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    Movie Reviews

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    Godzilla-Kids Movie Review

    Cities are being destroyed and innocent civilians are dying. People are wondering if this is an earthquake or some other natural disaster. However, Ford Brody (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a bomb-disposal expert in the U.S military, discovers the problem. As Ford goes to Japan to get his estranged father out of jail, they visit a radiation plant. At the plant scientists are studying cocoon-like structures that feed on radiation. They eventually come to realize that a Massive Unidentified Terrestrial Object, also known as MUTO, has broken free, and that he’s not alone.  Ford is desperate to get back to California to save  wife and son, but must also help the military devise a plan to save the world from the enormous monsters that could take over mankind.

    GodzillaRating: 4 out of 5 buckets
    Release Date: May 15 2014
    MPAA Rating: PG13
    Best Age Group: 12+
    Sexual Content: Mild
    Violent Content: Excessive
    Crude or Profane Language: Mild
    Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
    Will it Appeal to kids/teens? Yes

     

    Talking Points:

    The humans in the film are continuously saving and helping one another to defeat the monsters.

    The film is slow in parts.

    Sexual Content: Mild

    • We see Ford and his wife passionately kissing on the couch.

    Violent Content: Excessive

    • The monsters destroy buildings and entire cities.
    • MUTO hit a Japanese power plant, killing several workers, and even Ford’s mom.
    • Thousands of innocent civilians were smashed and killed by the enormous monsters.
    • Two MUTO’s and Godzilla are shot and blasted with rockets. The monster eggs are destroyed by a gasoline explosion.

    Crude or Profane Language: Mild

    • “Sh-t,” “h–l,” and  “d–n,” were said.

    Drugs and Alcohol: Mild

    • Ford and his wife drink wine.

    Will it Appeal to kids/teens? Yes

    • I interviewed some middle school age boys who thought the movie was slow, but good.

    Overall this is an action packed drama. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence throughout the film. Depending the child I feel this is appropriate for kids ages 12 and up.

     

    Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return-Kids Movie Review

    “There’s No Place Like Home, There’s No Place Like Home…,” the very familiar quote from The Wizard of Oz’s Dorothy as she was trying to leave Oz and get back home to Kansas. In Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return, a continuation of the beloved fairy tale, Dorothy goes back to Oz to rescue the Scarecrow (Dan Aykroyd), the Lion (Jim Belushi) and the Tin Man (Martin Short) from the Jester. The Jester is the evil brother of the Wicked Witch of the West, who wants to take over Oz. As Dorothy tries to save her old friends she meets new ones along the way; an owl, a marshmallow magistrate, a china doll princess and a tugboat. Together the gang must not only save Dorothy’s friends, but restore happiness back to the wonderful Land of Oz.

    OzRating: 4 and 1/2 buckets out of 5
    Release Date: May 9 2014
    MPAA Rating: PG
    Best Age Group: 5+
    Sexual Content: None
    Violent Content: Moderate
    Crude or Profane Language: None
    Drugs and Alcohol: None
    Will it Appeal to kids? Yes

     

    Talking Points:

    With the colorful scenery, fun music and an entertaining storyline, young kids will most likely enjoy this sequel to The Wizard of Oz.

    Sexual Content: None

    Violent Content: Moderate

    • China doll people are cracked and smashed from an earthquake that the Jester created with his special weapon.
    • The Jester creates a tornado  in an attempt to kill Dorothy. He says, “In a twister you fell from the sky and in a twister you shall die.”
    • We see flying monkeys who threaten people with their sharp claws.
    • The Jester torments the Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow by magically trapping them in their worst nightmares; a circus cage, a tank of water and a green-flamed fire. He threatens Toto too.

    Crude or Profane Language: None

    Drugs and Alcohol: None

    Will it Appeal to kids? Yes

    • I interviewed two kids…
      • An eleven year old girl said, “It’s a fun version of The Wizard of Oz.
      • A five year old boy said, “It was soooo good.”

       

    Overall this is a fun entertaining film for young kids, adults and older kids may get bored.

