Family Movie Night with Smitty, Freddy Frogface, and Donkey X

We have continued our family movie nights with three more releases from Phase 4 Films. The latest films we checked out are Smitty, Freddy Frogface, and Donkey X. Here's is a little bit about each film and my families thoughts.

Smitty was just recently released this July. It is a heartwarming film for the entire family. Starring Peter Fonda, Mira Sorvino and Louis Gossett, Jr., the movie tells the story of thirteen-year-old Ben and his struggling, single mother (Sorvino) who has had enough of her son's mischief. Ben is sent to spend the summer in Iowa on a farm with his estranged grandfather, Jack (Fonda). To help Ben make a friend, Jack gets him a smart farm dog from an animal shelter to keep Ben company and in line. Between the dog and a friendly neighbor (Gossett, Jr.), Ben soon learns life lessons about friendship, family and responsibility.

Smitty has a 94 minute run time and is rated PG. This DVD is available at your local Redbox locations, Target, Walmart, and on Amazon.com.

This is a great family film! I have to admit that it was above my three year old's head and did not keep her attentions, but my husband and I enjoyed it. I would definitely see this movie being a good fit with kids a little older than my daughter and kids into their early teens. I think kids and parents can both relate to this film. I had the feeling that Ben felt misunderstood while his mother felt frustrated. So off he went to stay with his grandfather. I love how he forms and bond and connection with Smitty. The film is very uplifting as it shows Ben's journey to understanding life and his part in it. A true family film!

Freddy Frogface was released this month and centers around ten-year-old Victor and his friends, who not only have to face a world of stern grown-ups but also the town bully, Freddy Frogface. When a circus comes to the sleepy little town, Victor is thrilled at having the chance to perform in a talent show with his dog Sausage. Yet Freddy soon comes up with a sinister plot of his own to spoil Victor's plans.

Freddy Frogface has an 85 minute run time and is rated PG. This DVD is available at you local Redbox locations, Target, Walmart, and on Amazon.com.

With all of the issues with bullying, I was glad to see this film. I think this is a nice movie that is fun, but that touches on a serious topic that opens things up for further discussion. Victor is a child we can all relate to. He has a nice group of friends who are intimidated by a local bully. In this case the bullying takes on an humorous side, rather than a frightening side. But it's the topic at hand that matters. This is a fun film that can be used to help educate young children about bullies and how to handle them.

Another great film released this past month is Donkey X, based on the 400 year old Spanish classic tale "Don Quixote de la Mancha," this tale follows Rucio, the most adventurous, brave, and mischievous donkey of Castile, as he tells the true story of the legendary Don Quixote.  Rucio jumps the the opportunity to join Don Quixote on his quest to battle the Half Moon Knight and overcome the dangerous obstacles that lurk them on the way.

Donkey X has a 90 minute run time and is rated PG. This DVD is available at your local Redbox locations, Walmart, Target, and on Amazon.com.

This movie is full of hilarious adventure that will get the whole family laughing! This might have been my favorite so far and the characters were likable, the story was familiar, and the animation was great. This is a great one for family movie night where a wide age range will be engaged and having fun!

I received these DVD's from Phase 4 for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.