Review By JESSICA ALMY

Revisiting this classic animated film with my little girl, I realized for the first time how much of the plot is one big chase scene.  Still, if you can stand that, you’ll find yourself cheering for the Dalmatians as they try to elude Cruella de Vil and her goons.

As the film approaches its fiftieth birthday, it’s amazing to consider how progressive “101 Dalmatians” was for its time. Not only is the movie’s anti-fur message still relevant– especially now that fur trim is so ubiquitous — but people who care about animals will also appreciate that the dogs are considered part of the family.  Still, one small part of the plot does seem dated — Roger and Anita (the humans in the film) allow their dogs Pongo and Perdita to mate. With so many lovely dogs in need of homes now, it’s worth giving your kiddo a gentle reminder that the best option in 2010 is to adopt.

Rated G. Ages 5-12.

The 1966 Dr. Seuss classic “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” is a holiday tradition for my family.  Kiddo, being 4, didn’t remember the movie from last year, so it was fun to watch her experience it as if for the first time this morning as snow fell outside.

What piqued my interest this time around was the Grinch’s relationship with his dog Max.  Dr. Seuss tells us that the Grinch’s heart was probably two sizes too small, but you can tell he’s a meany before he ever steals the Whos’ Christmas presents just by watching how he treats Max.  He bullies him, pulls him by the tail, works him to exhaustion, and whips him — horrible stuff!  Happily, we see that the Grinch’s change of heart transforms his relationship with Max too.  At the end of the short film, Max is eating Christmas dinner with the family.

This movie does portray meat consumption — the Whos eat “roast beast” — but kiddo thought it was “maybe a loaf of bread.”

Ages 4-adult.