Strollerderby : movie

For the last year, I have rarely met a girl under the age of eleven who has not, upon learning my first name, immediately burst into a pop song by Miley Cyrus’ alter ego. And to think, I used to love my name.

Because this is already far more Hannah Montana that I can stand, I don’t plan on seeing her blockbuster. But I will gladly pass on secondhand reasons why you and your kids shouldn’t see it, either.

Unsurprisingly, NPR’s movie blog found the movie lacking in intrigue, camera work, and sound quality, cinematic failures that, admittedly, no 11-year-old is bound to notice. But Miley’s young admirers may be susceptible to the movie’s very clear message that it’s better to please others than it is to act like yourself. (Spoiler alert: stop reading if you don’t know want to know the compelling plot twister that communicates this message.)

After years of trying to live a double life—one of being Hannah Montana the popstar, another of being Miley Stewart, the Tennessee farm girl—Miley decides she can’t stand the deceit anymore. At a concert, she takes off her wig (which amazingly prevents anyone from noticing that Miley and Hannah Montana have the exact same face) and announces her true identity, prepared to be accepted for who she is. Hurray! The end of deceit and superficiality is here!

Well, not exactly. According to NRP, mass disappointment ensues. “Several characters insist that children across the world will ‘lose their dreams’ if they find out Hannah is a fake. So Miley listens to them and puts the wig back on. Happy ending.”

If there’s any message preteen girls don’t need, it’s that other people will not like you if you reveal your true self. As NPR puts it, "Hannah Montana: The Movie suggests that we can make people happy by always being who they want us to be, so we should maintain a performance at all costs." Then there’s the equally problematic message that “average” people from humble beginnings cannot be powerful or inspiring figures (an anachronistic message, given our current president).

I’m sorry that Miley Cyrus has to live her entire life as a fake. But that's no reason to glorify such a dismal fate for the impressionable tween masses.

Photo: NPR

Kid DVD of the Day: Tugger Tugs at Their Hearts

JeanneSager — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 21:23:00 GMT

Who knew there was room left on the family DVD shelf for yet another movie about a talking vehicle? Who knew Carrot Top could not be annoying and kid-appropriate all at the same time?

Believe it. Tugger: The Jeep 4x4 Who Wanted to Fly has its hunka-junk moments, just like the animated World War II era car that lends its name to the film. But overall, the worst thing about the Jim Belushi and Carrot Top vehicle (come on, I had to throw that one in there) is that no one's heard of it.

Voiced by Belushi, the decomissioned 4x4 has dreams of flying - fueled by a creative Army soldier's quick thinking on the front lines that left Tugger with an airplane propeller inside the hood to help cool down his engine. Tugger lands at an airport, where he's supposed to pull in the planes, but inevitably ends up driving the owner a little nuts. Unlike that other talking vehicle movie that one or two kids might have heard of (yes, I'm talking about Cars), this is a movie peopled by humans, talking vehicles AND talking radios (hence Carrot Top's entrance), even a set of talking gas station pumps.

Belushi breaks into song one time too many, but the tale itself is solid, if a little cliched. Believe in your dreams kids, and the impossible might not exactly come to be (did you really think the Jeep 4x4 would suddenly sport a set of wings?) but pretty darn close.

The bottom line is for kids who love moving vehicles, this is fine family fare with a happy ending and a positive message. It hits shelves today, so check it out.

Image: Amazon

Ramona Quimby Hits the Big Screen

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:00:00 GMT

There’s a Ramona movie coming out, and all I have to say is, Hollywood better not ruin the books, or they'll be hell to pay. Then again, of course they'll ruin the books and they'll probably just make a ton of money doing it. Sigh.

My older sister and I were obsessed with Beezus and Ramona. After my dad finished reading us every Ramona book, we started reading the books out loud to each other. We bought two goldfish just so we could name them Romana and Beezus.

So I’m not thrilled about the forthcoming Ramona movie, if Jezebel’s predictions prove accurate. The actresses playing Beezuz and Ramona are two cute-as-a-button child stars, who bear no resemblance to the real--endearingly awkward--Quimby sisters. And early publicity seems set on pegging Ramona as “wacky.” The real Ramona is just your average spunky, messy eight-year-old. That’s what is so great about the books—the characters are completely relatable, and yet completely engaging.

Of course, there may be no reason to be such a sourpuss about Hollywood's Ramona revival. Lots of girls might see the Ramona movie and end up dying to read the hilarious Beverly Clearly series. Fingers crossed.

Photo: cinematical.com

Erin Brockovich's Daughter Blames Mom for Drug Addiction

KeriF — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Is it really a surprise to anyone that the woman who gained fame wearing a push-up bra to win a lawsuit was caught completely unawares when her own daughter began abusing drugs at the age of 12?

