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Inside Out-Kids’ Movie Review

We all want our children to be happy, but as we know there are ups and downs in life which causes temporary sadness. Riley is a happy 11 year-old girl living in Minnesota. She is a star hockey player, does well in school, and has a great group of friends. However, everything changes when her dad gets a new job, and the family moves to San Francisco. We see her struggle as the film centers on the five emotions that guide her life: Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust and Sadness. These emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they advise her daily life. Things get complicated as her emotions disagree on how to handle all the changes she’s going through. They eventually realize that Joy might not be the emotion Riley needs during her difficult time.

Rating: 4 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: November 3, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

This is a very cleaver and thought provoking film, one that will spark numerous parent/child conversations. The film highlights the fact that it’s okay to be sad at times, and that we can’t be happy all the time. {Spoiler Alert} During the film we want the character, Joy, to be in Riley’s life- not Sadness. However we eventually realize that Sadness is the hero in the film. With Sadness, Riley is allowed to grieve and then move on to a better life.
The importance of family is another element in the film. When Riley is depressed and down, it’s her parents that comfort her and lift her spirits.
This is a PG animated film which will target young kids. However, there are some sad and emotional parts that parents need to be aware of. When Riley’s world changes, she’s very down and depressed; this may be upsetting to some sensitive kids.
Riley steals her mom’s credit card and attempts to run away from home.

Sexual Content: Mild

Riley imagines herself with a boyfriend who dramatically says, “I would die for Riley.”
Riley talks to a boy, and we see inside his mind where the controllers are freaking out .

Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate

There is a dark and somewhat disturbing tone to the film. {Spoiler Alert} However, in the end you realize that’s a critical part to the storyline and that it’s okay to be sad at times.
We see Riley’s dreams: one has a growling dog running around. She’s also haunted by a dead mouse in a dream.
Riley’s “train of thought” derails. We see characters flying off the train.
When characters enter into a danger zone we see their bodies become distorted.

Crude or Profane Language: None

There is a discussion on the use of curse words, but we don’t hear any.

Drug and Alcohol Content: None

Will Kids Like It? Yes

I interviewed two kids ages four and six. The four year girl got bored and antsy, while the six year old boy liked it and thought it was funny in parts.
Two 13 year old girls loved it and said, “It was amazing.”

Overall, this is another wonderful Pixar film. Parents need to be aware of the mature storyline which has some sad and emotional parts to it. Depending on the child, I recommend this film for kids ages 8 and up.

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.

Spy-Teen Movie Review

Susan Cooper (Melissa McCarthy) spent her entire adult life working as a CIA analyst. She sits at her desk with her hidden earpiece and high-tech equipment while assisting a handsome CIA agent, Bradley Fine (Jude Law). It’s Susan’s job to keep Bradley safe and help him avoid dangerous situations. However, things dramatically change when Bradley is assassinated by Rayna Boyanov (Rose Byrne), a Bulgarian arms dealer. Now it’s Susan’s chance to go on an undercover assignment and help capture the evil, though beautiful, assassin.

Rating: 2 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: September 29, 2015
MPAA Rating: R
Best Age Group: 17+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Teens Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

Spy is an exciting and action packed movie. There is an all-star cast with a suspenseful storyline. Having said that this is a typical Melissa McCarthy movie (slightly milder); excessive profane language with raunchy humor.

Sexual Content: Moderate

We see pictures of a penis.
Two men are shown in the street engaging in oral sex.
A guy grabs woman’s breasts and butt.
There are several inappropriate comments regarding sexual positions, porn and male/female body parts.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

There are several violent fights throughout the film. We see character’s stabbed by a knife, hit by heavy pots and pans, choked, and shot to death.
Characters are shown fighting while traveling in a private plane. They are thrown all around the plane during the turbulent flight.
A bomb explodes.
Someone puts poison in a woman’s drink.

Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

The f-word is said numerous times throughout the film. We also hear “sh-t,” “a–,” “d–n,” ,”h–.” Crude words pertaining to sexual body parts are said as well.

