DVD Favorites
Footloose Review
It’s been twenty-seven years since we’ve seen Kevin Bacon cut loose, and now in this wonderful remake, we see Kenny Wormald, a rising young star, cut loose with his own style. This is a story about Ren McCormack (Kenny Wormald), who moves from Boston to a small southern town. It’s quite a cultural shock for Ren as he quickly learns that dancing and rock music have been prohibited from the town. It all started a few years prior when a tragic car accident killed five local teenagers after a night of drinking and dancing. Local council member and Reverand Shaw Moore (Dennis Quaid), who’s son was driving the car, spearheaded the new laws, which dramatically changed the town. After much frustration, Ren, with some help from his girlfriend Ariel (Julianne Hough), decided to challenge this ban with hopes to revitalize the subdued, lonely town. This is a wonderful remake of the 1984 Footloose classic. It still has the spirit and tone of the original film, with an additional modern day twist!
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: October 14, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Excessive
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points:
Ariel (Julianne Hough) is the Reverend’s daughter; it was her brother that was driving the car in the town’s horrific accident. Ariel and Reverend Moore handled the crisis in different ways: Ariel rebels and becomes a wild child, while the Reverend genuinely wants to protect his daughter and the town’s youth. They both mean well, but their relationship is overshadowed by this crisis, which causes conflict and misunderstanding. One reviewer wrote, “Rules without relationships are a recipe for rebellion.” This could spark some good parent/child discussions.
I loved the original film, and I loved the remake as well. However, parents need to know that there are many inappropriate scenes. The film touches on several teenage issues such as; drinking, drugs and sex.
The characters are wonderful; from Ren to Ariel and their friends. Willard (Miles Teller), Ren’s friend was fantastic, in my mind he stole the show. He added some humorous elements to the film, which the audience will love. Of course with Julianne Hough (from Dancing with the Stars), the dancing was amazing. I read that Julianne said, ” A lot of the stuff that I personally did was not choreographed. I just kind of like freestyled my way through it.” The dancing was fun and entertaining, though sometimes a little naughty.
The music is great. There are several songs from the original soundtrack, and there are other popular Footloose songs, they have been slightly changed; with a country modern flare.
Sexual Content: Excessive
- Ariel wears tight jeans, short shorts and low cut shirts.
- Ariel engages in many sexual and inappropriate dance moves.
- Ariel dates an older boy, who is a race car driver. After he had won a race, Ariel gets in his car, takes off her shirt, and waves her shirt as he does a victory lap around the track.
- Ariel’s older boyfriend tells her that she’s just an innocent little girl, she then suggestively unbuttons her shirt, and it’s implied that they have sex.
- While in a church, Ariel tells her father that she’s not a virgin.
- When Ariel and her boyfriend break up, he calls her a “hussy,” and “slut.”
- There are many sexual references and suggestive comments throughout the film.
Violent Content: Moderate
- We see the car accident that killed the five teenagers.
- Chuck (Ariel’s boyfriend) challenges Ren to a game of chicken, which involves bus racing on a treacherous course. This was a very dangerous scene, with buses exploding, and a near death experience for the teens.
- Ariel’s break-up with her boyfriend turns violent. Ariel goes after his truck with a crowbar, and he violently hits her.
- Ren and Chuck, with the help of some friends, get into a major brawl with fist fights and beatings.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- The s-word is used a lot. Other words such as “a–,” “h–l,” “b—ch,” and “d–n,” are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- We see high school student’s drinking beer from a keg.
- At an Atlanta dance club, we see several people drinking alcohol.
- Ariel’s boyfriend smokes marijuana.
This is an entertaining, fun movie; a well done remake. However, parents need to be aware of the excessive sexual content and issues of teen drinking and drugs. You definitely don’t want your teenagers emulating Ariel, though sweet, she is a rebellious teenager. Depending on the child, I recommend this film for mature teens, parents will be entertained as well.
The Express Review
Ernie had wonderful qualities: Not only an amazing athlete, he was a kind, honest, gentle man. He was modest, hardworking, and team-oriented. A very good role model!
He was humble, never affected by the media attention and fame.
His coach, Ben Schwartzwalder, focus was on winning, he was an old-school, tough football coach. Ben taught Ernie everything he knew about football, and Ernie taught him some valuable life lessons.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: January 20, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 9+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Based on a true story about the extraordinary life of college football hero, Ernie Davis. (Played for Syracuse). In 1961, he became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. This was a time of racial tensions, segregation set in the background of the growing civil rights movement.
Talking Points:
Quotes:
Ernie said, “I want to be the best running back, not the best black running back. He didn’t want to be labeled.
“Football is just a game, what matters most is what you play for.” Ernie said this at the beginning of the movie, and it was reiterated by the coach at the end.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Ernie unbuttons his girlfriends shirt. ( See her bra)
Violent Content: Moderate
- In the Cotton Bowl, just before halftime there was a bench clearing fight. Fans were throwing trash at Ernie. After tackling Ernie, the players from Texas started punching him, refs never called a penalty.
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
- “S–t,” “a–,” “h–” and “d–n,” are used a lot throughout the movie. The n-word is used as well.
