Animation

In the wake of his mother's death and his father's remarriage, a headstrong boy ventures into a dreamlike world shared by the living and the dead in search of his missing stepmother.

A comedic, pre-school series celebrating the day to day lessons of Chip and his homeschooling family of energetic Chinchillas.

Smart, funny, and fast-paced, this second big-screen Lego movie shows that the first one wasn't a fluke: The folks behind this franchise definitely know what they're doing.

This engaging adventure triumphs because of its empowering storyline, which pays tribute to Polynesian culture, and because of its feel-good music, courtesy of Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Make no mistake: Kids are going to love this movie.

This is a beautiful hand-drawn animated film with a wonderful story.

This sweet family comedy was written and conceived by smart people who clearly know something about the project of raising children, in all its combined sweetness and bitterness.

A solid story, eager fans, and a Barbie who is cool, smart, and a great role model spell success for Mattel and its licensees who've introduced a new line of dolls and toys based on this concept.

Entertaining train tale with mild peril, positive messages.

Forgettable and bland, with only a couple of truly swashbuckling sequences, this animated adventure will amuse only the youngest moviegoers, but not most Pixar-spoiled older kids or adults.

With the emphasis here on teen girls in action mode, these superheroes are proactive, competent, courageous, and, best of all, not shopping, flirting, and primping.

This animated adventure's amazing visuals are stunning, but the incoherent plot, poor writing, and dull action will leave you snoring.

A young boy named Kubo must locate a magical suit of armour worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past.

This animated comedy is decidedly not for kids; it's rambunctiously filthy in more ways than one.

If watching countless monster car crashes and WWE warriors lampoon their own outrageous personalities with the Scooby characters along for a wild ride is your cup of tea, you won't be disappointed.

An overlong forced preface, extreme bloodthirsty sequences, as well a curious reliance on nakedness and the sexualizing of its iconic superheroes set this Batman adventure apart from the familiar.

For a series that's long overstayed its welcome, this fifth (and hopefully final) installment still manages to elicit a few laughs.

Funny and engaging, with an excellent voice cast, this animated animal adventure will entertain audiences of all ages, with perhaps an extra dollop of appeal for devoted pet owners.

Oscar winner Roger Ross Williams beautifully captures the unbelievably emotional story of a young man with autism and his lifelong love of Disney movies, which allow him to process the world.

By blending solid new musical numbers with the old Oz favorites and including inventive new characters, Spike Brandt, Tony Cerone, and company have made this sequel funny and original.

This poignant, beautifully voice-acted adventure is everything a sequel should be: emotionally satisfying, full of lovable old and new characters, and, just as Dory would want, utterly unforgettable.

There's a little bit of a moral about being inclusive, but that's not why this movie was made: It's about angry outbursts, birds catapulting through the air, and big explosions.

It must be difficult to retain the camaraderie and silly tone of the Scooby-Doo clan using hard-edged Lego bricks, and these filmmakers have not quite mastered it.

This movie is fun and will no doubt appeal to audiences familiar with the PlayStation video game franchise it's based on.

The "ghouls" make quite a splash in this underwater adventure, inhabited by an assortment of creative new monsters with unique skills and quirky personalities.

That everything you've come to love about the Ice Age herd is on full display in this Easter special actually works against fans here because of the show's time constraints.

Talented voice actors, along with a clever story and script, make this very funny film a cut above most direct-to-DVD fare for kids and families.

Clever and heartwarming, this animated adventure is equal parts buddy-cop comedy, fish-out-of-water tale, and whodunit mystery.

It's hard to find much good in this strange flick, which doesn't seem to know who its target audience is.

Cultural shifts and Mattel's good intentions (plus marketing savvy) have reached their zenith in this movie in which the curvy doll and her friends are asked to work as spies and save the world.

Quality animation, solid voice performances, and rousing music make this just right for ongoing fans of Batman original DVDs.

The animation is gorgeous and vividly hued—the panda village looks like a Chinese version of the Hobbit village crossed with Shangri La—and the humor is light, if sometimes a bit corny.

Families are better off skipping this underwhelming, potty-humor-filled mess and re-watching better eco-friendly themed films like Happy Feet and Hoot.

Die-hard fans of the Kung Fu Panda series will no doubt enjoy this short and sweet animated tale, but those unfamiliar with the series may find it a little ho-hum.

Existential, pessimistic animated movie is not for kids.

It's easy to ask yourself why these forgettable Chipmunk movies keep happening, but the answer is simple: money.

Some cute, wacky characters keep an otherwise conventional "saving Christmas" story lively.

This visually beautiful, emotionally authentic tale about a young dinosaur who experiences loss and struggles to find his way home will entrance kids and parents alike.

Kratt-style adventure is on full display in this exciting addition to the Wild Kratts library that's sure to brighten your season.

Sweet, gentle, and nostalgic in tone (there's nary a smartphone to be seen! ), this movie does right by the classic comic strips and TV specials so beloved by fans.

