Comedy
Comedy movie reviews
Vampire Academy-Kids Movie Review
At St. Vladimir’s Academy you won’t find the beloved Twilight vampires, Edward Cullen or Bella Swan, however you will find Rose Hathaway (Zoey Deutch) and her best friend Princess Lissa Dragomir. Rose is a dhampir, the half human, half vampire clan who protect the good vampires from the bad vampires. Lissa is a Moroi, the good vampires that can peacefully co-exist amongst humans. Then there are the Strigois, the evil vampires who drink to kill. Though you won’t find the Twilight vampires in this series, you will still find drama, romance and conflict between the good vampires vs. evil vampires. Vampire Academy, based on the young adult novel, “Vampire Academy,” is an action packed teenage drama.
Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 20, 2014
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol: None
Will it Appeal to Teens? Yes
Talking Points:
There are some “mean girl” teenage issues in the film, however at the end of the movie a teenage girl delivers a speech to her classmates. She states the importance of being kind to one another and to let go of the petty behavior that was portrayed throughout the film.
Kids that have read the book will most likely enjoy the film…adults may want to catch another movie.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- Teen couples are shown kissing and making out.
- There are sexual references and discussions regarding losing ones virginity, wet dreams, a threesome and herpes.
- We see Rose, wearing only a bra and underwear, in bed making out with a guy she has a crush on. He’s seen only wearing boxers.
- Rose is labeled as a “blood whore.”
Violent Content: Excessive
- There are numerous battles with gun shots, stabbings, punches, kicks and body slams.
- We see the good vampires feed on humans. This is a little disturbing because the humans thought they were going to a blood drive. The vampires bite the humans’ wrists, sometimes leaving a little blood on their face.
- We see vampire attacks, resulting in multiple casualties.
- We hear someone’s leg breaking and another character’s neck being broken.
- A mangled dead fox is shown hanging outside someones door.
- A girl’s cat is killed, then put in her backpack.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- “B–ch,” “a–,” “d–n,” and “h–,’ are each said numerous times.
Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
- Vampires are shown drinking blood from wine glasses.
Will it Appeal to Kids? Yes
- I interviewed four teenagers that had read the book. They all loved the movie and said it was similar to the book, though a little corny.
Overall this is an action packed film with romance and comedy permeated throughout the film. Depending on the child, this film is appropriate for kids ages 13 and up.
THE LEGO® MOVIE-Kids Movie Review
“He was so good at fitting in, nobody noticed him.” THE LEGO® MOVIE follows the life of a Lego named Emmet Brickowski (voice of Chris Pratt). Emmet is an average guy, who works at an average construction company, building average skyscrapers. He’s also a fun-loving, upbeat guy. He even has a favorite song called, “Everything Is Awesome,” which sums up his attitude on life. Things drastically change for Emmet the day he meets his beautiful co-worker, Wyldstyle (voice of Elizabeth Banks). Wyldstyle mistakes Emmet for “the most important person in the universe” (a.k.a. the Special), and recruits him on an adventurous journey to stop an evil Lego from gluing the universe together. Now Emmet takes his average life to a whole new level…which isn’t so average. THE LEGO® MOVIE is a wonderful and very clever animated film for the whole family.
Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: June 17, 2014
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 7+
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drugs and Alcohol: None
Will it Appeal to Kids? Yes
Talking Points:
“Embrace what is special about you,” and “to be special you need to believe,” are quotes and themes used in the film. Once Emmet discovers that people think he’s “Special,” he believes in himself and has more confidence.
This is a great PG movie, however it has some intense scenes between the the good Legos and villain Legos. I interviewed a five year old boy who loved the movie, but was scared in parts.
The film is an hour and forty-one minutes, which may be a little long for young kids. Having said that, pre-teens and teens that once played with Legos will love the film, and adults will enjoy it too.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Excessive
- There are fist fights, gunfights, explosions and car crashes throughout the whole movie. The action is similar to a live action film, however this action is animated by a bunch of plastic blocks….LEGOS®.
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drugs and Alcohol: None
Will it Appeal to Kids? Yes
Overall THE LEGO® MOVIE is an entertaining film for all. Parents will enjoy the adult humor and kids will enjoy the adventurous Legos. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence throughout the film. Depending on the child, I recommend this film for kids ages 7 and up.
That Awkward Moment-Teen Movie Review
“So, where is this going?” That’s the question that Jason hates, and that’s when he decides to end it with a girl he happens to be dating, or just sleeping with. This is the story about three best friends from college, now in their twenty’s and working in New York City. Jason (Zac Efron) is a lady’s man who fears commitment, Daniel (Miles Teller) is Jason’s “wingman” who always helps him find his next girl, and then there’s Mikey. Mikey is a doctor who thought he found true love, but caught his wife cheating on him. After hearing Mikey’s news the three boys make a pact to avoid a serious relationship. They want to be carefree, play video games, and pick up girls at the bars. Initially this plan sounds great to the boys… but is it really what these college graduates want? That Awkward Moment is a R-rated comedy about the awkward moments of dating and relationships.
