MOVIE REVIEWS Kids: Chickenhare Parents: Hustle

Family Movie Night Finding Your Treasure

BY BONNIE L. HARRIS

HOW WONDERFUL TO SEE another animation studio ready to give Disney and Dreamworks some competition. Based in Brussels, nWave Pictures presents

Chickenhare and the Hamster of Darkness, which joins their family-friendly roster of movies released mainly in Europe. Now streaming on Netflix, Chickenhare is their breakout film and targets a younger audience with its fast-paced action, quirky animal characters, and the Indiana Jones adventure story. The animation quality rivals Pixar and the characters, although slightly stereotypical, lend unique voices to the familiar expedition narrative to find a long-lost treasure. Chickenhare, who was adopted as an infant, dreams of treasure hunting and making a name for himself by becoming a member of the Royal Adventure Society. When his tryout goes horribly wrong, he blames his genetic misfortune of being part chicken and part hare. Suddenly, his father’s kingdom faces the ultimate danger and Chickenhare, with his friends Abe and Meg, embark on a perilous journey to find the Hamster of Darkness. They survive the valley of scorpions, cross the sinking sandpits, escape the horde of pygmy piglets, and outsmart the Three Deadly Trials to find the powerful scepter that commands a hamster army. But Chickenhare fails to destroy the weapon and the destructive army invades the kingdom. Following an exciting battle sequence, Chickenhare finally triumphs. And along the way, he learns to appreciate the many advantages of being half chicken and half hare. I look forward to the hinted at sequel, Chickenhare and the Holy Spork, and would wish for a little sharper humor. But again, this film aims at a very young viewer and there are plenty of sight gags & fart jokes. I’d also hope for a better soundtrack, which was almost nonexistent, but understandable given the low budget. Overall, an entertaining movie, and who knows, a brand new franchise. Pass the popcorn! ✦

CHICKENHARE

Sony International Pictures Rated: Youth-7 / G Streaming on Netflix The map leads the way.

FOR the PARENTS

Gotta Live the Game

HUSTLE Happy Madison Productions, Rated: R for language Streaming on Netflix

EVERY ONCE IN a while, a film comes along that makes you cheer! Granted, I’m not a basketball fan, but Hustle, starring Adam Sandler is that movie. So much like the original Rocky, that it’ll knock your Air Jordan’s off. But it’s still a fresh, original take on the crusty mentor who’s seen everything and discovers a diamond athlete in the rough. Their training journey and the young player’s raw determination to achieve his dream of playing professional basketball will make you want to jump off the couch and shoot some hoops! But it’s a tough road for Bo Cruz and his scout, Stanley

Sugarman, who just wants the world to see this kid play ball. They use chutzpah, arm-twisting, and a social media blitz to give Bo his chance.

On the other hand, Stanley’s dream of coaching the 76’ers rides along with Bo as they navigate the politics of high-stakes basketball.

It’s fast, it’s cut-throat, and they take no prisoners, but the sacrifice is worth it. And here’s where I give fair warning that the film is rated R for language. It’s in the streets and on the court. It’s realistic for the story, but not overdone or offensive. And it’d be a shame to miss a fantastic film you’ll want to see again. The 2-man team arrives.