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Action Movie reviews

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World Review

This is a story about a twenty-two year old guy named Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera). He’s a guitarist in a garage band, who finally meets the love of his life, Ramona Flowers. After many dates with Ramona, Scott gradually realizes that she has a lot of baggage; seven former boyfriends, all who want to destroy Scott for dating Ramona. In this creative, comedy adventure, we see how Scott handles Ramona’s seven evil exes.

Rating: One out of five buckets
Release Date: November 9, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 17+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate

See the trailer here!

Talking Points:

This is a very creative movie. The movie has some romance, and it’s an action/adventure, sci-fi/fantasy, comedy. This movie continually went in and out of either game mode, comic book mode or rock-video mode, which most of the audience loved. However, the audience consisted of mostly older teens and adults in their twenty’s, and only a few kids.

I read that, “Scott Pilgrim vs. The World feels like the first movie aimed squarely at the gamer generation; those who have grown up with video games as a fact of life and, in some cases, a reason for living.” I don’t think kids will enjoy this type of movie, they won’t appreciate some of the humor, and creativity.

Scott was a very likable, persistent character, who never backed down when fighting for Ramona.

Sexual Content: Moderate

There were a few scenes where I was uncomfortable with my twelve and ten year old boys.

On Scott and Ramona’s first date, Ramona gets into bed with Scott, only wearing her bra and undies; she passionately kisses him, but then she says, “I changed my mind, I don’t want to have sex with you.”

Scott’s roommate is gay, and he is with many different guys throughout the movie, and it’s implied that they’ve he’s slept with each one of them. Sometimes, Scott would even sleep in the same bed with them.

One of Ramona’s exes was a girl, Ramona said she was “ bi-curious.”

Profanity: Moderate

Many beeped f-words, along with many other swear words, but okay for a PG13 movie.

Violent Content: Moderate

There were seven exes, and with each ex, there was a battle which consisted of either punches, kung fu, or sword fights. Some were very violent.

Even though this was a very creative movie, and it seemed that the audience loved it, I did not like it! It was battle after battle, which got very boring. More importantly, I feel that most kids won’t enjoy this type of movie. My ten and twelve year old boys thought it was awful and a waste of time. I give it one bucket.

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Robin Hood Review

Robin Hood, is the legendary story about a robber in the Middle Ages in England, who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. In this movie we see how Robin Hood came to be that legendary hero. He was an expert archer, who served King Richard’s army. When King Richard died, Robin traveled to Nottingham, to return a slain knight’s sword to his father, that’s where he met his true love, and helped the new King repel the invading French.

Rating: Two out of five buckets
Release Date: September 21, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild

<a title=”Robin Hood” href=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qK1tVLVaqFs”>See the trailer here!</a>

Talking Points:
We continually saw an inscription, which said, “Rise and rise again, until lambs become lions.” Robin said, this meant to never give up, which he continually stressed throughout the movie.

There was a lot going on in this movie, which made it very confusing. A teenage girl that I interviewed said there was not enough character development, while she and her friends liked the movie, they also found it very confusing.

Sexual Content: Moderate
<ul>
<li>We saw Prince John in bed with his lover, John’s mother barged into the bedroom, chatted with her, while in bed, then proceeded to get out of bed naked. This was a strange and uncomfortable scene.</li>
</ul>
Violent Content: Excessive

This was a very violent movie with sword fights and battles, and these battles consumed the whole movie. Some violent and disturbing scenes were:
<ul>
<li>One man was injured by an arrow on the side of his face and we see the disgusting scar throughout the movie.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>King Richard is killed by an arrow, skewered right his neck .</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>People in the village are locked in a burning building, while woman are screaming and babies are crying.</li>
</ul>
Profanity: Mild

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

I know I haven’t said too many positive things about the movie, and I did get a little bored with all the battle scenes, but for the most part it held my attention. I recommend the movie for teenagers that enjoy action movies with a lot of battle scenes.

<a title=”Robin Hood” href=”https://boxofficemom.com/?page_id=847″>Back to DVD Reviews!</a>

Rise of the Planet of the Apes Review

James Franco plays Will, an ambitious scientist, who takes care of his beloved father who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. Will’s goal is to find a cure for this awful disease, no matter what it takes! After several years of studies and trials on a chimpanzee, and seeing much improvement, Will is ready to get approval to start human trials. However, it’s not that easy. Will gradually develops a special bond with a chimpanzee named Caesar, and he eventually realizes that this could be a dangerous relationship, knowing that a man vs. ape war is on the rise. This sci/fi action packed drama is a prequel to Charlton Heston’s 1968 movie Planet of the Apes.

Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: August 5, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild

See a clip of my review here!

Talking Points:

I really liked the characters in this film. Will (James Franco) was such a kind- hearted person who was truly passionate about finding a cure for Alzheimer’s disease. Some other great characters: Will’s beautiful, supportive girlfriend, Caroline (Freida Pinto) and Will’s father (John Lithgow).

I loved the relationship that Caesar (the chimpanzee) had with Will, and Will’s father. When Will’s father was being threatened by a neighbor, Caesar was there to protect and comfort him.

In another scene, the chimp asked (in sign language) Will if he was a pet, Will responded, “No, I’m your father.” It was a touching scene.

This film was portrayed in trailers as a scary, war movie. Don’t get me wrong, there were a lot of battle scenes, but there was also an emotional element to the film which I don’t think people will see from the trailer.

The special effects were amazing. Caesar looked like a real chimpanzee, which added a lot to the storyline; making it more realistic.

Sexual Content: Mild

Two characters kiss.

