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When Chicken Little (voiced by Zach Braff) causes widespread panic after he mistakes a falling acorn for a piece of the sky, the young chick is determined to restore his reputation (and, more importantly, earn his father's trust again). But just as things are starting to go his way, a REAL piece of the sky lands on his head! Chicken Little and his band of misfit friends, The Ugly Duckling (Joan Cusack), Runt of the Litter (Steve Zahn) and Fish Out of Water (Dan Molina), attempt to save the world without sending their town into a whole new panic.

By the way, the first version of this tale appeared on film in 1943 -- an 8-minute short produced by Walt Disney during WWII, warning audiences not to believe anti-American propaganda. Originally, the film was to have more direct references to the war (Foxey Loxey would have read from "Mein Kampf" and the chicken's graves would have been marked by swastikas!) But Walt Disney decided to keep the film generic so that it wouldn't become outdated after the war.

PRE-SCHOOLER (ages 2-5): With a G rating, the colorful characters and freewheeling storyline will keep kids 4 and up intrigued from start to finish. And at just 81 minutes, they won't have a chance to get too bored or restless. This is a wonderful movie that both you and your little ones will love.

GRADE-SCHOOLER (ages 6-10): This movie has some wonderful lessons about believing in yourself -- even when no one else does. So if your grade-schooler is lacking in that department, this is a great confidence-booster and a fun one to boot.

TWEEN/TEEN (ages 11+): If it's been a while since you've laughed out loud in a theater, get to a theater. This modern version of the classic fable is smart, funny, and delivers lots of laughs for kids, adults and everyone in between. A winner in all departments.

Jane Louise Boursaw is a freelance journalist specializing in the movie and television industries. Email her at jboursaw@charter.net.