    DVD Gift Ideas-2013

    DVD gift idea

     

     

     

    Best DVD Gift Ideas for Kids Ages 5 and Up: (Listed Alphabetically)

    Despicable Me 2: (PG) 4 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    Gru (voice of Steve Carell), his three adopted daughters, and the beloved minions are back in this sequel to the popular 2010 movie Despicable Me. Now we see Gru as a loving father, not the evildoer who wanted to steal the moon. However, problems occur when Gru is asked to track down an evil felon. Initially he’s not sure he wants to fight crime, though when partnered with the beautiful agent Lucy Wilde (voice of Kristen Wiig) he changes his mind; after all his girls have been wanted him to date more. Despicable Me 2 is a wonderful animated film for the whole family. Parents need to be aware of the moderate violent content.

    Epic: (PG) 5 out of 5 buckets
    Mary Katherine, also know as M.K. (voice of Amanda Seyfried), wanted a “normal dad.”   Since her parents were divorced, and her mom had recently passed away, she needed the guidance and stability of her father. The only problem was, her father was very preoccupied. He was obsessed with the idea that there was a kingdom of tiny people living in the forest behind his house. He had dozens of cameras throughout the area; he was so determined to find the little creatures, that was his goal in life. Initially M.K. thought her dad was crazy, but then one day when she went into the forest and realized her father was right. She met the little creatures, and before you know it she became a teeny, tiny person herself. M.K. ended up bonding with the Leafman (the good guys), and helped defend them against the Baggons (the bad guys). She became apart of their world, while trying to get back to her father.  Epic is a wonderful animated film for the whole family!

    Monster’s University: (PG) 4 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    Kids typically have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up, or have a dream college they want to attend. Monster, Michael “Mike” Wazowski, dreams of being a scarer, a monster who  is able to make kids scream. Mike eventually attends the Scare Program at Monster’s University, and that’s where he meets James “Sulley” P. Sullivan. The two monster’s have different strengths and weaknesses. Mike is an ambitious hard working monster, though not very scary, and Sulley is a natural scarer (he comes from a family of talented scarers), however he doesn’t have the best work ethic.Together the two monsters face various trials and tribulations, but they learn to work together and use their talents to succeed. Monster’s University is the prequel to the 2001 film Monster’s Inc. It’s a wonderful animated film, one for the whole family! Parents need to be aware of the moderate violent content.

    Oz the Great & Powerful: (PG) 4 1/2 buckets
    Oscar Diggs, also known as Oz (James Franco) is a charming and handsome man, who attracts the ladies. He is a small-time traveling circus magician, with one goal; to become rich and famous someday. After a performance in Kansas, a powerful storm hit, and Oscar was swept away to the beautiful Land of Oz. Initially he was excited; the people of Oz thought Oscar was the King they had been waited for, however things changed when he met three witches; Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams). They weren’t as convinced that he was their wizard and ruler. Now Oscar had to determine who was good and who was evil, he had to put his magical skills to use to help the inhabitants of Oz, he had become the man we are familiar with; The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Oz the Great and Powerful is the prequel to the 1939 classic film The Wizard of Oz. It is a very clever, suspenseful film for the whole family. Parents need to be aware of the moderate violence.

    Smurfs 2: (PG) 4 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    The wicked wizard Gargamel (voice of Hank Azaria) is back, and he’s more wicked than ever. This time Gargamel has a new creation; a diminutive race of little stinkers, known as the Naughties.  The problem is, he wants to transform them into Smurfs, but he doesn’t know the secret spell. Unfortunately, Smurfette is the only one that knows the spell to make the transformation happen. So Gargamel kidnaps Smurfette and takes her to Paris. Now the Smurfs and their human friends go to the City of Light, with hopes to rescue their friend. Parents need to be aware of the moderate violent content.

    The Croods: (PG) 5 out of 5 buckets
    The Croods are a prehistoric family who were forced to leave their cave after a natural disaster destroyed the whole area.  Grug (Nicolas Cage), the father and leader of the household, took his role very seriously, he was determined to protect the family as they searched for a new home. However, things got complicated when they met a resourceful nomad named Guy (Ryan Reynolds). Guy was a cute teenage boy who fell for Grug’s teen daughter, Eep (Emma Stone).  Grug began to feel threatened; he wanted to be the man in charge, but he eventually realized that with Guy’s brains,  his strength, and a loving family… they could survive. The Croods is a wonderful animated, adventure film for the whole family.

