Arthur Review
Do money and material things make a person happy? Arthur (Russell Brand) initially thinks they do. He is a very generous, kind-hearted man and an heir to a very successful family business. He spends his money foolishly; on magnetic beds, Batmobiles, lots of alcohol and prostitutes. Arthur’s mother (Geraldine James) eventually realizes that it’s time for Arthur to finally grow up, (after all, he is a grown man who still has his nanny taking care of him). So his mother decides to marry him off to a women named Susan (Jennifer Garner). She’s beautiful, smart, and can eventually run the family business. Knowing that Arthur isn’t in love with this women, his mother gives him an ultimatum: marry Susan or forfeit his inheritance. This is a hard decision for Arthur, especially when he falls in love with another women, one the family doesn’t particularly like.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: April 8, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Talking Points
Arthur is a remake of the 1981 comedy. Though I don’t remember much about the original movie, I do remember liking it.
Arthur’s relationship with his nanny (Helen Mirren) is very special. When he was a child, his mother was always working, and his dad died when he was three, so his nanny was the one person who truly cared about him. When she gets sick, Arthur matures, and eventually takes care of her, this was sweet and endearing to see his gradual change.
There’s a nice message that life isn’t all about material things. When Arthur falls in love with Naomi, (the woman the family doesn’t like), he realizes that all the money in the world won’t make him happy, but love will. Naomi also helps him mature and become more responsible. She explains that it’s good to earn things…something that Arthur doesn’t understand.
While the movie is funny and entertaining, it’s very predictable and a little boring in parts. I found myself looking at my watch a couple of times. Arthur is shown drinking excessive amounts alcohol throughout most of the movie and parents may feel uncomfortable with that.
Sexual Content: Mild
• Arthur is shown in bed with a prostitute wearing a skimpy outfit. It’s implied they’ve had a sexual encounter.
• There are many sexual references and jokes throughout the movie. Arthur talks about all the women he’s been with, and some he doesn’t even remember the next morning.
• Arthur has a huge party, and women’s underwear and bras are scattered throughout his apartment.
• Arthur is shown only wearing briefs in a couple of scenes.
Violent Content: Moderate
• When Arthur was playing with a nail gun, he accidentally shot his father-in-law to be. When he pulls out the nails, we see blood stains on his shirt.
• Arthur gets in a few car accidents when carelessly driving his Batmobile.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
• A young child says b*&#h, there are some other mild profanities used throughout the movie, but not very often.
Overall Arthur is an entertaining movie with a nice message. Though it’s fun to buy new “toys,” they will only bring you temporary happiness; something Arthur eventually comes to realize. I brought my 11 and 13-year-old sons, and one of their friends. My 11-year-old got a little bored, the 13 year-olds liked it and thought it was funny. I recommend this movie for kids ages 13 and up.
Overall this is an adventurous, action packed movie. As I previously mentioned, there is a lot of violence, but fine for a PG13 rated movie. Depending on whether your child can handle some of the violent scenes, I recommend this movie for kids ages 11 and up.
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