Smitty, Freddy Frog Face & Donkey X Movie Reviews
Dear Creatives, I had the chance to review a few movies from Phase 4 Films. The three were Smitty, Freddy FrogFace & Donkey X. These three movies were released in July 2012 & are available on DVD. Let me give you a little background & my thoughts on each of these Phase 4 Film’s movies.
Smitty: A story about Ben a mischievous & sarcastic preteen who gets into trouble one too many times. An event happens where his mom sends him to his grandfathers. His grandfather lives in Iowa & Ben goes to stay with him during his summer break. With no friends in Iowa they rescue a dog from the animal shelter. With the help of some good role models Ben is able to learn good lessons about the meaning of family and friendship, along with what it means to have a pet in your life.
Runtime: 94 minutes
Rated: PG
Special DVD features: The Making of Smitty, Official Trailer
Availability: Target, Walmart, Amazon.com
Thoughts: We enjoyed the story it goes along at a thoughtful pace, starting to pick up midway with a ending to remember along with a good message.
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Freddy FrogFace: Being small doesn´t make life easy for little ten-year-old Victor and his friends, who not only have to face a world full of stern grown-ups but also the town bully Freddy Frogface. When a circus comes to the sleepy little town, Victor is thrilled at having the chance to perform in a talent show with his dog Sausage. Yet Freddy soon comes up with a sinister plot of his own to spoil Victor´s plans… Freddy Frogface is a film about being small in a world where everyone else seems big. It teaches an important lesson about not being a bully. But most important it is about the courage to stand up for oneself no matter what the odds!
Runtime: 85 minutes
Rated: PG
Special Features: Downloadable Activity Kit, Trailer, The Making of Freddy Frogface
Availability: Target, Walmart, Amazon.com
Thoughts: Mild violence (bully’s hitting) & bullying throughout the movie that probably appeals to the pre-teen or teenage boys. Vivid computer animation.
Donkey X is based on the 400 year old Spanish classic tale of “Don Quijote de la Mancha” Adventurous, brave & mischeivous donkey of Castile, as he tells the true story of the legendary Don Quixote. Rucio one of the main character’s side kicks jumps at the opportunity to join Don Quixote on his quest to battle The Half Moon Knight helping him with obstacles along the way.
Runtime: 90minutes
Rated PG
Special Features: English, Spanish & french language tracks, Trailer
Availability: Target Walmart, Amazon.com
Thoughts: We thought the movie was entertaining, but did have a few mild sexual references if watching with younger children might go over their heads, but my 10 year old caught them saying; “hey, did you see that?”, there were only a few & didn’t last long. It was entertaining enough to hold us through the story. The animation is vivid & appealing.
Out of all the movies we enjoyed Smitty the best for it’s story line of seeing changes from someone having difficulty & making wrong choices, then turning things around. Also for it’s ending message.
What do you look for when picking out movies for your family or kids?
Visit here if you’d like to see more Phase 4 Films
We try to stick with g rated movies with our 8 year old. Sometimes you don’t even know what to expect with a PG movie and what kind of references they will make in it. These sound like good family shows!
Stopping by from Create With Joy’s Blog Hop. New G+ and Twitter follower 🙂
Theresa
Theresa’s Mixed Nuts
Hi Theresa, I know it is difficult finding movies that don’t throw in too much adult stuff, violence…I highly recommend Space Dogs for your son or daughter they would love it. I think that one was G