    Turbo: (PG) 5 out of 5 buckets
    Snails aren’t typically known for their speed, but that never stopped a misfit snail named Turbo. Turbo’s (voice of Ryan Reynold) life long dream was to race at the Indy 500, though an unrealistic goal. However, with hard work, perseverance, and an unexpected freak accident, Turbo’s dream was becoming a reality and a chance to race in one of the most prestigious motorsports in the world…The Indy 500.  Turbo is a wonderful animated, suspenseful film for kids of all ages.

    Best DVD Gift Ideas for Pre-teens and Teenagers (Listed by Genre)

    Action:

    White House Down (PG13) 3 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    John Cale (Channing Tatum) is a Capitol policeman in pursuit of his dream job…Secret Service Agent! There was one problem, John didn’t do that well in the military or get the best grades in college, so he didn’t get the job. After getting rejected, John and his young daughter, Emily, got a tour of the White House. Things started out great, especially since Emily was so enamored with politics and the President, however  while on the tour a group of paramilitary invaders bombed the rotunda, killing a lot of innocent people. Now it was up to John to  rescue his daughter and save the President from the awful attack. White House Down is an action packed movie one that teenagers will most likely enjoy. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violent content and moderate profane language.

    Action/Drama/Sci-fi:

    Ironman 3: (PG13) 4 out of 5 buckets
    Tony Stark (Robert Downey, Jr.) is back as Iron Man, and stronger than ever. In this third film of the Iron Man series, a terrorist named the Mandarin (Ben Kingsley) threatened to destroy America. Unfortunately Stark’s former security guard, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau) was injured in an explosion, which was caused by the Mandarin. Stark was very upset, though determined to face the evil terrorist; the problem was the terrorist got to Stark first. He destroyed Stark’s Malibu mansion, and all his high-tech toys. Luckily Stark (Iron Man) lived, though his beloved metal suit was injured. Stark had to try and survive on his own, and save the world without his protective shell. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violent content.

    Man of Steal: (PG13) 4 out of 5 buckets
    Clark Kent/Kal-E l(Henry Cavill)… a boy who was sent to Earth as a baby from another planet, a boy who grew up in Smallsville, Kansas; raised by farmers and loving adopted parents, a boy who helped those in need, a boy who became…Superman! Man of Steel is the latest version of the 75-year-old superhero story.  In this action packed film we see how Superman saves the world from General Zod, the evil villain from Kyrpton, and how he becomes the symbol of hope for all mankind. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violent content.

    Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters (PG) 4 1/2 out of 5 buckets (Release date December 17)
    Camp for a demigod is not all fun and games. Percy Jackson, the half-human son of Poseidon, and his best friends; Annabeth (Athena’s daughter) and Glover (a satyr) are back at Camp Half-Blood. Initially things were going well, until a mechanical bull stormed into the camp and broke the barrier that protected the demigods from strangers entering into the camp. To save their home, Percy and his friends embarked on dangerous mission to the Sea of Monsters (Bermuda Triangle). They wanted to find the mythical Golden Fleece which has the power to save their training ground and their home…Camp Half-Blood. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, based on Rick Riordan’s fantasy books series, is the sequel to Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightening Thief. It’s an action packed film for the whole family. Parents need to be aware of the moderate violent content.

    Star Trek Into Darkness: (PG13) 4 out of 5 buckets
    The new enterprise crew, led by Chris Pine as James T Kirk, faces a familiar nemesis, Kahn, in the latest edition of the Star Trek franchise.   Kahn attacks a secret Star Fleet facility on earth and Kirk and the enterprise crew set out to bring him to justice.  Along the way, they venture into Klingon space, face a challenge from one of their own, and throw out humorous one liners.  Spock, Scottie, bones and Uhura join Kirk to avert a war and protect the Earth. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violent content.

    Comedy:

    Pitch Perfect-(PG13) 4 out of 5 buckets
    Beca(Anna Kendrick) is a freshman at Barden University; she doesn’t love college, she doesn’t try to fit in, but what she does want to do…is move to Los Angeles!!! However, things change when she’s persuaded to join The Bellas, an all-girls a cappella group. Now Beca takes this traditional, somewhat boring singing group, and adds a contemporary flare which sets them apart from their rivals. Pitch Perfect is a comedy musical; it’s a fun entertaining movie, one that boys and girls will like! Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual content and moderate profane language.