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

We see characters drinking wine and champagne at social gatherings.

Will Teens Like It? Yes

It’s an action packed film with a comedic element to it. I interviewed four teenage girls who are fans of Melissa McCarthy; beginning with her days of playing Sookie St. James from the TV seriers Gilmore Girls. They thought the movie was funny and very entertaining.

San Andreas-Kids’ Movie Review

Ray’s (Dwayne Johnson) world is falling apart…emotionally and literally. Though he has a wonderful career as a search and rescue pilot he is a very sad and lonely man. One of Ray’s daughters passes away from a tragic accident. His wife, Emma (Carla Gugino), divorces him and moves in with her new boyfriend; who happens to be an extremely wealthy man. However there is one bright spot in Ray’s life; his beautiful college-age daughter Blake (Alexandra Daddario). Ray loves his daughter more than anything and tries to be the best father he can be. When another tragic event occurs Ray is determined to save his only child. The San Andreas fault triggers major earthquake and Blake is trapped in San Francisco. Ray travels on his helicopter from Los Angeles to San Francisco and endures the extreme weather conditions with hopes to rescue Blake, and the other civilians who are caught in this horrific tragedy.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: October 13, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

The film is filled with disturbing violence, however there is a powerful message about the importance of family.
During the catastrophe we see civilians helping one another and working together to save lives.

Sexual Content: Mild

Two character’s are shown kissing.
There’s mention of getting to “second base.”

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

Thousands (if not more) characters die. Buildings collapse, bridges crumble, boats capsize (followed by a tsunami) and character’s drown.
We see a character trapped in her car while in a remote parking garage.
There are graphic and close up scenes of people suffering. We see a guy’s foot skewered by a metal pole. A chunk of glass is stuck in a man’s thigh; which we see taken out. Character’s are thrown to the ground, shown falling off cliffs, trapped under falling buildings etc . . .
A character is punched and knocked to the ground.

Crude or Profane Language: Moderate

We hear the f-word once. Also “sh-t,” “h—,” “a–, and “d–n.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: None

Overall this is an action packed suspenseful drama. Parents need to be aware of the intense violence throughout the film.

Tomorrowland-Kids’ Movie Review

Casey Newton (Britt Robertson), a very bright and optimistic teenage girl is determined to make the future a better place. One day she comes across a mysterious pin; when she touches the pin she gets a glimpse of a bright and wonderful future. Curious and confused; Casey is anxious to learn about the pin and why she was destined to find it. So she decides to recruit Frank Walker (George Clooney), an inventor who can hopefully help this optimistic teenage girl’s dream come true.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: October 13, 2015
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

The subjects of perseverance, hope and love are woven throughout the film. Casey is a determined high school girl who believes in working towards her dreams and to not be afraid. Great parent/child conversations.
The film is 122 minutes, which seemed very long. Some parts were confusing as well.

Sexual Content: Mild

When Frank Walker was a boy he had a crush on Athena (the girl/robot who recruited him into Tomorrowland). As Frank aged and Athena didn’t (since she’s a robot) he still had feelings for her. This was odd since she looked like a 12-year old girl and he was a middle aged man.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

There are numerous fights and battles with the evil robots and human characters. One robot is smashed by a baseball bat, we also see their hands and heads chopped off.
Characters fly around wearing jet packs. As they fly all over, we see them hitting each other and smashing into buildings. There are some bloody injuries from their rough flight.
One character is hit by a truck.
Character’s use metal sticks to make others unconscious.
We see several buildings and robots explode.

Crude or Profane Language: Moderate

We hear “d–n,” “h–,” and “son of a…”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Casey’s father worries that she’s doing drugs; with her strange behavior. Though she denies doing drugs she does admit to trying beer.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

I interviewed three 14 year old girls who loved the film. They got confused in some parts, but overall enjoyed the interesting storyline.
I interviewed younger kids (ages 6 to 9) as well who loved it too. They liked the characters and all the action.

Overall this is a entertaining Disney movie. Having said that, this is a PG rated film and parents need to be aware of the excessive violence.