Violent Content: Moderate

There are several fights when Caesar (the chimp) was protecting Will and his father.

When Caesar was in a shelter with other chimps, the attendant was brutal and cruel to the apes. He hit Caesar with an electric rod, and slammed him against a wall in his cage, while spraying him with a high pressure water hose.

When the apes convene and escape from their cages, complete mayhem begins. The apes smash through windows, turn cars and buses over, and hit humans while hissing and snarling in a frightening way.

The humans were also cruel while trying to kill the apes.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

The d-word, h-word and a-word are used.

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Alzheimer Drugs are injected in the apes and humans.

Characters drink beer.

Overall, this is an action packed movie with an emotional element to it. This is not my type of movie, but I can understand why some people would like it. I interviewed boys ages 11 to 15 after the movie; they loved it. Their grandpa thought it was appropriate for kids, and he thoroughly enjoyed it too. Kids that are sensitive to scary movies may be frightened with some of the violent battle scenes with the humans and apes.

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Red Tails Review

Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets.
Release Date: May 22, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 9+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate

See a clip of my review here!

Red Tails centers around the struggles and accomplishments of the Tuskegee Airmen in 1944, during World War ll. They are a group of courageous African-American fighter pilots, with hand-me down planes and uneventful missions. They’re viewed as inferior and inadequate pilots, only because of their race. However, things dramatically change when the U.S. military finally gives them a chance to fight for our country, and help win the war. Red Tails is based on an amazing true story, with a wonderful message about overcoming racism; it’s a great educational and entertaining movie for the family!!

Talking Points:

I absolutely loved this story! The movie will spark some great parent/child conversations about segregation. In the film we saw the two races come together to defeat the enemies, and not each other.

Not only was the film exciting and educational, the characters were great. I also enjoyed the different story lines about the pilot’s relationships they encountered during the war.

The movie seemed cleaned up. It was like it was a story told by a grandfather to his grandson. This was nice and clearly made it more appropriate for children. The special effects looked like a movie from the 1960’s; this was a little strange, but refreshing as well.

As I previously mentioned I loved the story, and I liked the characters, though the acting was not good at all, which surprised me. However, my 14 year old didn’t seem to notice the poor acting, as I’m sure most kids won’t.

Sexual Content: Mild

Lightening, one of the Tuskegee Airmen, was known as a ladies man, though things change when he meets his true love as he’s flying over a town and notices a beautiful women.
The couple kiss, and it’s implied that they’ve had a sexual encounter.

Violent Content: Moderate

This is a war movie, though not as graphic as most war films. We see planes being destroyed by explosions.
Many of the pilots are shown wounded with blood and severe injuries.
We see several characters blown up and on fire.
Character’s fight in a bar, initiated by racial comments.

Crude and Profane Language: Moderate

Words such as “a–,” “s–t,” “b–ch” and “d–n,” are used several times throughout the film.

Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate

One of the main characters has a drinking problem. We see him drinking out of a flask several times throughout the film.
Character’s are shown drinking and smoking at an officer’s club.

Depending on the child, this is a great film for kids ages 9 and up. However, parents need to be aware of the moderate profanity, and violent scenes, (though not as violent as most war movies). This is a wonderful film that once again demonstrates the fact that all men are truly created equal.

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Red Dawn Review

On a bright sunny Saturday morning the U. S had been invaded by North Koreans, and the city of Spokane, Washington was the initial target. The innocent citizens found themselves prisoners, and their town under enemy occupation. It was Jed Eckert (a twenty-something Marine, recently home from Iraq), and his brother Matt (a high school football player), who gathered a group of young men (known as the Wolverines) to defend their country. They hid in the woods and vigorously trained. These men showed courage and strength while sacrificing their lives to fight the invaders for freedom. Red Dawn, a remake of the 1984 original film, is an action packed war movie, one that teenage boys will love!

Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: March 4, 2013
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 14+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes

See the trailer here!

Talking Points:

There were messages about patriotism and teamwork woven through the film. Jed tells the group, “We inherited our freedom, now it’s up to all of us to fight for it.” My sons and nephews had chills during some of the intense patriotic scenes.

The two brothers, Jed and Matt, were very close. Though they had some issues with each other, they ultimately supported and loved one another.

One boy, who had been implanted with a tracking device, separated himself from the group to protect them from danger.

There were a lot of well known actors, whom teenagers will like. To name a few; Chris Hemsworth, Josh Peck,from the show Drake and Josh, and Adrianne Palicki from the show, Friday Night Lights.

Parents need to be aware of the excessive, disturbing violent scenes. In the film two boys watched their father die and a boy saw his brother die; the violence never ended.

Sexual Content: Mild

We saw a couple kissing. The boy began to run his hand up her leg, but she slaped it.
References were made about “hot, sexy girls.”

Violent Content: Excessive

Numerous people died from explosives, machine guns, pistols and tanks.
The group of boys attacked the North Korean headquarters, during the raid there were several explosions.
There were combat-related violent scenes throughout most of the film.
We saw a character drinking a deer’s blood, which was disgusting.
We saw one character stitching up another character’s open wound, the camera zoomed in on the wound.

Crude o Profane Language: Excessive

The f-word was said once. We heard “sh–,” “a–,”h–,” and “b–ch,” throughout the film. We also heard, “d-ck,” “pr–k,” and “b–tard,”

Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild

Jed was shown drinking beer. He tried to get his teenage brother to drink a one as well.
We saw character’s drinking at a bar.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

I brought 4 teenage boys who all loved the film.

As I previously mentioned, this is an action packed war movie, one that boys may like. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence and profane language. Depending on the child, I recommend this for boys ages 14 and up.

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