Parents' Guide to Alpha and Omega

This is an animated teen romance masquerading as a kiddie flick; even if your preschooler won't pick up on all the suggestiveness, you will. Animal adventures are responsible for some of the most treasured children's films, from Bambi to Finding Nemo, so it's no surprise that kids' movies starring talking wildlife keep getting made. The problem with ALPHA AND OMEGA is that it relies too heavily on the animals making jokes and references to -- for lack of a more delicate way to put it -- sexuality. There's definitely a place in the family genre for romance (Shrek, The Princess Bride, even the Toy Story series), but the filmmakers lay it on so thick here that it actually bogs down, rather than sweetly enhances, the story.

Yes, it's important for kids to realize that social status and popularity aren't as important as character and conviction when it comes to falling in love. But all of the little "Was it good for you?" and "limp howl" jokes will start to grate on the grown-ups in the audience. Fourth graders and younger may not register the double meaning, but they'll still hear wolves calling a she-wolf "hot" instead of praising her for her hunting skills. The voice cast does their best with the material, and it's bittersweet to hear the great Hopper in his final role (the movie is dedicated to his memory). But, ultimately, even the "adventure" part of this movie isn't all that exciting. The obstacles (a cupcake, bears) aren't compelling enough to make you wonder whether Kate and Humphrey will make it home. Instead, the movie focuses on the relationship obstacles (although that outcome isn't too hard to guess, either).