    The Internship- (PG13) 3 out of 5 buckets
    Take your chances and follow your dreams!  That’s what salesmen, Billy (Vince Vaughn) and Nick (Owen Wilson) did after their company shut down. They didn’t give up or lose hope, they were determined to work at the greatest place in America…Google. The Internship is a comedy about two middle aged men who pursue their goal to intern at Google. They compete and team up with college aged interns who are extremely smart and tech-savvy. Their prize…employment at Google!!! Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual and drug and alcohol contents and the excessive profane language.

    Drama/Romance:

    Safe Haven –(PG13) 3 out of 5 buckets
    This is the story of a young women named Katie (Julianne Hough). Katie is a girl on the run looking for a safe place to call home. She finally gets the courage to leave Boston and start a new life in Southport, North Carolina. In the small town of Southport, Katie bonds with a handsome widower named Alex (Josh Duhamel), and his two young children. However, she’s still haunted by her past, and is eventually forced to reveal the truth. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, Safe Haven is a suspenseful, romantic film about second chances. Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual and violent contents.

    The Great Gatsby- (PG13) 3 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    It’s been 24 hours since I saw this movie, and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. The characters, the setting and what the film symbolized; prohibition, the Jazz Age, one’s social status, and the American Dream. It was the summer of 1922; a recent Yale graduate named Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire) moved to New York for business, and rented a house in West Egg on Long Island; which was populated with people of “new money.” Next door to Nick lived a mysterious man named Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio). Gatsby lived in a gothic mansion, where he had extravagant parties every Saturday night. Across the bay, in East Egg, lived Nick’s cousin Daisy (Carey Mulligan), and her wealthy, blue-blooded husband, Tom (Joel Edgerton).  As the summer progressed Nick attended Gatsby’s opulent parties and became involved in the lives of the materialistic and corrupted; the wealthy Long Islanders, along with Daisy, Tom and Gatsby! Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby is a wonderful, educational film for teenagers. Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual content and excessive drug and alcohol content.

    Drama/Sports:

    42 (PG13) 4 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) changed the game of baseball forever! It started in 1945 when he wanted to end segregation on the baseball field. He was determined to recruit MLB’s first black player, and he did. In 1947 Rickey found his man; a man from the Negro League’s Kansas City Monarchs, a man who was an amazing athlete…a man named Jackie Robinson. In 1947 Robinson became a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers; while he faced many vicious, racial comments and abuse, Robinson was encouraged by Rickey not to fight back, and let his talent speak for itself. That’s what Robinson did; at the end of his rookie season he became National League Rookie of the Year, and was eventually  inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. 42 is a wonderful inspirational sports drama, a movie for the whole family!! Parents need to be aware of the moderate profane language.

    Battle of the Year (PG13) 4 out of 5 buckets
    ”The Team, The Team, The Team,” that’s a well known phrase from The University of Michigan’s former football coach, Bo Schembechler, and it’s also the primary focus and belief of Coach Blake (Josh Holloway). Battle of the Year is a sports drama, not about the traditional sports such as football, basketball or hockey; this is about b-boying, also known as breakdancing. Though b-boying originated in the USA in 1970, teams from South Korea, France, Germany and Russia have dominated the sport. In this fictional story, we see how Coach Blake assembles a team of the best dancers in America, and takes them to compete in France, where they can hopefully win the battle and bring home the trophy. Parents need to be aware of the moderate language and drug and alcohol content.

    Thriller
    Now You See Me– (PG13)- 3 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    Magic, Mystery and Fun! Now You See Me follows a group of illusionists, known as, “The Four Horsemen.” These magicians include one woman and three men; all very intriguing and captivating. The magicians not only entertain their Las Vegas audiences, they also reward them with stolen profits from their shows. Their performances aren’t your traditional magic acts, their tricks include a series of bank heists, where they “teleport” a member of the audience to a bank vault. Things get complicated when an FBI agent and an Interpol detective are convinced that ‘The Four Horseman’ are criminals, not magicians; they are determined to track them down and turn them in.  But it’s not that easy for the detectives, the magicians claim to be the smartest ones in the room, and one step ahead of the law. Now You See Me is  an action packed, suspenseful movie; one that pre-teens and teenagers will most likely enjoy. Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual, violent and profane language throughout the film.

