Are We There Yet?

What is up with the low ratings? This movie had us laughing all the way through it! Clean, somewhat predictable but in a fresh way. These kids did great in the movie; we enjoyed it a lot! Could easily lend itself to a sequel and another "road trip" kind of scenario. I see it as engaging and charming as "Home Alone" was so many years ago. I did think the mother's reaction at the end was a little extreme and that could have gone differently, but I didn't expect an Oscar-winning storyline with this fun, punchy, movie. I guess if there had been more swearing, sex, and violence it would have caught on better; seems to be where our culture likes to go these days. I say kudos to the writers and actors...you done good with this one and guess what...we're going to watch it again today!

There is some nice scenery, the soundtrack is slightly decent and Ice Cube tries hard to give his character some credibility. The problem is Are We There Yet, apart from the odd chuckle, isn't really that funny. The script is incredibly clunky, and the story was too predictable and the characters too clichéd to make the film likable and credible. Aside from Ice Cube the other acting is either forgettable or irritating. The direction is not very good, and the pacing is uneven throughout.

Overall, Are We There Yet does have its moments, but to be honest it isn't particularly good. Worst family film? No, I don't think so. But best? Not by a longshot. 3/10 Bethany Cox

Long distance driving, constant headaches, groaning and claustrophobia. Then, that tedious question arises...Are we there yet? But in the new flick, Are we there yet?, that question takes a new meaning.

Through a series of worst-case scenarios from deer attacks to a train race on horseback, Nick Persons (Ice Cube, Barbershop) experiences it all.

Beginning a timid romance between Persons and Suzanne Kingston (Nia Long, Boiler Room), possible babysitters for her children while she's away becomes few and far between, leaving Persons, a child-hater as the only viable option. He must transport Kingston's two "angelic" children 350 miles from Oregon to Vancouver. They attempt to make it in 24 hours by plane, train and automobile.

Directed by Brian Levant, director of Snow Dogs (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) and Jingle All The Way (Arnold Schwarzenegger), he defines his love for making family-fun movies.

For what it was worth, the acting was decent. Ice Cube played a better role than I expected. Aleisha Allen (School of Rock) and Philip Bolden (Johnson Family Vacation) were well-cast. And the cherry on top of the acting was Jay Mohr (Pay It Forward, Jerry Maguire). The way the actors worked together accented the movie.

Cinematography in this movie was exactly what I expected. There were a few intriguing camera angles, better than I've seen from directors of Levant's credibility.

The rating was well chosen as PG. There was minor language and rude humor.

Noticing half of the theater filled with children ranging from five to twelve, and tons of parents, I'd definitely suggest staying away from this movie on a date. There were periodic jokes and entertaining scenes, but if you don't like "kiddy" movies, I would not encourage this.

If your looking for a movie to make your mind work, this isn't it. This is a great non thinking movie that can be enjoyed by the family. I don't think kids have to associate with the kids in this movie, it's more they see how the kids are bad. I'm a big Cube fan so it was a must to buy when it came out. We still watch it and the kids wanna watch it. The first time my kids watched it, they were telling me how bad the kids were and that Cube (not knowing his name, just "that guy") was helping them out and they were being mean to him.

Yes the deer part was a bit fake, but do we need more. The point was toward the boy and Cube bonding. By showing Cube step up and act like a father figure, trying to get the boy to not be afraid and feed the deer was much more an impact then Cube fighting a fake deer.

Overall I would say Rent it, watch it, and enjoy it.

I've been made fun of for enjoying Are We There Yet which is unfortunate! Despite the flaws this movie has it warms my heart. Ice Cube is great through out and so are the kids. Not for everyone but I love this movie the way it is! Adventure stories are great to me even the unorthodox ones at least occasionally.