Drama
Drama movie reviews
Premium Rush Review
Riding the streets of Manhattan on a bike at 50mph with no breaks is better than sitting in an office all day. That’s what Wilee (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) believes. Wilee is a bike messenger, a guy in his twenties who loves his job. Though the money isn’t great, the thrill is, and that’s what keeps him going. However things dramatically change the day he picks up an envelope to deliver. It starts out like an average day; but things rapidly go downhill when he finds out the envelope has something extremely important in it, which attracts the interest of the villain, Detective Monday. Now Wilee is on the run (on a bike), continuously being chased by police, while hoping to find the significance of the envelope. Premium Rush is an action drama, one with a lot of violence and a lot profanity.
Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: December 21, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language:Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Talking Points:
Wilee is a good, likable character. He’s a simple guy who enjoys the rush of riding his bike through the big city. He risks his life to protect a woman and her child.
The action and premise of the film will appeal to boys, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt (the actor who played Wilee) will attract teenage girls.
I did not like the fact that the villain in the film is a detective. He is a cruel and controlling man. Kids should know they can trust a police officer, and not feel threatened by him. He was also addicting to gambling.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Two characters passionately kiss.
- After an intense bike chase, a women says, “That was the most fun I ever had with my clothes on!” I heard kids laughing in the theater.
Violent Content: Excessive
- While Wilee and other bike messengers ride their bikes through Manhattan, we see several bike crashes. The bikers smash into gates, fall off their bikes, hit vehicles, and tumble over railings. We see many cuts and bloody wounds.
- In one scene Wilee envisions different bike routes he might take to avoid a crash. We see some disturbing scenarios; one with Wilee smashing into a baby carriage, one with a truck running over a pedestrian, and another with Wilee bouncing on the hoods of 3 cars. These visions may disturb young kids!
- Detective Monday is the villain. He’s a vicious character; he beat a man to death, grabbed a woman by the neck and threatened to kill her, and physically abused Wilee as well.
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
- The f-word was said once. There was swearing throughout the whole film, words such as, “sh-t,” “d–n,” “h—,” “a–,” “b–tard,” “b–ch,” “douche bag,” and “balls” were said.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- We see characters in a bar drinking.
Will Kids Like It? Yes
- Kids will like the suspense and the bike chases.
Kids, especially boys, will most likely enjoy this film. However, parents need to be aware of the disturbing violent scenes, and the excessive profane language used throughout the film. Depending on the child, I feel this is appropriate for kids ages 13 and up.
People Like Us Review
Sam (Chris Pine), is a handsome, smooth talking salesman living in New York. However, things aren’t going so smoothly for Sam. The day his latest business deal falls through, is the same day he’s told his estranged father has passed away. Reluctantly returning home to L.A., Sam settles his father’s estate, and also discovers that his father has a second family. Sam not only has to tend to his grieving mother, (Michelle Pfeiffer) but he also has to carry out his deceased father’s last wishes: finding his sister and her son (whom he didn’t know he had) and giving them their family inheritance. Now, the newly found siblings re-examine their lives while evaluating the obscure family dynamics of which their father left behind. People Like Us is an emotional family drama; because of the mature subject matter, this film might not appeal to kids; however adults may find it interesting and heart-warming.
Rating: 1 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: October 2, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 16+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Will Kids Like It? No
See a clip of my review here!
See the trailer here!
Talking Points:
Initially when Sam wanted to keep the money that was left for his sister, and go back to New York. However, he does the right thing, and fulfills his father’s wish while also developing a special relationship with his sister and her son. In a very emotional scene Sam says to Frankie, “Let me be your brother.”
The acting was great; with Chris Pine, Michelle Pfeiffer and Elizabeth Banks having the lead roles.
Frankie’s son was very disrespectful and mouthy to his mother. This could spark some good parent/ child conversations of what not to do.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- Frankie, Sam’s sister, works as a bartender. She frequently wears revealing, low cut tops, and tight skirts while flirting with her customers.
- One restless night, Frankie goes to a neighbor’s apartment, pulls up her skirt, and they have a sexual encounter.
- There are many sexual conversations as Frankie tells Sam about her former days of random sex.
- Frankie tries to kiss Sam, not knowing he’s her brother.
Violent Content: Mild
- When Sam reveals the truth to Frankie, she reacts violently by hitting Sam.
- We see scenes where Frankie’s 11 year old son is bullied in school.
- Frankie’s son drops a sodium ball in the school pool, which causes an explosion.
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
- Frankie’s 11 year old son swears a lot in the film, including the f-word. “D–n,” “a–,” and “h–,” were also said throughout the film.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
- Sam drinks a lot of alcohol throughout the film. He’s shown drunk and passed out as well.
- We see an attic filled with bottles of alcohol, and a cabinet full of prescriptions drugs.
- We see Sam and his mom smoking marijuana.
Will Kids Like It? No
- As I previously mentioned, with the mature subject matter, kids may get bored.
