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    Movie Reviews

    Jackie

    Grudge Match – Kids Movie Review

    In the day, Henry “Razor” Sharp (Sylvester Stallone) and Billy “The Kid” McDonnen (Robert De Niro) were two of the biggest fighters in the Pitsburgh boxing world. They had it all;  fame, glory and the fierce competition to fight.  However  in 1983, just before the championship match, Kid announced his retirement. So who really was the champ?  No one knew, until 30 years later when they were lured by boxing promoter Dante Slate Jr. (Kevin Hart) to fight once again and regain their fame to world. Grudge Match is a sports comedy, one that may not appeal to kids or teenagers.

    Grudge MatchRating: 1 and 1/2 out of 5 buckets.
    Release Date: April 8, 2014
    MPAA Rating: PG13
    Best Age Group: 13+
    Sexual Content: Moderate
    Violent Content: Moderate
    Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
    Drugs and Alcohol: Moderate
    Will It Appeal to Kids? No

     

    Talking Points:

    There are some messages about the negativity of holding a grudge and not moving past old regrets.

    The film may seem appealing to some kids, after all Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) is fighting once again, however the storyline of two old men boxing will not interest most kids.

    Kevin Hart who plays Dante Slate Jr., the boxer’s promoter,  is funny and a great asset to the film.

    Sexual Content: Moderate

    • There are numerous sexual references made throughout the film, to name a few; conversations regarding body parts, sex toys and homosexuals.
    • There are jokes about  BJ’s name ( a main character in the film). When Kid’s 8 year old grandson wonders about the jokes, his grandpa says he was named after “Butterscotch Jellybeans.” This joke is carried throughout the film.
    • The 8 year old grandson gets into an SUV and finds his grandpa having a sexual encounter with a younger woman. We see the grandpa in his boxers, and the woman’s bare shoulders.
    • During the boxing fight, we see woman wearing skimpy bikinis as they announce the various rounds.

    Violent Content: Moderate

    • Razor and Kid despise one another, so when they see each other during publicity events they typically get into a brawl.
    • We see details of the boxing fight, the brutal hits and punches. We see the blood and bumps on their faces, they both look beat up.
    • Two characters get into a car accident, one of them is injured and gets stitches on her forehead.

    Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

    • The f-word is said twice. We also hear “a–,” “b–ch,” “b–tard,” “d–n,” and “p—y,”  a lot throughout the movie.

    Drugs and Alcohol: Moderate

    • Kid owns a bar, we see him drinking hard liquor several times in the film.
    • Kid uses a case of beer as a car seat for his 8 year old grandson.
    • A bartender teaches Kid’s grandson to play a drinking game. However, the child doesn’t drink, but everyone else around him does.

    Will It Appeal to Kids? No

    Overall Grudge Match is a slow moving film that most kids will not enjoy. See Anchorman 2 or The Hunger Games: Catching Fire instead.Parents need to be aware of the sexual references and excessive profane language throughout the film.

    Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues-Teen Movie Review

    “Don’t just have a great night, have an American night,” that’s what the beloved anchorman Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) says as he broadcasts the news at station GNN in New York City. Set in the 1980’s, in the beginning of the cable news era, GNN is starting a 24/7 news channel, and who better to take the the 2:00 a.m. time slot but Ron Burgundy and his sidekicks Brick Tamland (Steve Carell), Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), and sports anchor Champ Kind (David Koechner). Initially things were rough for Ron as he got fired from his previous job as San Diego’s top rated newsman. However when landing a new job in New York, Ron and company spice up the night shift news. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues is the sequel to the 2004 film, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.

    Anchorman 2Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    Release Date: April 1, 2014
    MPAA Rating: PG13
    Best Age Group: 13+
    Sexual Content: Moderate
    Violent Content: Moderate
    Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
    Drugs and Alcohol: Moderate
    Will It Appeal to Kids? Yes

     

    Talking Points:

    There is an all-star cast, to name a few; Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, Paul Rudd, Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig and James Marsden. There are some surprise cameos too.

    There are not any life lessons or inspirational elements to the film, however, through all the goofy and silly humor it is a fun entertaining film. Having said that, it did get a little long and dragged on at the end.

    The West Michigan Whitecaps make a small appearance in the movie, which is fun for their fans and locals to see.

    Sexual Content: Moderate

    • There are sexual comments and references made throughout the film, to name a few;  two character’s make sexual animal sounds as they’re fondling one another, there is talk of masturbation, strip clubs and condoms.
    • A woman’s shirt is torn, exposing her bra.
    • Ron and his boss have a sexual encounter. We see them in bed kissing,  however they are covered by a sheet.
    • Two characters are shown passionately kissing. We see the woman’s back side pressed up against a window, revealing her underwear.

