Date: June 30
Location: Muvico Boynton Beach

The success of Fiona’s first moviegoing experience, Surf’s Up, may have been an anomaly. She refused to sit still during this one, forcing Alex to spend most of the movie in the lobby or the aisles. And Sophia was a little tired and largely bored by the film. Well, at least I had a good time! Brad Bird once again proves he is working on an entirely different level than anybody else in animation (not to mention live-action). This film is really not made for kids (though kids should enjoy it), and it’s not really a comedy (though it is funny). What it is: charming, provocative, rich in detail, absolutely gorgeous to look at and ultimately very touching. I rank it a bit below Bird’s The Incredibles, which works so well on so many different levels. And I’d likely put the two Toy Story films ahead of it as well, though I think this is probably a better “film” than either of them (if that makes any sense). But if any further proof was needed that Pixar is the most consistently wonderful creative force in movies today, this is it.

Date: June 26
Location: Muvico City Place

Continuing the tradition of Sophia seeing animated films in the theater with both Mom and Dad (separately), I brought my oldest daughter to see what seems like the 50th penguin movie released in the past 5 years. Fortunately, this is also the best. Wonderful voice work from Shia Lebouf and Jeff Bridges, a clever script and the first (as far as I know) stab at the mockumentary genre by an animated film all make this laid-back movie worthwhile.

Date: June 23
Location: AMC Sunset Place

Another South Miami date night. The movie was everything I expected and hoped it would be, no more or less. It’s funny, breezy, clever and features some great, charismatic movie stars doing their movie star thing. It falls short of the first film because we’ve seen it all before, but it’s a fun time nonetheless. And of course I’ll forget the whole thing in a week.

Date: June 2
Location: AMC Sunset Place

Ah, Sunset Place. Lining up early, securing the two best seats in the place. Huge screen, great sound. And no babysitter to pay. We did a repeat of last week, putting Fiona to bed at the abuelos and hitting the 8 o’clock show. As for the movie, the ranking at right says it all. One of the best comedies I’ve seen in years — better than the Wedding Crashers/40-Year-Old Virgin duo of 2005. It’s hilarious from every direction, in unexpected ways, with the leads firing on all cylinders and every bit player fighting over who gets to steal the movie. And on top of all that, it’s incredibly sweet and real and honest about relationships and new parenthood. Can’t recommend it enough.