Video Resources

Title: 8 Simple Rules (TV Show)

Network: CTV/ABC

Viewing length: 1/2 hour

Starring: Katey Sagal (Cate Hennessey; mother), Kaley Cuoco (Bridget Hennessey; oldest daughter), Amy Davidson (Carrie Hennessey; middle child), Martin Spanjers (Rory Hennessey; youngest child), David Spade (Cousin C.J.), James Garner (Grandpa Hennessey)

Summary: The sit-com follows the life of a recently widowed working mother as she tries to juggle work with looking after three teenaged kids, along with her adult, but wacky, cousin C.J., and her recently divorced father who have moved in with her. Cate is loving, but flustered, Bridget is a ditzy, cheerleader type, Carrie is a brainy, artsy type and Rory is a typical teenage boy who loves video games, and getting his sisters in trouble.

Comments: This show is based on the book "8 Simple Rules for Dating my Teenage Daughter" and is very funny. It teaches family values, but you don't feel preached at. It has received a lot of positive attention, and the young cast members are becoming celebrities. John Ritter played the Dad in the first season, but he died of a heart attack before the second season wrapped up filming. It is one of the few television shows left that the whole family can watch together. My only criticism is that all of the characters are white.

Age Level: Everyone


Title: Josie and the Pussycats (DVD)

Viewing Time: 1 hr 39 min

Starring: Rachel Leigh Cook (Josie), Tara Reid (Melody), Rosario Dawson (Val), Alan Cumming (Wyatt), Parker Posey (Fiona)

Summary: A three-girl band from small-town Riverdale who call themsleves the Pussycats get their big break when band manager Wyatt of MegaRecords signs them to a recording contract. They become an overnight smash, but soon realize that their glamorous life is not all it's cracked up to be. Eventually the friends discover that they are part of the label's plot to control the youth of America.

Comments: Based on characters from the Archie comics. Filled with recognizable actors. I thought this movie was going to be stupid, and it is in a way, but I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. It pokes fun at the pop music industry and product placement, which older viewers will pick up on. Younger viewers will like the flashy colours, the hunky guys and cheering for the Pussycats. Heck, even the music isn't that bad.

Rating: PG-13

Age Level: 10+