Dolphin Kick (2019)

This is no Free Willy, it's not even Flipper, it is a poorly made imitation. Whilst the story is not necessarily awful, the production is appalling. The editing is disjointed, the soundtrack seems to be from a different film and the sequence of images just don't hang together. The acting is poor, the beefcake widowed father unnecessary and the bad guys are just textbook. The climactic sequence is just plain dreadful, including the denouement where the baddie finds redemption. Allegedly the dolphin finds its pod and yet there's no evidence of this and to make matters worse, the boat the kids are on runs out of fuel and yet in the next scene it powers off into the sunset - such an obviously poor piece of plotting that the child noticed it immediately.

Stick to Free Willy.

Adult score: 1/5

Child score: 4/5

The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box (2013)

A stellar cast in a ludicrous adventure that has all the makings of spawning a series of films which was thoroughly enjoyed by the child. There's kids, magic, gold, evil, and whilst it's all over the top it is an enjoyable romp with Sheen as a mysterious hero saving the day. This is all about the drama, no japes to amuse, but it works and when it finished the child wanted more.

Adult score: 3/5

Child score: 5/5

Ernest Saves Christmas (1988)

This is an unremarkable Christmas film which is hard to dislike purely because of how gentile and harmless the character of Ernest really is. The film works for the younger audience who are looking for Christmas entertainment because Ernest gets involved in enough comedic japes that are just plain silly. That silliness set in a Christmas theme guarantee a level of engagement, so whilst the film does not entirely fit the formula, Ernest could be considered a kid and Christmas the magic.

It's worth a watch at Christmas, just don't expect too much.

Adult score: 2/5

Child score: 4/5

Parental Guidance (2012)

Comedy greats should leave this sort of film alone or maybe the payout is just too lucrative to ignore. It's the usual dysfunctional kids and this time they are put in the care of the grandparents who struggle to provide adequate care in a modern world. Crystal and Midler are fine but the script does not give them much to work with. Some of the scenes which are supposed to demonstrate their 'fish out of water' existence are just plain painful to watch.

There's little original about this film and quite frankly little that's amusing. The japes and embarrassing moments will work for a younger audience but even they may find their attention wandering.

Adult score: 2/5

Child score: 4/5

Jingle All the Way (1996)

Was this made during the peak of Schwarzenegger's film career, or was it on the wane. He was clearly trying to appeal to the younger market, having done plenty of adult action films, but whether Turbo Man was the right vehicle is open to debate. The plot setup is formulaic but what continues to be painful throughout is the rivalry between Schwarzenegger and Sinbad. It becomes tedious and the more and more extreme sequences test your patience. The final sequence set during the parade is both elaborate and contrived but works successfully as a satisfying denouement. The slightly seedy element of the whole film is the neighbour's ongoing efforts to woe Schwarzenegger's wife. It feels uncomfortably dirty and the dirtiness seems unnecessary. Generally it will go over the head of a younger audience more interested in the silly japes of the feuding dads - let's hope so.

Adult score: 2/5

Child score: 4/5

The Big Green (1995)

The film tries a variation on the old theme of a coach taking a team of losers and trying to turn them into a success whilst they all learn life lessons along the way.

There is a mixture of children, each with their own problem that needs to be fixed along the way, and it all allows for pranks and vaguely comedic scenes. The adults equally have their own problems and we are treated to their efforts to be better people as we watch the kids evolve.

Some elements work, others are just cliches.

Adult score: 2/5

Child score: 4/5

Alaska (1996)

Whilst it only has the 'kids' aspect of the formula, the film goes one better by requiring them to look after a polar bear cub. What's not to love about an abandoned polar bear cub? Yes, there are ridiculous implausibilities and you should not use this film as a model to learn survival techniques but it is harmless. The scenes regarding the plane on the cliff end can be a little painful to watch,, and not because of the injuries, but there are enough polar bear cub scenes to melt the hearts of the younger audience and may even win over some of the adults. Just don't watch it expecting too much.

Adult score: 3/5

Child score: 5/5