Original animation, Tchaikovsky's classic score, and clever comic moments overcome an often-confusing story.

This movie is every bit as meandering and bizarre as is the TV series, which should please fans who like its creative animation and quirky characters.

This movie is fun for young Barbie fans with adorable pups to cheer for, slapstick bad guys to root against, and new toys available to add to Mattel's already substantial treasure.

Spanish director Raul Garcia's take on Edgar Allan Poe is visually stunning but occasionally too slow to capture more than fleeting attention from mainstream audiences.

This is only for die-hard fans, and even then it's a messy story with way too many characters and plot lines.

It's a wonder how this stinker of a script -- packed with foul language, sex references, and scatological jokes -- attracted such a strong cast in the first place.

On the upside, it's a musical and fun dolls are introduced; on the other hand, the music is generic and the flood of new toys (plus a movie soundtrack) make it a marketing windfall for the brand.

Although it has some clearly positive messages about family unity and diversity, this isn't the sort of animated comedy you'll return to again and again.

Wholesome messages about teamwork, friendly competition, and being willing to find joy in surprising new places help soften the merchandising pitch for an array of new dolls and toys.

This a clever clash between the Justice League and the Legion of Doom that balances near nonstop action with humor and enhanced characterizations of classic heroes and villains.

For fans of rock-'em-sock-'em explosions, electrical mayhem, and slick animation, this entry in the Batman Unlimited series will be a treat.

A lovely if occasionally uneven exploration of Gibran's epic poem, the movie is visually beautiful and thematically inspiring, although a bit mature for the usual young fans of animated dramas.

This is exactly the kind of adorable, entertaining, and expertly crafted stop-action film that families with young children should see together.

Often funny with a decent story and lots of the Looney Tunes gang on board, this full-length movie with a 21st-century sensibility is fun for kids; however, Looney Tunes traditionalists beware.

Although this odd animated movie tries to push a positive message, the unrelenting attacks on Joe start to weigh on the audience by the end.

Fans of the more "noir" characterizations of the familiar superheroes Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman will find much to enjoy here.

This Scooby adventure is a flashy, bright, psychedelic 75-minute music-video-like mystery that calls upon the gang to give its all to solve the riddle of the Crimson Witch.

This prequel is not as substantive as the original story.

"Monkey King: Hero Is Back" will engage tweens and parents looking for something different.

Akka and her cohorts get on the wrong side of their headmistress but nevertheless save the day in this formulaic animated fantasy.

This is an immensely watchable movie that delivers exactly what you're looking for in a Curious George vehicle.

The obvious intent here was to join two prized Hanna Barbera brands, keeping both alive, well, and in the public eye, and it mostly works.

Thrilling moments and creative jokes and references abound in this clever, heartfelt, beautifully animated adventure.

Kids will enjoy some very funny characters, situations, and an easy-to-follow story that is clever, well-plotted, and happily resolved.

All is as advertised: Batman meets another challenge head-on. Armed with his trusty band of superhero warriors, the Batman will prevail against evil and destructive forces.

This is unafraid to explore serious themes of crime and punishment, fathers and sons, unchecked power, and oligarchy.

Plenty of creativity and artistry were lavished on "Home"'s production, and the animation is flat-out beautiful.

It's a treat when the filmmakers creating franchise (or brand) DVDs attempt to do more than sell the company toys. This Monster High movie is a good example of such an effort.

While STONE AGE SMACKDOWN does feature a lot of the quirky Stone Age gadgets and gizmos that were really the best part of the original series, this wrestling-centric reboot mostly falls flat.

There are fewer simple "messages" in this Barbie movie and more adventure and derring-do; it's surprising to see fashionista, shopaholic, and iconic princess Barbie as a superhero.

The poor acting and annoying voices make Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of the Ages best for the most die-hard fans only.

Lots of topical humor in this story, and the stereotype-bashing is very clever: When U-Boat, a bear of a football player, sings about being afraid, it's a show-stopper.

Although it's not without some childish charm and self-aware humor, this movie essentially amounts to one long commercial for Lego Toys and DC Comics.

SpongeBob fans will love the trippy nature of their favorite underwater talking friends.

"Strange Magic" doesn't deliver on any level -- as a romance, as a musical, or as a fairy adventure.

Tyler Perry will never earn any awards for subtlety with his larger-than-life Madea character, but she's one of those people who grow on you; she's funnier as you get to know her.

Based on a popular YA fiction novel, this adaptation is enjoyable for adults as well as tweens due to the air of mystery surrounding Captain Johnson and in how the story never condescends.

This movie is as dull and unsatisfying as the previous Wings film but with a few more scary sequences. Add confusion to the ways in which this film fails. Plot lines are vague and unclear.

Director Tomm Moore clearly loves focusing on the myths and legends of his home country, and the results are simply gorgeous.

You'd think that with a hilarious writer adapting his own material, this holiday special would become a classic -- but sadly, no.

