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Films & DVDs

Fall flicks Summer is fading away, but autumn movie releases are going strong. By David DicksteinPublished: September, 2008

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FILMS Igor Opens Sept. 19; rated PG igor-movie.com Hunchbacks in film are either bell ringers at Notre Dame or lab assistants to mad scientists, and if the latter, their name is usually Igor. So with a movie named “Igor,” we already know a bit of what this animated feature is about. What is different about this Igor is he’s not content in a supporting role; he dreams of becoming a scientist in his own right and winning the upcoming annual Evil Science Fair. Heard, but not seen, are John Cusack, Eddie Izzard, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Molly Shannon, Arsenio “where is he now?” Hall and Jay Leno. Beverly Hills Chihuahua Opens Oct. 3; rated PG disney.go.com/disneypictures/beverlyhillschihuahua We’re letting the dog loose in this issue because of the early October release date. (September is low on family films compared to what’s on tap for the following month). George Lopez voices a Casanova of a chihuahua who helps Chloe (Drew Barrymore), a pampered pup of the same breed, find her way back to swanky Beverly Hills after getting lost on the mean streets of Mexico. No doubt Chloe has a bone to pick with Piper Perabo, who plays the negligent, yet heartbroken, dog owner. Phoebe in Wonderland Opens Sept. 12; rated PG-13 silverwoodfilms.com While her sister, Dakota, spreads her acting wings in films definitely not for families – such as the now-playing “Hound Dog” – Elle Fanning, 10, isn’t exactly starring in kiddie fare, herself. She plays a girl who longs to be in the school production of “Alice in Wonderland.” When she gets the part, her rebellious nature takes over, creating pressure on her parents (Felicity Huffman and Bill Pullman). The girl retreats to a fantasy world populated by characters from “Alice,” as her drama teacher (Patricia Clarkson) tries to bring her enlightenment. NEW DVD RELEASES Abby in Wonderland (Sept. 30, not rated, ages 2-7): Sesame Street’s Abby Cadabby goes on an adventure with Elmo in a spin on the Lewis Carroll classic that’s perfect for those far too young to see “Phoebe in Wonderland” this month in theaters. Grade: A- Barbie & the Diamond Castle (Sept. 9, not rated, ages 3-9): This animated feature has Barbie teaming up with her best friend to play two other characters who try to save a girl trapped on the other side of a magical mirror. So-so animation, but the contemporary music is a nice bonus. Grade: B The Best of Barney (Sept. 9; not rated, ages 2-7): This bonus-filled DVD celebrates 20 years of imagination, fun and life lessons or Barney. Nearly two dozen songs will test your parental tolerance while the the youngsters have a super-dee-duper time. Grade: A It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition (Sept. 2, rated G, ages 3-adult): The Peanuts Halloween TV special originally aired in 1966, yet it still holds up for all generations. Linus, anxiously awaiting the arrival of his gourd superhero in the pumpkin patch, never looked better in this umpteenth re-mastering. Grade: A+ Regular contributor David Dickstein is the father of two boys and the husband of a schoolteacher.

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