    Violent Content: Moderate

    • Ron tries to hang himself from a light fixture.
    • Ron and the gang’s motor home crashes, we see them tossed around.
    • Ron and gets into a fist fight with a woman.
    • The ghost of a Civil War general, characters in the film, and mythical characters are shown fighting, shooting one another and striking each other with blades. This is done in a slap stick humorous way.
    • We see an explosion as a character drops a sparkler in a puddle of gasoline.

    Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

    • The f-word is said twice, we also hear “a–,”  “sh-t,” “h—,” “b–ch,” and “d–n” numerous times throughout the film.

    Drugs and Alcohol: Moderate

    • We see Ron drunk while working at SeaWorld.
    • Characters are shown drinking beer and wine.
    • Ron and company smoke crack as they are broadcasting on TV.

    Will It Appeal to Kids? Yes

    • Pre-teens and teens will enjoy the film.

    Overall Anchorman 2 : The Legend Continues is a silly, but entertaining film. Depending on the child I feel it is appropriate for kids ages 13 and up. Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual content and excessive profane language in the film.

     

    The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug-Kids Movie Review

    “The courage of a Hobbit never ceases to amaze me,” that’s what one of the thirteen dwarves said while traveling with the hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), and the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen). Bilbo and company were traveling to the Kingdom of Erbor, hoping to reclaim their homeland from the villainous dragon, Smaug. On their journey they face many obstacles such as terrifying Orcs, giant spiders and imprisonment in an elf dungeon. The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug is the second  installment of the The Hobbit series. This is an adventurous, action packed film, based on J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic novels.

    The Hobbit- Desolation of SmaugRating: 4 out of 5 buckets
    Release Date: April 8, 2014
    MPAA Rating: PG13
    Best Age Group: 11+
    Sexual Content: Mild
    Violent Content: Excessive
    Crude or Profane Language: None
    Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
    Will It Appeal to Kids? Yes

     

    Talking Points:

    Amongst all battles and casualties shown  in film, we also see characters (especially Bilbo) helping one another as they try to rid the evil that surrounds them.

    The film will most likely interest kids that have read the novels.

    Sexual Content: Mild

    • Character’s flirt with one another.

    Violent Content: Excessive

    • There are numerous battles throughout the film. Characters are shot and impaled with arrows, decapitated by swords and knives and attacked by scary creatures.
    • There’s a scene with giant spiders who have long fangs. We see them gnashing their fangs  and attacking their prey.
    • A character is shot with an arrow. When trying to remove it, the arrow breaks, and part of it is left in his body, causing an infection. We see the opened bloody wound.

    Crude or Profane Language: None

    Drugs and Alcohol: Mild

    • Characters are shown drinking beer and smoking pipes.

    Will It Appeal to Kids? Yes

    Overall The Hobbit: The Desolation Of Smaug is an action packed adventurous film. Depending on the child, I recommend this for kids ages 11 and up. As previously mentioned parents need to be aware of the excessive violence.

     

    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.

     

     

    The Book Thief-Kids Movie Review

    “If your eyes could speak what would they say?” That’s what Max, a Jewish refugee, says to Liesel as he is hiding from the Nazi’s in her adoptive parent’s basement  during the height of World War II. Set in Nazi Germany and narrated by death; The Book Thief is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Liesel. Liesel finds comfort and peace by reading. She steals books and reads them to her loved ones as they all deal with the horrors of World War II.

    The book thiefRating: 3 1/2 out of 5 buckets
    Release Date: March 11, 2014
    MPAA Rating: PG13
    Best Age Group: 16+
    Sexual Content: None
    Violent Content: Moderate
    Crude or Profane Language: Mild
    Drugs and Alcohol: None
    Will It Appeal to Kids or Teens? Yes

     

     

    Talking Points:

    Even though the film is about tragedies of World War II, we see many acts of kindness demonstrated by good Germans. Liesel’s adoptive father, Hans, is a kind, loving man, who makes Liesel feel welcomed and loved. Hans also welcomes Max, a persecuted Jew, into his home.  He not only hides Max in their basement, he protects and cares for his well being. The friendships that Liesel developes with Max, and their neighbor Rudy is also an endearing and important part of the film.

    Due to the mature subject matter, the film may not appeal to kids, however mature teens may find it interesting.Having said that, the film is very educational and will spark some great parent/child conversations regarding WWII Germany.

    Sexual Content: None

    Violent Content: Moderate

    • Characters are kicked, punched and pushed around by the Nazis.
    • A boy bullies Rudy and Liesel throughout the film. In one scene Liesel fights back and punches the boy.
    • We see bombings and the awful effects from the war.

    Crude or Profane Language: Mild

    • “H–l,” is said once.

    Drugs and Alcohol: None

    Will It Appeal to Kids? No

    Overall The Book Thief is an amazing, heartfelt story. Though very appropriate, the storyline may not appeal to kids, but it may interest mature teens.