'A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas' & 'Tower Heist' Reviews

Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!

In theaters:

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
Short Story:
After spending six years estranged, stoner pals Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) reunite just in time for the holiday season! When Kumar arrives on Harold's doorstep on Christmas Eve, toting a mysterious package, he ends up burning down Harold's father-in-law's prize Christmas tree. Rather than come clean, the duo decide to cover their tracks and embark on another ill-advised adventure, this time around New York City. Trouble, hilarity and a run-in with old pal Neil Patrick Harris ensue -- all in 3-D.

What They're Saying:
"Seriously, someday you guys are going to sober up, catch this on video and wonder what gave you the giggles all those White Castle runs ago." -- Orlando Sentinel

"It's not that I was particularly offended; it's that I didn't laugh very much." -- Chicago Sun-Times

Good for Kids?
With a R rating, this raunchy comedy is sure to include plenty of vulgar humor. Common Sense Media says parents should be prepared for "strong sexual content and language, heavy drug use, and violence." This one might be good for adults looking for a few early holiday laughs and a 3-D adventure, but leave the kids at home! Click to read the full Common Sense review!

Watch the preview!

Tower Heist
Short Story:
Wall Street billionaire Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is placed under house arrest in his luxurious penhouse after cleaning out his investors for over $2 billion. When the manager of the building Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) realizes that the tower staffers who entrusted Shaw with their retirement funds are about to lose their entire life savings, he enlists swindler Slide (Eddie Murphy) to help steal their money back from Shaw.

What They're Saying:
"When Murphy's on screen in his classic comic mode, it's hard to focus on anyone or anything else. It's as if we've turned back time and erased all those family-friendly duds and lame laughers..." -- Associated Press

"Tower Heist deserves credit as a clean, well-turned job, fleet and funny and inconsequential. It gets in and gets out quickly... and leaves no trace once it's gone." -- Village Voice

Good for Kids?
Common Sense Media says parents need to know that "this all-star action comedy appears to present crime as being justified under the right circumstances." -- which might not be a lesson you want to teach your children. But with a PG-13 rating for language and sexual content, this film is perfect for adults and teens looking for a comedic adventure. Click to read the full Common Sense review!

In case you missed:

The Rum Diary
Short Story:
Based on Hunter S. Thompson's '50s-set novel, newspaperman Paul Kemp (Johnny Depp) travels to Puerto Rico after he grows tired of living under the Eisenhower administration. Writing for a rundown newspaper in the Carribean, Paul develops a love for rum as he become engulfed in the lives of beauty Chenault (Amber Heard) and her shady real-estate developer husband (Aaron Eckhart). 

What They're Saying:
"An agreeable time-waster for the onlookers and its star." -- TIME magazine

"The Rum Diary could use a shot of the mania that fueled Terry Gilliam's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. As deadpan as he is, Depp could use a crazed Benicio Del Toro to complement his cool." -- Village Voice

Good for Kids?
The Rum Diaries is perfect for adults looking for a steamy drama. Rated R for language, sexuality, drug use and plenty of drinking, it is probably best to leave the kiddies at home while you enjoy watching the hunky Johnny Depp in his latest film!

Watch the preview!

In Time
Short Story:
In a world where time is money, everyone is genetically altered to stop aging at 25 -- at which point they have a year to buy more time or die. The rich can earn decades of time and essentially become immortal, while the poor must beg, borrow and steal hours just to live another day. When a factory worker (Justin Timberlake) is falsely accused of murder after receiving a century's worth of time, he is forced to go on the run with his beautiful hostage (Amanda Seyfried), as they declare war against the system. 

What They're Saying:
"If you get past the plot holes and the copious time puns, In Time is actually rather brisk, enjoyable entertainment." -- Associated Press

"Oddly, (director Andrew) Niccol doesn't seem to have a clue how to mine dread and anxiety out of that greenly flickering readout of human lifespan." -- MSN Movies

Good for Kids?
With an PG-13 rating, Common Sense Media suggests that this futuristic thriller will appeal to teens. Parents should expect "a good bit of violence, chase sequences, and obvious romances." Read the full Common Sense review!

Puss in Boots
Short Story: 
After three Shrek movies comes an epic spinoff with one of the ogre's most lovable sidekicks. In this prequel, Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) embarks on an adventure with the street smart Kitty Softpaws (Salma Hayek) and friend Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) to save the land from the murderous Jack (Billy Bob Thorton) and Jill (Amy Sedaris).

What They're Saying:
"Puss' origin story could easily stand on its own -- a testament to clever writing on the part of its creative team and an irresistible central performance by Antonio Banderas." -- Variety

"For quick, lively, family friendly entertainment, Puss in Boots works just fine, even in 3-D, which is integrated thoughtfully into the narrative and doesn't just feel like a gimmick." -- Associated Press

Good for Kids?
With steller ratings from the critics, this spinoff is not one to be missed! Common Sense Media recommends this fun film for both adults and kids, whether or not they're familiar with Far Far Away. With a PG rating, "families should expect the same level of pop-culture references and fliratious banter present in the other Shrek movies." Read the full Common Sense review!

Watch the preview!

Anonymous
Short Story: 
Set in Elizabethan England, playwright Ben Jonson (Sebastian Armesto) is tortured by Robert Cecil (Edward Hogg), who demands to know if the Earl of Oxford (Rhys Ifans) actually penned William Shakespeare's (Rafe Spall) famous plays. Several flashbacks reveal Oxford's affair with Queen Elizabeth (Joely Richardson) and how it inspired plays such as A Midsummer Night's Dream.

What They're Saying: 
"The more far-fetched the idea, it seems, the more strenuous the effort to pass it off as authentic." -- The New Yorker

"A splendid experience: the dialogue, the acting, the depiction of London, the lust, jealousy and intrigue." -- Chicago Sun-Times

Good for Kids? 
Rated PG-13 for violence and sexual content -- and packed with action and intrigue -- this movie is perfect for historical junkies on the teen and adult persuasion. 

Watch the preview!

Source: http://www.ivillage.com/very-harold-kumar-christmas-tower-heist-reviews/1-a-399090

Lacey Chabert Laetitia Casta Lake Bell Larissa Meek Laura Harring Laura Prepon