepmother Shelly is pregnant. Harry decides to use Vada's room for the baby's nursery because it's right next to theirs. Vada has an assignment to do for school, where she has to write about someone she admires, but has never met, so she decides to do it on her mother. Spring break is coming up, and Shelly suggests taking a trip to Los Angeles, California, that way she can visit her uncle Phil and do research on her mother. So Vada stays with her uncle, his girlfriend Rose and her son Nick. A good sequel to the original, funny at times although not as heartfelt as the first. Starring Anna Chlumsky, Dan Aykroyd, Christine Ebersole, Jamie Lee Curtis, Richard Masur, Austin O'Brien, Richard Beymer, Ben Stein 7/10

My Girl (1991)

Vada Sultenfuss is an eleven- year old girl who is kind of obsessed with death, especially since her father is an undertaker and she lives in a house that is also run as a funeral parlor. Her mother died when she was born, so she lives with her father and grandmother. She's best friends with Thomas J, who is allergic to everything. Vada is in love with Mister Bixler, her English teacher, and she signs up to be in his poetry class to get close to him. Her father hires a new make-up artist named Shelly DeVoto, who gives her advice about makeup and boys. So when she discovers that her father is falling in love with Shelly, Vada does everything possible to keep them from getting together. A wonderful coming-of-age story; with scenes of great humor, but also of deep sadness you'll instantly fall for newcomer Anna Chlumsky. Starring Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis, Macauley Culkin, Anna Chlumsky, Richard Masur, Griffin Dunne 7/10

Tangled (2010)

There was once a small kingdom where there lived a king and queen. And in this land there was a golden flower with healing powers, which an old woman used to stay youthful. But the queen falls ill when she is going to have a baby. The flower heals the queen, and she has a baby girl, who receives the power of the flower when she's born. But the old woman wants the power back, so she steals the baby and raises it as her own, calling her Rapunzel. Years later Rapunzel is a young woman of eighteen, with seventy-feet long golden hair whose been locked up in a high tower without any human contact except for her mother. She longs to see the floating lantern lights that shine in the sky every year on her birthday. A thief named Flynn Ryder climbs into her tower one day, in an attempt to hide from the law. So Rapunzel makes a deal with him; she'll give back his satchel (which has a stolen diamond crown in it) if he'll take her to see the lantern lights. A creative new twist on the classic tale of Rapunzel; with great humor, memorable characters and wonderful songs. Starring Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy, Brad Garrett, Ron Perlman, Jeffrey Tambor 8/10

Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire (2005)

It is Harry's fourth year at Hogwarts, and he along with the Weasley family, the Diggory family and Hermione attend the Quidditch World Cup where Death Eaters (followers of Lord Voldemort) stir up a frenzy. Lately Harry has been having strange nightmares about the dark lord. At the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, there's another Defense Against the Dark Arts professor named Alastor "Mad Eye" Moody. Headmaster Professor Dumbledore announces that there will be a Triwizard Tournament, in which one wizard's name from each of the three houses is picked from a magical cup called the Goblet of Fire, to compete in three very dangerous challenges. The only restriction is students who are under seventeen aren't allowed to enter. However the Goblet chooses Harry for a fourth name, despite him not being old enough. But being bound by a magical contract, Harry has no choice but to compete in the tournament. Based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Robbie Coltrane, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Miranda Richardson, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Timothy Spall, Robert Pattinson 7/10

Harry Potter and The Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

It is Harry's third year at the school of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and there is a new replacement for Defense Against the Dark Arts Class, a man named Remus Lupin. Harry also finds out that a prisoner by the name of Sirius Black has escaped from Azkaban prison and is after him, so security is high at Hogwarts. What Harry discovers later on is that Sirius Black is his godfather and despite him being friends with Harry's parents, he apparently betrayed them because of his loyalty to the dark Lord Voldemort. By far my favorite of the Harry Potter series; with quick-witted humor, the build-up of suspense leading to the appearance of the infamous Sirius Black (who is wonderfully portrayed by Gary Oldman) is utterly brilliant. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Pam Ferris, Gary Oldman, Julie Walters, David Thewlis, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Emma Thompson, Richard Griffiths, Robbie Coltrane, Pam Ferris 8/10

Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets (2002)

It is Harry's second year at The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and there's a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher named Gilderoy Lockhart. But Harry Potter is not safe at Hogwarts; he starts to hear voices, and the Chamber of Secrets has been opened. So Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermione set out to find the heir of Slytherin house so they can discover who has been attacking the students. The magic and wonder continues in the second film of the Harry Potter saga, based on the novel by J.K. Rowling. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Alan Rickman, Maggie Smith, Kenneth Branagh, Jason Isaacs, Julie Waters, John Cleese, Richard Griffiths, Richard Harris 8/10