Remember Julia Roberts' cute little girl in the movie? Ever wonder what she was up to while real-life mom Brockovich traveled the world promoting her film and campaigning for her cause du jour?

Apparently she was smoking pot when she was 12 and moved on to cocaine and prescription drugs by the time she was 14. "That was my time to go crazy, because she wasn't there," says daughter Elizabeth. "I would ditch school, I was driving around with kids that were under the influence."

I know Erin was presumably trying to do good in the world, but shouldn't that start at home? No word on who Elizabeth stayed with while Mom was on the road.

Elizabeth is now 17 and sober, thanks to a stay in a treatment facility for teenagers.

"I love her and I'm her parent and I will be there for her," says mom Erin.

Better late than never.

Meet Chrissa, the Newest, Lamest American Girl Doll

Hannah Tennant-Moore — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:30:00 GMT

I remember with perfect clarity the Christmas that I got a Samantha doll as a present. I was well acquainted with all of the American Girls by then, having studied their varied histories and enviously played with my friends’ Kirstens and Mollys. So when I opened the package and found Samantha inside, I already knew that she felt suffocated by her Grandmary’s ideals of what it meant to be “a lady.” I promised to rescue her from her staid Victorian background.

Samantha led a charmed life to be sure, but it was an interesting, charmed life. And it was told in books, which helped me get hooked on reading, taught me a wee bit of history, and helped me identify with people who lived in very different times and places from my own.

Chrissa, who will hit toy store shelves this January, will educate girls about how to navigate social challenges in 2009—through an HBO movie (An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong). Instead of combating a historical hardship, such as the oppression of women or World War II, Chrissa is battling “relational aggression.” There's no question that relational aggression is an important issue, but do we have to give even our dolls psychological diagnoses? What about engaging stories, to, you know, distract and cheer up all the kids who are suffering relational aggression?

Am I just being crotchety, or is Chrissa a lame replacement for Samantha?

Photo: USA Today

Rich or Rehab, Holiday Edition: Whatever Happened to Zuzu?

Jen Chaney — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:02:00 GMT

Happy child-star-filled holidays, everyone! In honor of the season, I'll be bringing you a yuletide-themed Rich or Rehab every Tuesday until Christmas here at the 'Derby. First up, a look at the woman who played Zuzu in the ultimate Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful Life."

For those who usually imbibe a bit of the nog every year when they watch this film, here's a quick refresher: Zuzu is the youngest daughter of George Bailey, the one who runs a slight fever, wants Daddy to "give her flower a drink" and, in the final moment of the movie, points out that every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings. That Zuzu. Truly, was there anything she didn't know?

The adorable, curly-haired moppet was played by young actress Karolyn Grimes, who was 6-years-old when the Frank Capra picture was released back in 1946. So whatever happened to her? The answer to that question is more complicated and emotional than you might expect.

Grimes appeared in 16 films during the late '40s and early '50s, including another well-known angel-oriented movie, "The Bishop's Wife." According to the bio on Grimes' Web site, www.zuzu.net, her acting career ended in her teens when, tragically, both of her parents died. Her mother succumbed to early-onset Alzheimer's Disease when Grimes was 14. A year later, her father was killed in a car accident. Suddenly, she was an orphan, forced by the courts to move to a small town in Missouri and live in what she describes as a "less than desirable home." (I know. This is not how we wanted life to turn out for the owner of Zuzu's petals.)

She eventually finished school, worked as a medical technician, married and became a mother to two daughters. Her first marriage ended in divorce and, two years later, her ex-husband was killed in a hunting accident. But Grimes rebounded, remarried and, in addition to her new husband's three children, added two more to the brood.

But she still couldn't escape tragedy. In subsequent years, her son committed suicide. And after 25 years of marriage, her second husband passed away from lung cancer.

Somehow, though, Grimes persevered. Over the past decade-plus, she has devoted herself to "It's a Wonderful Life," making promotional appearances at benefits and movie screenings as well as doing speaking engagements related to the film. She's also written some essays here and there, and co-authored an "It's a Wonderful Life" cook book.

Depending on where you live, you may even run into Grimes this season: this weekend, she'll be at a Christmas Festival in Puyallup, Wash., and on Dec. 12 and 13, she'll attend the annual "It's a Wonderful Life" Festival in Seneca Falls, N.Y.

Despite all the lousy cards she's been dealt, the former child actress still appears to have a true zest for living and a desire to share that energy with others. I suspect that if Jimmy Stewart is knocking around up there in heaven, he may be looking down on his former co-star and saying, "'Atta girl, Zuzu."

