Welcome!

Elisa Reynaga
Tween Materials Research Project
Libr 264-10
Beth Wrenn-Estes
4 December 2009

Thursday, December 3, 2009

Camp Nowhere by Jonathan Prince

Prince, Jonathan. Camp Nowhere. Walt Disney, 1994. PG. DVD. 96 min. ASIN
B00008L3T3

Plot

Morris "Mud" Himmel does not want another boring summer at computer camp. Computer camp is not his idea of fun but his parents think it is. Mud tells his friends how he is not looking forward to his summer at camp. His friends also begin to share the camps that their parents want to send them to, such as, military camp, fat camp, drama camp, and other undesirable camps. Mud devises a plan that he believe might work but all of them must band together to make it possible. Mud goes on a hunt to find a camp director. Mud finds someone in town who fits his criteria, old and unknown, in Dennis Van Welker. Dennis decides to go along with the plan since he has the law after him. Dennis must convince everyone's parents to send their children and their check to him...it worked! Now that they have money and a camp director all they need is the actual camp and more campers. Mud and his friends find an old camp that they are able to rent out for the summer. Once at camp the chaos at "Camp Nowhere" begins. Camp Nowhere is a camp that is to everyone's liking. They soon realize that not having any real rules is too chaotic but that is not the only problem parents want to visit them. Mud and his friends create a plan that they think just might work. One camp is turned into several other camps, with different stages and rooms. The plan runs smoothly for a while but they eventually can not manage everyone's parents and the camps. Their plan fails and they are all caught by their parents while Dennis is caught by the police. The parents realize that they should listen to their children more. Mud and his friends realize that they had one of the best summer of their lives.

Critical Evaluation

Mud and his friends have one of the greatest summers that they will never forget. No parents and no rules equals a fun summer. Everything begins to catch up with them though and they realize that they do need some order. Mud and his friends are your average teens that do not like authority but realize that they do need someone to guide them along the way. Their parents realize that they should listen to their children's wants and needs more.

Reader's Annotation

Mud and his friends do not want to have anothing boring summer at a camp that their parents want to send them to. They develop a plan that allows them to have one of the greatest summer of their lives without their parents thinking twice about where they are.

Information about the Author

Prince identified with the character Mud.
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Genre

Family/Adventure/Comedy

Booktalking Ideas

1) Talk about the different summer camps that the characters want

a) Ask what their ideal camp would be

Reading Level/Interest Age

PG

Why included in selection?

One of my favorite movies when I was 10, inspired me to go to camp.

The Simpsons Movie by David Silverman

Silverman, David. The Simpsons Movie. 20th Century Fox, 2007. DVD. PG 13. 87 minutes. ASIN B000WGYMGK

Plot

"EEEPA!" The town of Springfield has a pollution problem while the Simpsons have a bigger, fatter, problem of their own, Homer. When the town realizes that their lake is polluted they put out a warning to everyone advising not to dump anything in the water. Homer finds a new friend in a pig, Spidy Pig. Homer throws all of his pigs waste into a container that he made. When Marge tells him to get rid of the horrific thing and its smell he takes it to the lake. Soon, everyone finds out what happened but the major problem is that the government becomes involved and puts a glass dome over Springfield so no one can get out. The people of Springfield become outraged and when they find out that it is Homer's fault they want to kill him and his family. Homer's family is very disappointed in him, especially Lisa, since she is an environmentalist. When Maggie is in her sandbox they find a portal that leads them to the other side of the dome. They all jump in before they are killed by the town and the hole begins to suck down everything around them. A manhunt for the Simpson family begins and they must stay undercover. Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are all upset with Homer and tell him to leave. Homer leaves his beloved family and realizes that what he did was wrong but wants to make it up to his family and his friends in Springfield. Many adventures and mishaps happen to the Simpsons but they eventually return to Springfield only to discover that the entire town is going to be blown up. Homer saves the day by driving a motorcycle up the dome and throwing the bomb out. Springfield realizes that they should take care of their environment more and Homer realizes how much he loves his family and how selfish he was.
Critical Evaluation

Told in true Simpson fashion this movies teaches the public that the environment is in danger and it is up to people to change it. The movie is fairly short and expected their to be more laughs but overall the movie is similar to watching three Simpsons episodes at once. All of the old characters are brought back for the movie in subtle ways that only life time fans would figure out.

Reader's Annotation

After Homer Simpson dumps a waste into Springfields lake the town becomes enclosed by a large glass dome where they will be destroyed. The Simpson Family finds an escape but want to return to save the community, will they make it in time?

Information about the Author

Silverman worked on The Simpson show when it first started. He came back to work on the movie which he had always wanted to do.

Genre

Action/Adventure/Comedy

Booktalking Ideas

1) Discussion about the environment and how we can help

Reading Level/Interest Age

PG 13

Challenge Issues and Defense

Bart's nude scene stirred up controversy.

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/229811/barts_full_frontal_controversy_in_the.html?cat=40

Defense: Nominated for several award and won two, National Movie Award for Best Animation and Kids Vote.