Rating: 2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 13, 2014
MPAA Rating: R
Best Age Group: 17+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol: Moderate
Will it Appeal to Teens? No
Talking Points:
These three singles guys, especially Jason, lie to women and treat them poorly, however they ultimately learn their lesson and quickly mature. They find out what’s important in a relationship and how to treat respectfully treat women.
This film seems as though it would appeal to teens; with Zac Efron, from the High School Musical series, Seventeen Again and many other popular pre-teen films, and Miles Teller from Footloose. However, the plot is boring and not much too it. This could have been a really good movie like St. Elmos Fire from the 80’s, though it’s not entertaining and not well done.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- We see several couples in a sexual encounter, though their private parts are covered we see explicit sexual motions.
- Jason (Zac Efron) goes to a party wearing a dildo attached to the outside of his pants.
- There are sexual references regarding oral sex, masturbation, condoms, pornography and male and female private parts, throughout the whole movie.
- The three guys in the film take Viagra before having sex; there are many jokes about that as well.
Violent Content: Mild
- One character punches another.
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
- The f-word, “sh-t,” “p—,” “d-nm” ,”b–tard,” “d–k,” “p—y,” and “c–k,” are said throughout the whole movie.
Drugs and Alcohol: Moderate
- The characters socially drink throughout the film.
Will it Appeal to Teens? No
That Awkward Moment is an R-rated comedy, which is not that funny. See Anchorman 2 instead! Parents need to be aware of the excessive language and moderate sexual and alcohol contents.
Ride Along-Teen Movie Review
“Show me you deserve my sister.” That’s what police officer James Payton (Ice Cube) says to his sister’s boyfriend, Ben (Kevin Hart). Ben is a security guard, but dreams of being cop. He plays enough Call of Duty-type video games, so he feels ready for the real thing. Ben is also in love with James’ sister, Angela ( Tika Sumpter), and asks for James’ blessing before proposing. However, it’s not that easy, in order to prove himself worthy of marrying his sister, James insists that Ben ride along for a twenty four hour patrol. So now Ben and James hit the streets of Atlanta while Ben desperately tries to impress his brother- in- law to be. Ride Along is a comedic film, with a lot of action and adventure.
Rating: 2 and 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: April 15, 2014
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
Will it Appeal to Kids? Yes
Talking Points:
There aren’t any life lessons or encouraging messages in the film, however it is funny and entertaining.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- We see Ben and his girlfriend kissing in bed together.
- Ben’s girlfriend texts him to hurry home because she’s “horny.”
- Guys were making sexual noises, imitating a couple making love.
- There’s a scene in a strip club, we see woman in bikinis and revealing outfits.
- Ben’s gaming nickname is “Black Hammer.” There are sexual comments regarding that name.
Violent Content: Excessive
- During the ride along, in the rough areas of Atlanta, we see characters punched, kicked, beaten, shot and often killed.
- A character gets shot in the leg, we see him suffer, then shot to death.
- We see bloody injuries.
- Ben is a gamer, we see virtual characters beaten, shot and torn apart.
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
- The f-word is said once. We hear “sh-t,” “a–,” “b–ch,” “b–tard,” “d–n,” “p—y,” “h—,” throughout the film.
Drugs and Alcohol: Mild
- We see a drunk character holding a bottle of vodka.
- A high school student was about to skip school and go drinking with friends. Ben talks him out of it and explains how it could ruin his life.
Will it Appeal to Kids? Yes
Overall Ride Along is an action packed, comedic film. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence, language and sexual references in the movie.
Saving Mr. Banks
She loathes Disney products and the idea that wishes can make dreams come true, a well known Disney philosophy. She despises anything associated with Disney, even Mickey Mouse. This is the story about British writer P. L. Travers, the author of the beloved “Mary Poppins” books. It’s a story of how Walt Disney pursues Travers so he can turn the wonderful Mary Poppins creation into a magically Disney film. After twenty years he eventually succeeds, though it wasn’t easy. He discovers the truth about Travers’ horrid past, and learns how the magical English nanny came to be. Based on a true story. Saving Mr. Banks is a wonderful film, though it may not appeal to kids.
Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: December 18, 2014
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 14+
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol: Excessive
Will It Appeal to Kids? No
Talking Points:Saving Mr. Banks
Most people assume that this is a fun loving movie, after all Walt Disney is one of the main characters. However, Saving Mr. Banks is not necessarily for kids, though an amazing movie. The mature storyline of Travers’ life, and the trials and tribulations she faces during her childhood might not be something that would appeal to kids.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
- Travers’ mom tries to commit suicide. We see her walking out into deep water…it’s a creepy scene and may frighten young kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- We hear, “d-mn,” “h—,” and “g–d-mn.”
Drugs and Alcohol: Excessive
- Travers’ father is an alcoholic. We see flashbacks throughout the film of him drinking from bottles and flasks. In one scene he has a speaking engagement, and falls off the stage. He hurts his back, and becomes bedridden from then on. We see him lying in bed while coughing up blood.
- When Travers’ father was convalescing, he has his daughter get him his booze, calling it his “medicine.”
Will It Appeal to Kids? No
Overall this is a wonderful movie, one that adults will especially enjoy. Parents need to be aware of the excessive drug and alcohol content throughout the film.