‘Elmo’s World: Let’s Play Music’ Ages 2-5, just out, not rated Combining
animation and live action is this delightful title, the 19th
compilation in the series starring the popular little red monster from
“Sesame Street.” A visit by violinist Miri Ben-Ari is a treat, along
with a 16-page bonus of downloadable activity and story sheets. Grade: A
‘Ponyo’ Ages 3-7, March 2, rated G Sweet-natured
and, yes, even magical is this Americanized redubbing of a two-year-old
Japanese movie. Noah Cyrus, younger sister of Miley, voices a goldfish
princess who longs to become a human after swimming away from home and
being rescued by a 5-year-old boy. All ages will embrace the lessons of
friendship and gorgeous animation. Grade: A
‘Where the Wild Things Are’ Ages 5-10, March 2, rated G Surprisingly
deep for a movie based on a book with a mere 10 sentences, this is a
charming adaptation of Maurice Sendak’s classic tale about an unruly
boy who goes on a mysterious adventure after being sent to bed without
supper. The story is brought to life through live-action puppetry, off-
and on-screen human performances, and computer animation, but even so,
it might be too sedate for youngsters expecting whiz-bang action.
Grade: B+