- Some locker room talk.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Ernie’s teammates drink beer
The movie will generate some good parent-child discussions. It was not only a great football movie, but it was fun, entertaining, also very emotional and educational. The kids saw the injustice of segregation and we discussed that issue.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Review
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is based on the best selling illustrated novel by Jeff Kinney. This is a story about a pre-teen boy named Greg, who is trying to figure out how to survive in middle school. In Greg’s eyes middle school is awful, and filled with bullies and morons. To survive, he comes up with a series of schemes, with hopes of climbing to the top of the social ladder. Though his plans backfire on him, in the end he realizes what’s really important.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: August 3, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 7+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Greg’s older brother, Roderick, plays many pranks and jokes on Greg.
Talking Points:
Through all the bullying and teasing there are nice messages throughout the movie.
- Be a good and loyal friend.
- Greg’s mom say’s “You have to trust your gut and do the right thing . . . because it’s our choices that shape us.”
- There’s also the message to be yourself and people will like you.
At the end of the movie one girl says to a mean, controlling girl, “There’s middle school, then high school, then life, all the things that matter to you now won’t matter then.”
One of my favorite things about he movie is that even though Greg was teased and bullied, he never lets it get him down. He remained upbeat, and even more persistent.
There’s a lot of potty humor, from Greg urinating all over his brother, and kids playing with boogers.
There are no doors on the bathroom stalls, we see some students sitting on the toilet. Greg say’s that he’s not pooping until high school.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Greg found a magazine under his brother’s bed, with a women in a skimpy bikini on a motorcycle.
Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate
- Teenagers chase and threaten to beat up Greg, and his best friend Rawly, throughout the movie. Younger kids may find them scary.
- Teenagers force Rawley to scrape a rancid piece of cheese off the ground and take a bite of it.
- On Halloween they go to Devil Worshipper Woods. Before they go trick or treating, Greg’s older brother tells the boys a scary story about those woods.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Words such as “idiot” and “jerk”
Overall it’s a fun movie, with humor that kids will enjoy, great characters, and nice messages. I think the target grade is third grade and up. Though there were younger kids in the theater, some parents may feel uncomfortable bringing younger kids, because of the potty humor, and the bullying. Everyone that I interviewed in the theater loved it, they thought it was funny. One mom loved the nice messages that were brought out in the movie. I give it 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Review
Inspired by the 1978 children’s book. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is about a nerdy young scientist(Flint), who dreams of changing the world with his inventions. When his home town of Swallow Falls is hit by hard economic times, Flint builds a machine that converts water into food. He becomes the town hero when treats such as burgers, ice cream, pancakes and many other delights fall from the sky like rain. But when the machine looses control and threatens to bury the whole world, Flint realizes he’s in over his head, and must stop the chaos.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: January 5, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
Considering that the book is too short for a full length movie, this movie does not have much resemblance to the original story, though it’s a wonderful animated version with lovable characters.
Flint grows up in a very loving family. His mom encourages him to follow his dreams, while his dad has the same feelings, he has a harder time expressing them.
Flint’s dad points out that people shouldn’t get everything they want. That food and treats falling from the sky will cause greed and laziness and won’t be good for people.
There’s a subtle message against junk food and over eating. Some kids get sick from too much candy, and the mayor gains a lot of weight, while becoming obsessed with food.
The movie goes overboard the last 15 minutes when the machine goes haywire and Flint tries to stop it. It’s a very drawn out dramatic conclusion, which may even scare some kids.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Flint explains to his adorable love interest, (the intern weather girl), that it’s important to be yourself, don’t worry about what people think of you.
- Innocent flirting.
Violent Content: Mild
- Slapstick, silly violence. Nothing that should scare or disturb kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The evil mayor call their town a “hell-hole.” Other words they say; “nerd,” and “freak.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Overall it’s heartwarming movie with likable characters which stresses that a loving family is more important than anything. I give it 4 buckets.
Another wonderful classic children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are” which comes out on October 16.
Cars 2- Kids Movie Review
In Cars 2 we once again see star race car Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson), and his pal, tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they head overseas to compete in first-ever World Grand Prix. However, it’s not as easy as they had planned; Mater gets caught in his own adventure, as he accidentally gets involved in an international conspiracy to sabotage the big race car event. While Lightening is busy with the race, Mater travels from Japan to Europe in an exciting chase, as the whole world is watching his surprising and hilarious adventure. In this sequel, there are some new and colorful cars, for the whole family to enjoy.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: November 1, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
There’s a message about the importance of friendships. One character says, “Whoever finds a friend, finds a treasure.” Lightening and Mater have a special relationship. Even though Lightening gets very frustrated with his ditzy friend, he learns to appreciate Mater’s good and likable qualities.
Though fun and entertaining, this film had more potty and slapstick humor than the first Cars movie. The kids in the theater seemed to enjoy, not sure about the parents.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Mater has a romantic interest, there’s a little innocent flirting going on between he and his girl.
Violent Content:
- Some cars are equipped with rockets and other spy gear, which resulted in many explosions and heated chase scenes.
- Some bad guys use gas to subdue Mater.
- Mater has a time bomb tied to his engine, this may scare young kids, you’re not sure if Mater will make it.
Crude or Profane Language:
- Words such as “idiot” and “jerk” are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content:
- Cars go to a pub, and are served cocktail drinks.
Cars 2 is an entertaining movie for the whole family. With the likable, colorful cars, and a lot of adventure, kids will be thoroughly entertained. Having said that, I feel that the original Cars movie was better, and had an innocence about it that I enjoyed. Cars 2 had more crash scenes and violence; if your kids are sensitive to that, you may want to wait, otherwise it’s a good one to see at the theater this summer!