DVD Favorites

Jurassic World-Kids’ Movie Review

Family friendly vacation spots are great getaways with kids, especially at the Jurassic World theme park in Costa Rica. The destination resort has plenty of options to entertain kids and adults; it has genetically engineered dinosaurs, petting zoos, great shopping and first-class accommodations! However, when the vicious and extremely intelligent Indominus rex escapes and sets off a chain reaction to other dinosaurs, mayhem ensues. The once amazing theme park has turned into complete chaos. Now it’s up to Owen (Chris Pratt), a former military man and animal expert, to save the tourists from the dinosaur attack… which was not on their vacation itinerary. Jurassic World is the latest installment of the Jurassic Park series.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: October 20, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Teens Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

The film has several likable characters, which enhances the storyline of a dinosaur assault.
There are several graphic and disturbing scenes as the dinosaurs attack humans and each other. See details in the violent content below.

Sexual Content: Mild

We see a couple kiss and flirt with one another.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

The gigantic and vicious Indominus rex kills numerous humans and dinosaurs. It grabs people off the ground either eating them, throwing them or stomping them to death. It chomps and gnaws at other dinosaurs as well.
We see a swarm of raptors attacking soldiers and other characters.
There are numerous explosions and gun fire as we see soldiers shooting the dinosaurs with their rifles and machine guns.

Crude or Profane Language: Moderate

We hear “sh-t,” “d–n,” “h–l,” “a–,” and “b–ch” throughout the film.

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

We see a guy drinking margaritas.

Will Teens Like It? Yes

I interviewed kids ages 10 to 15. They all loved the thrilling aspect of the film. The girls liked the excitement and the cute male actors; while the boys loved the action and suspense.

Overall this is a wonderful action packed drama. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence which may frighten kids. Depending on the child, I recommend this for kids ages 11 and up.

Home-Kids’ Movie Review

“Home is not a home without family.” That’s what Tip (Rihanna) says. Tip is a young girl who’s the only human left on Earth. When an alien race, called the Boov, conquer Earth and relocate all of the human population, Tip manages to hide from the aliens. Feeling sad and alone, she desperately wants to find her mother. The day she meets a fugitive Boov, called Oh (Jim Parsons), things begin to change. Initially they don’t trust one another, though after much time together they develop a special bond and eventually become good friends. The misfit couple come across several adventures as Oh is on the run from the Boov’s enemies, and Tip is on the run to find her mother, and to be home once again. Home is a wonderful animated film for the whole family.

Rating: 4 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: July 28, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

This is story about the importance of family and caring of others.
The movie highlights some dangers of social media as Oh accidentally sends an evite to the whole universe; inviting them to a house warming party.
There is a lot of potty humor. Oh brushes his teeth with a toilet brush. There are several jokes discussing the difference between going number one, number two or number three. Two Boov’s discuss their “pee break.”
Oh lies a lot… the Boov turn green when they lie.

Sexual Content: Mild

When a Boov stumbles in a trap, he’s hit with dirty laundry and some makeup. We see him covered in pink with a bra on his head.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate

The villains use gigantic earthmovers to try and destroy the Earth’s surface. Slapstick violence ensues with the destruction of cars and buildings.
A character repeatedly bonks others on the head with his staff, which he calls the “shusher.”

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

Name calling…”lying fart face.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: None

Will Kids Like It? Yes

I interviewed a family with a 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter. The two kids loved the film, they thought the characters were fun and didn’t get scared by the bad guys.

Overall this is a wonderful animated film with fun loving characters.

Cinderella-Kids Movie Review

“Be kind and have courage,” were Ella’s (Cinderella, played by Lily James) mother’s dying last words. Ella honors her mother’s request and is a very kind and courageous loving young lady. After her mother’s death, Ella and her father remain very close and enjoy their lives together, however Ella’s life dramatically changes when her father decides to re-marry. Sadly he becomes very ill, and unexpectedly dies shortly after the wedding. Ella is left with an evil stepmother and two evil stepsisters. Continue reading →

The DUFF-Kids’ Movie Review

Designated Ugly Fat Friend, aka…DUFF! This is the story about a high school senior named Bianca (Mae Whitman). Things are going well for Bianca, she’s smart, has good friends, and has a crush on a boy at school. However her life drastically changes when she learns that she’s known as “The Duff,” to her prettier and popular friends. Bianca is the cute, but not super hot girl. She’s approachable and easy to talk to, so therefore boys go to her, when ultimately they want a date with her friends. Bianca takes charge of her life, she recruits Wesley (Robbie Amell), her charming jock neighbor whom she’s grown up with, to give her more style and charm. Now the excitement begins as Bianca becomes a role model to all, and reminds her peers that we’re all someone’s DUFF.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: June 9, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

Great messages woven throughout the film. Bianca eventually realizes that being labeled as ” The DUFF” doesn’t matter. Labels are meaningless…know who you are and accept it. Great parent/child conversations.

Sexual Content: Moderate

Bianca pretends a store mannequin is the boy she has a crush on. She makes suggestive comments and sexual movements with the mannequin. This is shown throughout the film.
Several teenagers are shown kissing and some making out.
There are sexual references and discussions regarding porn, masturbation, male/female body parts.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild

Bianca hits a guy in the face.
Bianca threatens students with death or mutilation, including ripping someone’s scrotum off.

Crude or Profane Language: Moderate

The f-word is said. We also hear “sh-t,” “a–,” “b–ch,” “d–n,” “h–,” and “d–k.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate

We see high school students drinking from red plastic cups at a party.
It appears as though students are playing beer pong.
We see Biana’s mom drinking wine.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

Teens and pre-teens loved the characters and story-line of the film.

Overall this is a great film about teenage issues, and accepting who you are. Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual content and profane language.

Duff-Teen Movie Review

McFarland USA-Kids’ Movie Review

Inspired by the 1987 true story, McFarland USA follows the life of Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner). Jim has a hard time keeping a teaching/coaching job, as his temper gets the best of him. Eventually Jim and his family head to McFarland, Ca, an impoverished agricultural community, where he accepts a job teaching Science and PE. Jim sees the potential of these hard-working Latino boys, and starts a cross country team. Jim not only coaches these boys to become better athletes, he instills some valuable lessons that change their lives forever.

Rating: 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: June 2, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will It Appeal to Most Kids? Yes

Talking Points:

There are wonderful messages and inspirational scenes. Initially the Whites are uneasy about their new environment, and the Latino community feels the same about their new arrival. However, both cultures learn to accept and appreciate each other. Great parent/child conversation.
Coach White stresses the importance of school and attending college.
Young kids may get bored, as it is slow in parts.

Sexual Content: Mild

There’s talk of a teenage girl who got pregnant out of wedlock.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild

We see a guy wearing a bloodied t-shirt after getting into a fight. The fight is off-screen.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

We hear “d–n,” and “a-s.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Characters are shown drinking beer and tequila.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

I interviewed a group of middle school age boys who really liked the film. They run cross country, and said they can relate to the strenuous work outs.

Overall this is a wonderful inspirational sports drama, one for the whole family.