"Dragons: Dawn of the Dragon Racers" is a short and silly romp that should be entertaining for fans of How to Train Your Dragon as well as those new to the series.

This action-packed movie serves as a pilot for the Disney series Star Wars Rebels and introduces an entirely new team of self-deprecating heroes to appreciative fans.

Fans of Monster High will not be disappointed; those who find the curvy, doe-eyed fashionistas in spike heels a bit iffy will note that nothing along those lines has changed.

In trying to combine topical issues of high schoolers and a supernatural adventure, the filmmakers have crafted a plot-heavy, densely populated tale with overworked messages and generic characters.

Visually beautiful, well-acted, and with a classic story well told, this is a satisfying, moving film.

"Ribbit" is a near win that, unfortunately, doesn't quite hit the mark.

Between beautiful animation and a literate script, this is a lot of fun and something parents and kids could watch and enjoy together.

The plot may be too simplistic and formulaic for older viewers and too scary for the young kids whom the plot would satisfy.

It's campy and a little cheesy and full of every cringe-worthy joke and pop-culture reference about monsters they could fit in, but there's something endearing about the classmates of Monster High.

Sometimes the movie seems like it tries to tackle too much with the limited space and time allotted.

Although "The Aviators" has solid animation (using a combination of 2-D and 3-D graphics) and an interesting story idea that's based on real events, the plot is mostly a jumbled mess.

This movie from The Jim Henson Company would work on visuals and comedic humor alone, but it hits it out of the park with its all-too-accurate reflection of the dynamics of raising teenagers.

THE PIRATES WHO DON'T DO ANYTHING is self-effacing, all right -- just look at its nondescript title -- but it does have a strong and admirable message.

Small children might like this holiday musical, but they may also lose patience at the 73-minute length.

The beauty of this animated adventure lies in its characterization of childhood.

Oddly lackadaisical, Happily N'Ever After also has shoddy animation and an uninspired soundtrack.

This movie moves along at a bouncy pace, rich with rapid-fire, homespun colloquialisms like "nervous as a flea on dip day" and "plain as a pig on a sofa.

Lest you think this upbeat animated musical is a rip-off of the 2005 documentary March of the Penguins, let's set the record straight.

This movie includes so much fast-paced cartoon violence that its message of love and family feels a bit incongruous.

If you can get past "Flushed Away"'s crude humor, it has an imaginative storyline and amusing characters.

From some of the folks behind The Lion King and Monsters, Inc comes a zany animated flick about the oddest of couples, inspired by the work of cartoonist Steve Moore.

Sharp-angled and dark-themed, this French film combines science fiction, film noir, and motion-capture animation.

Baseball, kids, family, honor -- it's a nice legacy left by Christopher and Dana Reeve in their last project before both their deaths.

Set in the Pacific Northwest after the Ice Age, the movie explores themes of friendship, love, courage, and -- literally -- transformation, and is more lighthearted than its predecessor.

Compared to other CGI movies, the animation seems flat and the humor dated. Most of the jokes about humans' ill-conceived notions of the animal world seem lifted from Toy Story.

This is a fun family movie with some great life lessons. While most kid movies spout valuable life lessons of one sort or another, the ones that work don't talk down to kids.

Cute and zippy, "Over the Hedge" offers animal shenanigans, an amusing social critique, songs by Ben Folds, and cartoony explosions galore. It's good fun for everyone!

Congenial and colorful, this movie takes its cues from children's animated TV, delivering simple concepts, bright reds and yellows, and a cute-as-can-be monkey.

Winnie the Pooh and the other lovable characters of the Hundred Acre Wood celebrate Halloween in "Pooh's Heffalump Halloween Movie", a delightful, sugar-coated spookfest.

"Lilo and Stitch 2: Stitch Has a Glitch" has the charm and humor of the original, thanks to a good script, excellent animation and fine work by the actors.

Despite the G rating, "Valiant" doesn't really seem aimed at kids.

Small children may be charmed by the notion of talking vegetables. "A cousin of mine was pounded," says a cute little green pea after a bully threatens him. "He's soup now.

This adventure comedy doesn't have a particularly compelling journey, but the voice actors are decent, and it's fun and has a cute premise.

Just like its endearing hero Rodney, this movie is assembled from hand-me-down parts (like its classic underdog story), but it has tons of heart.

Small children will enjoy this gentle story of making friends.

Like Disney's other Tarzan films, this one is full of topographical enjoyment and rollercoaster-like rides through the forest that provide a real rush.

Director Robert Zemeckis has done a good job of maintaining the integrity of Chris Van Allsburg's brief book in its expansion to feature length.

The most incredible and engaging thing about this popular animated film is how, well, credible it is.

South Park's creators have made a fabulously intricate puppet world here, with replicas of iconic monuments from Mount Rushmore and the Sphinx to the Eiffel Tower and the Taj Mahal.