     

     

    Scary Movie 5-Teen Movie Review

    Spooky things began to happen when Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan spent the night together, and were found dead the next morning. So Charlie’s brother Dan, and his rocker girfriend, Jody (Ashley Tisdale) adopted the deceased couple’s three young children. The new family experienced some unusual activity in their home, and eventually realized that they were being stalked by a demon… things got even stranger!!!  Scary Move 5 is the fifth installment in the spoof series; a film I don’t recommend for kids!

    Click here for Movie Bucket Ratings!

    Zero Buckets!

    scary movie 5Rating: 0 out of 5 buckets
    Release Date: April 11, 2013
    MPAA Rating: PG13
    Best Age Group: None
    Sexual Content: Excessive
    Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
    Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
    Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
    Will Kids Like It? No

     

    See the trailer here!

    Talking Points:

    This is not a film for kids, it’s inappropriate and disgusting!  However, parents need to be aware that kids may want to see this movie, as it stars Ashley Tisdale from Disney Channel’s The Suite Life of Zack & Cody, and also the star in the High School Musical film series. Though rated PG13, with the excessive sexual content and language, it could have been rated R. To top it off, there are no redeeming qualities or great messages either!

    Sexual Content: Excessive

    • The opening scene shows Charlie Sheen and Lindsay Lohan spending the night together.
    • We see videos of Jody (Ashley Tisdale) sexually involved with  strange objects such as a plant and microwave.
    • We saw two naked women in the shower, covered with soap suds.
    • While on drugs, Jody and her friend proceeded to have sex, we saw them in their bra and undies.
    • There are a lot of sexual references with regards to body parts, incest, oral, sex, masturbation and more.
    • The book Fifty Shades of Grey, was referred to in a dream involving whips and sexual toys.

    Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

    • A group of possessed Christians physically mutilated themselves. To name a few of the things, we saw character’s cutting themselves with blades and power tools, a women sliced her tongue, another cut off her own arm, and a man sawed off his leg.
    • Dan and Jody punched each other, and their adopted kids. This was done in a slapstick way, but still disturbing and not funny!
    • Jody accidentally bumped her baby’s head on a door. A baby’s hair was set on fire, and a newborn was kicked across a stage. All this was meant to be done in a comedic way; though once again…not funny!!

    Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

    • The f-word was said once. “Sh-t,” “h—,” “a–,” “d–n,” and “b–ch,” are said throughout the film.

    Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive

    • Character’s take Ecstasy.
    • We see characters drinking at parties.
    • Two rappers steal a bundle of weed.

    Will Kids Like It? No

    Overall this was an inappropriate film, one I do not recommend for kids, or anyone for that matter!!! See Here Comes the Boom instead, it’s still in theaters.

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    GI Joe:Retaliation-Teen Movie Review

    The Joes are back, however this time the team is not only fighting their mortal enemy, Cobra, they’re also defending themselves from threats within the government. Based on Hasbro’s G. I. Joe Toy, and the sequel to G.I. Joe: The rise of Cobra, this film is filled with action and adventure, one that most teenage boys will like!

    Click here for Movie Bucket Rating!

    gi joe; retaliationRating: 4 out of 5 buckets
    Release Date: July 30, 2013
    MPAA Rating: PG13
    Best Age Group: 12+
    Sexual Content: Mild
    Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
    Crude or Profane Language: Mild
    Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
    Will Kids Like It? Yes

     

    See the trailer here!

    Talking Points:

    The characters in the film were very likable. Roadblock (Dwayne Johnson) and Duke (Channing Tatum) were not only hard working and dedicated soldiers, they were good friends and looked out for one another.

    Sexual Content: Mild

    • The female Joe, Lady Jaye (Adrianne Palicki) wore a revealing exercise outfit.
    • We saw Lady Jaye wearing only a bra and panties.

    Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

    • Basically the film was filled with gun shots, explosions and fighting; which resulted in several causalities.

    Crude or Profane Language: Mild

    • We heard, “h–l,” “d–n,” and “a–,” several times each.

    Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild

    • Characters were shown drinking alcohol.

    Will Kids Like It? Yes

    Overall this action packed drama is filled with battles and fights. Depending on the child, this is appropriate for kids ages 12 and up. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence throughout the film.

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