Why included in selection?

One of my students recommended it.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

The Monster Squad by Fred Dekker

Dekker, Fred. The Monster Squad. Lions Gate, 1987. PG 13. DVD. 82 min. ASIN B000Q6GUKM

Plot

"WerewoldAndre and his friends, Horace, Rudy, Patrick and Eugene, are a club of horror movie fans named The Monster Squad. When strange things, like a mummy disappearing from the museum, occurs they begin to put pieces together. They soon discover that Count Dracula and his goons are out to take over the world. Dracula summons his army of darkness, Wolfman, Mummy, Frankenstein, and Gillman to find an amulet that will allow him to control the world. Werewolf is a real man that does not want anything to do with it but is drugged by Dracula to work for him when he is human for when he is a werewolf he would listen to his every command. Dracula tells Frankenstein to find the young boys and destroy them but ends up befriending them, especially Andres little sister, Phoebe. The Monster take matters into their own hands since they are the experts. It is up to them to save the world from the forces of darkness.

Critical Evaluation

Classic hilarious lines and monsters create this movie masterpiece. The graphics are not that great, but its the 80s, it does not matter. The Monster Squad are similar to the Ghostbusters but without all the gooey stuff and with younger characters. The Monster Squad consist of five 13 year old boys who are your average prepubescent boys who are into girls, comics, and horror movies. This is not your real horror movie since it is a childrens movie their is less gore and less chills but classic monsters and great scenes, like when Dracula's face burns when Horace "Fat Kid" puts a slice of pizza on his face (it has garlic.) The Monster Squad takes their knowledge of monsters to keep the world safe for another day, so watching horror movies does pay off.

Reader's Annotation

Dracula, Mummy, Werewolf, Frankenstein, and Swamp Thing are trying to take over the world! Who do you call...The Monster Squad!

Information about the Author

Dekker worked has worked on a large variety of different film genres. Collaborated with his classmate Shane Black, who is now a screenwriter. The Monster Squad is now seen as cult classic film.

Genre

Action/Comedy/Family/Fantasy/Horroe

Curriculum Ties

English

Booktalking Ideas

1) Discuss classic monsters

a) Are they still seen as scary?

2) What new monsters are there now?

Reading Level/Interest Age

PG 13

Why included in selection?

The lines and characters in this movie are memorable.

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

The Wedding Singer by Frank Coraci

Coraci, Frank. The Wedding Singer. New Line Cinema, 1998. PG 13. DVD. 95 min. ASIN 0780622588

Plot

Robbie is a happy go-lucky wedding singer who is engaged to Linda, his high school sweetheart. While working at a wedding gig Robbie meets Julia, a waitress who is also engaged. It is Robbie's day wedding day but Linda is nowhere in sight, she left him at the altar, everything is downhill after that. Robbie was one of the best wedding singers in town but it is now considered terrible. Julia is about to get married and remembers that Robbie promised her that he would sing at her wedding. This prompts Robbie to becoming good friends with Holly and helping her in planning the wedding, since her fiancee Glenn does not want to. Robbie ends up falling in love with Julia but does not how to tell her before its too late.

Critical Evaluation

One of Adam Sandlers best comedic films with a great a soundtrack as well. The Wedding Singer captures the fashion and music of the 80s with great style. The characters are timeless and unforgettable, especially "George" who is part of his band that only sings Culture Club's "Do you really want to hurt me?" at weddings. There is one scene that shows him playing the song over and over again since Robbie takes longer to return. This romantic comedy is a movie that will be enjoyed by all ages.

Reader's Annotation

The 80s were not too good to Robbie: his girl leaves him at the altar, he lives in his sisters basement, and the worst part is that he is in love with Julia...who is engaged!

Information about the Author

Coraci is an American film director best known for his work with Adam Sandler. Worked on Around the World in 80 Days, with a $100 million dollar budget, became one of the years major box office failures.

Genre

Romantic Comedy

Curriculum Ties

Music

Booktalking Ideas

1) Introduce other popular movies that Adam Sandler has done

2) Talk about the fashion and music of the 80s.

Reading Level/Interest Age

13+

Why included in selection?

I thought this was one of the funnies movies I have even seen when I was 12.

Good Burger by Brian Robbins

Robbins, Brian. Good Burger. Paramount, 1997. PG. DVD. 103 min. ASIN B00008OM8S

Plot

Dexter Reed, a teenage boy, is forced to get a summer job after causing a car accident with his teacher, Mr. Wheat. Dexter must pay off his teacher's car so he finds a job working at a fast food restaurant called Good Burger. While working at Good Burger he meets interesting characters, especially Ed. Ed is also a teenage boy but is completely misunderstood by everybody. Dexter befriends Ed after realizing that Ed is not as annoying and dumb as he thought he was. Meanwhile, things turn worse when Mondo Burger, a fast-food chain restaurant opens up across the street stealing business away from the small independent Good Burger. Now it is up to Dexter and his new friend Ed to save Good Burger from closing. Ed develops a delicious special secret sauce that brings hundreds of new customers to their door and makes their new competition desperate to steal the recipe and all of their customers leading to many complicated situations, including a trip to the insane asylum.

