PAST FILMS:
The Big Bad Fox and Other Tales (NR) The countryside isn’t always as peaceful as it’s made out to be, and the animals on this farm are particularly agitated: a fox who mothers a family of chicks, a rabbit who plays the stork, and a duck who wants to be Santa Claus. If you think life in the country is a walk in the park, think again! Directors Benjamin Renner and Patrick Imbert adapt Renner’s own acclaimed graphic novel into a delirious, delightful type of interlocking stories. But underneath the gags, the three stories offer a sensitive and beautiful portrayal of family and the anxieties of modern life. *Sutable for all ages.
Directed by Benjamin Renner, Patrick Imbert
Starring Céline Ronte, Boris Rehlinger
The Secret of Kells (G) Young Brendan lives in a remote medieval outpost under siege from barbarian raids. But a new life of adventure beckons when a celebrated master illuminator arrives carrying an unfinished ancient book, brimming with secret wisdom and powers. To complete the book, Brendan has to overcome his deepest fears on a dangerous quest through an enchanted forest where mythical creatures hide. Magic, fantasy and Celtic mythology come together in a riot of color and detail that dazzle the eyes in the sweeping story about the power of imagination and faith to carry humanity through dark times. *This film is best for ages 8+ as the themes and images may be a little too much for very young kids, however it isn’t something they couldn’t handle.
Directed by Tomm Moore, Nora Twomey
Starring Venise du Bois du Roy, Evan McGuire, Mick Lally
My Neighbor Totoro (G) One of the most endearing and internationally renowned films of all time, My Neighbor Totoro is a deceptively simple tale of two girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move with their father to an old house in the country to be closer to their ailing mother in the hospital. They soon discover that the surrounding forests are home to a family of Totoros, gentle but powerful creatures who live in huge trees and are only seen by children. Beneath the film’s playfulness and narrative simplicity lie depths of wisdom. As with much of Miyazaki’s work, at its core My Neighbor Totoro is about humankind’s relationship to the Earth. *This is a highly acclaimed film that many would consider a true animated classic. This film is appropriate for all ages.
Directed by Hayao Miyazaki
Starring Noriko Hidaka, Chika Sakamoto, Shigesato Itoi
A Cat in Paris (PG) Dino is a cat that leads a double life. By day he lives with Zoe, a little girl whose mother, Jeanne, is a police officer. By night, he works with Nico - a slinky cat burglar with a big heart, whose fluid movements are poetry in motion as he evades captors and slips and swishes from rooftop to rooftop across the Paris skyline. A CAT IN PARIS is a warm and richly humorous love letter to the classic noir and American gangster films. *Felicoli and Gagnol create a unique, old-fashion world with intricate characters. A Cat in Paris is a charming film with storybook visuals and classic noir overtones. This film is most appropriate for ages 8+ as the plot and themes may be a little advanced for young children. Adults will appreciate the film’s playful take on classic noir.
Directed by Alain Gagnol, Jean-Loup Felicioli
Starring Dominique Blanc, Bruno Salomone, Bernadette Lafont
Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (PG) Elliot, a small but determined horse, dreams of pulling Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve. After the announcement of a reindeer’s retirement, a competition is held to find a replacement for Santa’s team. Elliot and his friend Hazel the goat travel to the North Pole to compete for a spot alongside the famous reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh. Against all odds, Elliot and Hazel set out to prove that no dream is too big. *Elliot The Littlest Reindeer utilizes vibrant imagery through computer graphics to tell a compelling and heartwarming Christmas story full of laughs and adventure all along the way. This film is suitable for all ages; young children will be able to follow the plot, older kids and adults will appreciate the humor and visuals.
Directed by Jennifer Westcott
Starring Josh Hutcherson, Samantha Bee, Martin Short