Images: childstarlets.com and zuzu.net

Best of FameCrawler: Week of November 14th

Whit Honea — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:00:00 GMT

John Travolta Bald With Love

Who Is Barack Obama? 50 Things You Didn't Know

Will.I.Am: It's a New Day (Video)

Watch Out For Your Soul, Britney: Madonna's HUNGRY

Secret Message in Taylor Swift Lyrics: Pregnant or Not, She's Really Pissed

Rihanna Pregnant With Chris Brown's Baby?

Photos: First Daughter Sasha Obama

Caylee Anthony Remains Found?

Remember The Pregnant Man? He's Knocked Up Again!

Will Smith, Oprah and Obama: The Crying Game (Video)

It's Sunday Rose On Oprah

Presidential Perks for Obama Kids

Best of FameCrawler: Week of November 7th

Whit Honea — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:00:00 GMT

Obama Elected 44th President of the United States!

Brooke Burke Says She's Married...More Kids, Please!

Sarah Palin Gets Crank Pranked But Good (Video! And Palin Response! GOD THIS IS FUN!)

Jemaine Clement Has A Son

Rahm Emanuel is Now Part of Barack Obama's Entourage (Photos)

Colbert, Stewart and Obama: The Tears of a Clown(s)

Brad Pitt's Parents Don't Want to See Angelina's Boobs

Is Taylor Swift Pregnant?

Salma Hayek Is A Thief

Did A Celebrity Convince You To Vote?

Michelle Obama is a Work of Art

Baby Brother For Suri Cruise?

Best of FameCrawler: Week of October 31st

Whit Honea — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Photos: Matilda Rose Ledger Turns 3!

Michael Jackson Is Flat Broke

The Hudson Family Tragedy

Isiah Thomas: My Kid Needs Help, Not Me

Travis Barker's Burn Pics

Jennifer Hudson's Family Confirmed Murdered; Nephew Kidnapped

Matt Damon Takes an Acting Break

I Guess It's Over: Madonna Set to Bury Guy's Memory. Literally.

Barack Obama Variety Show on SNL - Video!

This Just In- Jon Stewart Having Campbell Browns Baby

Suri Cruise Has A Private Gym!

Best of FameCrawler: Week of October 24th

Whit Honea — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Lil' Wayne Welcomes Lil' Baby

Brad's Nearly Nudes Of Angelina

Alec Baldwin Praises Sarah Palin?

Is Someone Trying To Out Will Smith?

Obama Dances On Ellen

Jenny McCarthy: My Son Is Cured of Autism

Guess Who Is Having Twins?

Jennifer Aniston Pregnant with John Mayer's Baby!

Lil Wayne's Baby Mama Revealed & It's NOT Nivea!!!

Mark Wahlberg Threatens Andy Samberg, Also Talks to Animals (Video)

Best of FameCrawler: Week of October 17th

Whit Honea — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

John McCain Does The Monster Mash

More Private Angelina Photos Leaked

Joe the Plumber: The Videos!

Tina Fey "You Ignorant Slut"*

PlumberGate: Joe The Plumber IS Related to Charles Keating, and Also Owes Back Taxes!

Lisa Bonet Confirms She's Pregnant

Russell Crowe Says Sons Are Complete Opposites

Joe the Plumber: Republican Plant and Relative of Charles Keating?

Gwen Stefani Worries About Her Weight

Michael Jackson's Kids Unmasked!

Denis Leary: Autism Means Your Kid Is Stupid and Lazy

Billy-Bob Trumps David Duchovny In The TeaLeonifornication Stakes

Best of FameCrawler: Week of October 10th

Whit Honea — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:00:00 GMT

Totally Biased Political Post Containing Cute Kids and Stuff (Video)

New Video & Photos: Angelina Jolie and Kids

Katie Holmes Tells Tom- I'm Leaving

Congrats, Emma! You Endured Pain In Childbirth! JOIN THE CLUB.

Bigot Bridget Bardot Mouths Off About Sarah Palin

Tina Fey is Sarah Palin on SNL: VP Debate (VIDEO)

Mark Wahlberg Talks to the Animals on SNL (VIDEO)

Ricky Schroder Talks About Son's Accident

Madonna Scares Me

The Truth About Angelina Jolie

JLo: I Had A Nervous Breakdown

John McCain Bingo!

Disney movie to feature black princess

Brett Singer — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 19:00:00 GMT

This would belong in the "who cares" pile except that this is the first time that Disney has had an African-American princess in one of their films.

The folks at Yahoo! Shine are pleased, but have this to say: "We somehow doubt there was a woman named Tiana living in 1920s New Orleans, where the story is set, but we’ll let that slide as we have a bigger issue with the new trailer: the toothless narrating firefly. Yeah."

"The Princess and the Frog" is due in 2009. Here's the trailer. What do you think?

Source: Yahoo! Shine

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