Critical Evaluation

A funny heart warming movie that teaches about loyalty and friendships. When Dexter first meets Ed he thinks that he is very annoying and not to bright. When he becomes closer with him, he realizes that Ed has no friends and feels very alone. Dexter befriends after he spends more time with him and establishing that he is not as annoying but a fun guy to be around with. The movie is a slap stick comedy that is filled with many situations that can be avoided but are not which is annoying to the viewer but still comedic. When watching Good Burger one must have the mind set of a child to find it funny if not then it will just be annoying.

Reader's Annotation

Dexter meets Ed while working at Goodburger, an independent burger restaurant. Dexter and Ed, the two most unlikeliest of friends, have to come together to fight against the evil doers, Mondo Burger, to save Goodburger.

Information about the Author

Robbins first appeared on the screen but decided to work behind the scences in the early 90s. Some of his most famous works include Varsity Blues, Big Fat Liar, Norbit, and many others. His movies are geared towards a younger audience.

Genre

Family-Comedy

Booktalking Ideas

1) Have discussion about an annoying person in their lives and the relation between that person and Ed.

Reading Level/Interest Age

PG

Why included in selection?

The lines in this movie are memorable.

The Goonies by Richard Donner

Donner, Richard. The Goonies. Amblin Entertainment, 1985. PG. DVD. 114 min. ASIN B000P0J09W

Plot

The Goonies are a group of friends living in a small sea port village. The group consist of Mikey Walsh, his older brother Brand and gang members Andy, Data, Stef, Mouth, and Chunk. They are about to evicted from their homes which are to be demolished. Setting out to find a way of saving their homes, The Goonies find a treasure map and they set off in search for the treasure of the legendary pirate One-Eyed Willy which is located beneath an abandoned restaurant. Joined by a deformed gentle giant named Sloth, The Goonies embark on a great adventure through a underground maze filled with "boobie traps" and skeletons, where they are pursued by Sloth's mother, thief Momma Fratelli and his recently prison break brothers, Jake and Francis, who are also after One-Eyed Willy's treasure. The Goonies have to get to the treasure before they do.

Critical Evaluation

This classic children's movie is filled with laughter, adventure, and pirates! The Goonies members all have different characteristics that make them unique and easy for other cildren to relate to them. Chunk is the fat kid of the group who constantly lies. Data is the smart one of the group that invents things. Mike, the leader, is the one with reasoning and logic. Mouth has something always to say in any situation, he never shuts up. Andy and Stef later join the Goonies when they are on the adventure and realize that they are not as afraid of things as they thought. Brad is the older brother who is protective over everyone in the group. This movie has something for everyone and it is well directed.

Reader's Annotation

The Goonies, a gang of young misfits, go on an adventure to find One-Eyed Willie's lost treasure.

Information about the Author

Donner has directed and starred in many of his own films. He has won seven awards and has received one nomination. After filming The Goonies, he kept the head on One-Eyed WIlly and a model for the ship.

Genre

Adventure-Comedy-Family-Mystery

Booktalking Ideas

1) Talk about Pirates and Treasure

Reading Level/Interest Age

PG

Why included in selection?

One of my favorite movies that still makes me laugh.

Big by Penny Marshall

Marshall, Penny. Big. 20th Century Fox, 1998. PG. DVD. 104 Min. ASIN B00000K3C

Plot

A young boy, Josh Baskin, makes a wish from an old fortune telling machine to be big after being rejected from a carnival ride while he was with a girl that he liked. When he wakes up the next morning he is very surprised and shocked to find out that he really is big, grown up. Josh now looks like a 30 year old man, but still behaves like a twelve years boy. He must leave home since he is no longer recognizable by his mother. He decide to go to New York with his best friend, Billy to find the machine that can fix his wish since the carnival has left his town. While in New York he decides that he must get a job in order to survive. He lands a job in a toy company and develop a relationship with his co-worker, Susan. Josh has to learn to be an adult but is not sure if that is what he really wants.

Critical Evaluation

Big brings the kid back in everybody's hearts. Josh teaches that growing up is not as fun as it is being a kid. There are no worries and no working routing when one is still young. Josh inspires all those he interacts with to loosen and enjoy acting like a kid every once in a while. This movie also teaches the younger audience that even though they may want to be grown up it is better to take life as it is.

Reader's Annotation

After Josh Baskin wish of becoming older comes true he has to learn to lean to grow up...quickly!

Information about the Author

Penny was an actress before becoming a director. Won an award for her film A League of The i Own. Was the fist female director to gross over $100 million with Big.

Genre

Comedy-Durama-Fantasy-Romance

Booktalking Ideas

1) Talk about how Josh feeling of wanting to grow up and discuss whether they feel like that too.

Reading Level/Interest Age

PG

Why included in selection?

I thought that many children will relate to Joshs' character.