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Harry Potter seems to be an ordinary boy, living with his dreadful Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon and their horrible son Dudley. Until on his eleventh birthday when he gets a visit from a man named Rubeus Hagrid and finds out that he's really a wizard who despite his aunt and uncle's objections, has been accepted to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry learns that he is famous in the world of wizards, having survived being attacked when he was only a baby by the evil Dark Lord Voldemort that killed his parents. Harry meets Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, along with Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. While at Hogwarts he plays Quidditch (a game that involves flying on broomsticks), takes down a mountain troll, and discovers the Mirror of Erised where he sees his dead parents. Harry, Ron and Hermione find out that someone is out to steal the Sorcerer's Stone, which has powers that can make a person immortal. A wonderfully imaginative fantasy story that is such fun you can't help but see it more than once. Based upon the novel by J.K. Rowling. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Richard Harris, John Hurt, Julie Waters, Alan Rickman, John Cleese 8/10

The Tale of Desperaux (2008)

In a small kingdom called Dor, there was born a mouse by the name of Desperaux Tilling. He was small with bigger ears than most mice, and didn't act the way other mice usually do; he was brave and didn't cower. One day he discovers the library and reads a fairy story about a princess named Pea who's locked in a castle and longs for a prince, soup, and for it to rain. What Desperaux doesn't know is before he was born, a rat landed in the Queen's soup and made her have a heart attack and die, so all rats and soup weren't allowed in the kingdom. Desperaux meets and befriends a rat named Roscuro. He tells him about the princess and they decide to devote themselves to helping the princess. An adorable tale with an all-star cast that's visually entertaining, based on the book by Kate DiCamillo. Starring Matthew Broderick, Dustin Hoffman, Emma Watson, William H. Macy, Kevin Kline, Stanley Tucci, Frank Langella, Tracey Ullman, Sigourney Weaver 8/10

Honey I Shrunk the Kids (1989)

Wayne Szalinski is an inventor who has been experimenting on a new machine that is supposed to shrink objects, but he hasn't had any success in getting it to work. Until one afternoon when their next door neighbor Russ Thompson accidentally hits a baseball through the Szalinski's attic window, activating the machine. When they go up to the attic to try and find it, the machine shrinks them down to a 1/4 of an inch tall. Frustrated with the machine, Wayne destroys it as the kids try desperately to shout that it works. He throws them out with the trash and now the kids are stuck in the massive jungle that is the Szalinski's backyard. They decide to go through the backyard to get back to the house for help, but it's quite a long journey and not an easy one, as they encounter some huge insects and the sprinkler system. One of my favorite movies when I was a kid; an imaginative adventure story that'll have you seeing the world in a very different perspective. Starring Rick Moranis, Matt Frewer, Marcia Strassman, Kristine Sutherland, Thomas Wilson Brown, Jared Rushton, Amy O'Neill, Robert Oliveri 7/10

The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)

Jed Clampett and his poor family live in a shack in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas. Until he's out hunting one morning when he strikes black oil and becomes a billionaire. So when his cousins suggest going to someplace posh to live, they pack up and move to Beverly Hills, California. But seeing as how they are new and naive when it comes to living rich, there are plenty of con-artists who want to take advantage. A hilarious and fun rags to riches story; if you liked the original television show of the same name, you'll love this movie! Starring Jim Varney, Dabney Coleman, Lily Tomlin, Cloris Leachman, Erika Eleniak, Lea Thompson, Rob Schneider, Diedrich Bader 6/10

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Daniel Hillard is an actor who dubs the voices for children cartoons. However he loses his job when he disagrees with the studio about how they convey the characters. Things get worse when he throws his son a big and wild birthday party with animals from the zoo, and when his wife Miranda gets home she freaks out and she tells him she wants a divorce. But since he doesn't have a place to live and is unemployed the judge awards Miranda custody of the children. When Daniel finds out that she is looking to hire a housekeeper to cook and take care of the children, Daniel who is desperate dons a disguise with the help of his brother Frank who's a makeup artist and pretends to be Scottish nanny Mrs. Iphegenia Doubtfire. But juggling being two different alter egos proves to be more complicated, especially when Miranda starts to see one of her clients, a handsome man named Stu Dunmeyer. A touching and hysterically funny film; easily Robin Williams best film. Starring Robin Williams, Sally Field, Pierce Brosnan, Harvey Fierstein, Matthew Lawrence, Mara Wilson 7/10

The Princess Bride (1987)

While a young grandson is sick in bed, his grandfather comes over for a visit and reads to him the fairy tale of Buttercup, The Princess Bride. Buttercup lives on a farm and falls in love with the Westley, the farm boy. When Westley leaves the farm to seek his fortune his ship is attacked at sea. Buttercup believing him dead, vows to never love again. However she is forced to marry Prince Humperdinck, the heir to the throne of the town of Florin. But before the wedding she is kidnapped by three outlaws; the Sicilian criminal Vizzini, the Spanish fencing wizard Inigo Montoya, and the strong and mighty Turkish wrestler Fezzik, until a masked man in black follows them to save her. Based on the 1973 fantasy novel written by William Goldman, this is a fun and delightful adventure film with love-able characters that'll steal your heart. Starring Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Chris Sarandon, Christopher Guest, Wallace Shawn, Andre the Giant, Fred Savage, Peter Falk, Billy Crystal 8/10

Matilda (1996)

Matilda Wormwood is an incredibly smart girl, ever since she was a child she was able to fend for herself because her family is wrapped up in their own lives and don't appreciate her. She discovers she has an amazing gift of moving objects with her mind when she concentrates hard enough. She attends school and becomes best friends with a girl named Lavender, and has the most wonderful teacher; a sweet and caring woman named Miss Honey. But unfortunately Agatha Trenchbull, her principal is a cruel and mean woman who punishes her students by locking them in the chokey, an iron maiden like device with nails and jagged edges. Matilda and Miss Honey become good friends and Matilda tells her about her power. When Matilda's father, a crooked used car dealer sells Miss Trunchbull a lemon, she begins to hate the child more and more. To make things even more complicated, Matilda discovers two cops who are scoping out their house. From Roald Dahl's children's novel, this is a wonderful fantasy film; Mara Wilson is simply enchanting. Starring Danny Devito, Mara Wilson, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris, Brian Levinson, Tracey Walter, Paul Reubens 8/10

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

Dorothy Gale lives on a farm in Kansas with her Aunt Emily and Uncle Henry. When a mean woman named Miss Gulch threatens to have her dog Toto put to sleep, Dorothy runs away with him. But when a tornado hits and she returns home, she gets knocked out and starts to dream. In the dream, she wakes up and finds she's in a strange and beautiful world with good and bad witches and munchkins. Wanting to go home, she asks Glinda the Good Witch for help, but she tells her the only person who can get her back to Kansas is the powerful Wizard of Oz. Only he is in Emerald City which is a long journey away. So with her dog Toto she begins to travel there, on the way meeting a Scarecrow (who wants a brain), a Tin Man (who wants a heart) and a Lion (who wants courage). She insists that if the wizard can get her home, then surely he can give them what her friends want. So they go along with her on the journey. But unfortunately the Wicked Witch of the West, wants to destroy her and possess the ruby slippers that Dorothy is wearing. Based on the L.Frank Baum books, it's an enchanting, magical and captivating. A timeless classic that all should see and enjoy. Starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton 10/10

Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

Bill S. Preston Esquire and Ted Theodore Logan are two dumb teenage boys who live in San Dimas, not far from Los Angeles and have dreams of starting their own rock n'roll band The Wyld Stallyns. But they're in danger of flunking history and not graduating. Even worse, if Ted fails, his father is going to send him to military school. However their history teacher decides to give the boys one last chance; if they can present a good enough oral presentation about how famous historical figures might react to the modern day world, then they'll pass. An Emissary from the Future named Rufus arrives not long after to help them with their report. He explains to them how he traveled through time in a telephone booth and that in Rufus' time, Bill and Ted's music is the center of all existence, so if their band doesn't make music anymore, Rufus's world will no longer exist. So using the phone booth, Bill and Ted travel back in time and gather up famous people including Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon, Billy the Kid, Joan of Arc, Ludwig Van Beethoven, Socrates, Sigmund Freud and Genghis Khan to come back with them for their report. A wild and wacky story; Bill and Ted are fun and George Carlin is unforgettable. Starring Keanu Reeves, Alex Winter, George Carlin, Terry Camilleri, Jane Wiedlin, Robert V. Barron, Clifford David, Hal Landon Jr. 7/10

Back to the Future (1985)

Marty McFly is a typical 80's teenager who loves to play the electric guitar. He receives a message from his friend Dr. Emmett L. Brown Doc that he needs help with his latest invention, a plutonium-powered time machine made out of a DeLorean sports car. The invention is successful but when Emmett is gunned down by Libyan terrorists, Marty escapes by driving off in the DeLorean and ends up going back to the year 1955. He bumps into his parents when they were teenagers and looks up the doc so he can help him get back to the year 1985. Marty explains to him about the Flux Compacitor that he had a vision of, which makes time travel possible. But the doc doesn't have the means to create the power to bring him back unless by a bolt of lightning. Luckily the clock tower in town is supposed to be struck by lightning the next Saturday, so that's when they plan to send Marty back. While doc gets everything ready for that, Marty is determined to get his parents to be to fall in love, otherwise he and his siblings will never exist. But it's not easy when a bully keeps bothering his mother and father. An imaginative and sheer fun comedy. Starring Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Lea Thompson, Crispin Glover, Thomas F. Wilson, Marc McClure, James Tolken, Billy Zane 7/10