Overall People Like Us is a heart-warming story about a dysfunctional family, however, not an appropriate film for kids. Mature teenagers may find the film interesting, but because of the excessive profane language, and drug and alcohol content; along with the moderate sexual content, I don’t recommend this film for kids. The Avengers, and Men in Black 3 are films your pre-teens and teens may want to see at the theater. Brave and Madagascar are great for younger kids!
New Year’s Eve Review
New Year’s Eve follows the intertwining story lines of several characters over the course of one day…New Year’s Eve. Throughout the movie viewers are introduced to a number a different characters, all played by famous actors, and their various New Year’s Day circumstances. The film highlights the positive aspects of the new year; with hope, love and forgiveness as its central theme. Whether you’re on a date or out with friends, this is a fun, light hearted movie, with wonderful messages to start the new year out right!
Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 1, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12 and up
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I loved the different story lines and relationships in the film. From the terminally ill elderly man, who wanted to see the ball drop with his daughter, to the teenage girl who hoped to get a New Year’s kiss at Times Square; all the stories were filled with hope and anticipation for upcoming year.
New Year’s Eve is very similar to last year’s holiday-themed film, Valentine’s Day, with Garry Marshall directing both films. However, this movie is a lot cleaner, and much more appropriate.
There is an all-star cast, to name a few; Hilary Swank, Robert DeNiro, Halle Berry, Michelle Pfeiffer, Zac Efron, and Jon Bon Jovi.
Sexual Content: Mild
There are some some mild sexual references:
- Immediately following a wedding, the newlyweds say their casual sex days are over.
- Two women flirt with a guy at a party. One says she wants to be the women from behind him, while the other says she wants to be the women in front.
- A character comments on her “years of make-up sex,” with her boyfriend.
Women wear tight dresses with cleavage.
Many characters kiss, of course on New Year’s Eve.
Violent Content: Mild
- One character is nearly hit by a car, while another character drives off the road and damages his car.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
The a-word, h-word and b-word are each used several times.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Characters are shown drinking at parties and bars.
I brought three girlfriends to this film; it was a great way to spend the afternoon. As I previously mentioned the movie has some wonderful themes of hope, love and forgiveness which were portrayed throughout the film. New Year’s Eve is a PG13 movie that parents can feel comfortable sending their pre-teens and teenagers to this holiday season.
Twilight Saga: New Moon Review
“New Moon” is based on the best-selling books by Stephanie Meyer. The love story continues between mortal Bella Swan and the handsome, mysterious vampire Edward Cullen. However, in this second movie of the Twilight series Edward realizes that Bella will never be safe as long as he’s around, so following Bella’s 18th birthday party Edward makes the difficult decision to leave his true love. After his abrupt departure Bella is in a deep depression, but is comforted by her family friend Jacob. She then develops a very strong friendship with Jacob and becomes once again drawn into danger, but this time, not only with vampires, but also werewolves. Now the love triangle begins, there is more danger and suspense for Bella and her family.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: March 20, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
This is a story about losing a loved one, which most people go through at some point in life. No matter if it’s loss from a terrible break up, loss of grandparent or even a family pet, most young teenagers will be able to identify with Bella’s sadness. This movie may trigger some good discussions on how to deal with hardships in life, something that Bella had a hard time with.
On the MTV website they listed five reasons why the Twilight sequel is an improvement to the original movie, and I agree with what they said. The five reasons are:
1) The Acting is Better.
2) It Looks Great- This movie is more believable because of the bigger budget.
3) It sets up “Eclipse” perfectly, it leaves you wanting more.
4) The New Characters Rock-Dakota Fanning is a great job of playing an evil character.
5) The Line has been Walked- The fan base will be pleased, thanks to the new director.
The soundtrack is amazing.
Younger kids may find it a little disturbing when Bella screams at night, while having nightmares.
Sexual Content: Mild
- As in the first movie, at night Edward sneaks into Bella’s bedroom. Jacob does too in this movie. Another topic that parents could discuss with their teenage daughters.
- Bella and Edward kiss passionately.
Violent Content: Moderate
- There were some violent scenes especially when Edward and the Volturi(another group of vampires) were fighting.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The h-word is used several times and the d-word. “Fricken is used referring to the f-word.
Drugs and Alcohol Content:
- Bella’s dad drinks beer.
Fun Facts:
Taylor Lautner(Jacob) is from Grand Rapids. He lived in Hudsonville until 2003 then his family moved to LA to pursue his acting career. He is also a U of M fan, and tries to be a Detroit Lion’s fan.
Launter was almost dropped from the “New Moon” cast because the new director didn’t think he could fill out Jacob’s superhuman dimensions. Lautner locked himself in the gym until he fit the part.
Ever since the book was published in 2006, fans have been declaring themselves members of either Team Edward or Team Jacob. Lautner(Jacob) says, “We all get along great, and we’re in this together.” Robert Pattinson(Edward) said, “this is Lautner’s movie.”
After the movie I interviewed people in the audience. When I asked people’s opinions of the movie the comments were, “excellent, very very good, loved it, it was awesome.” That says it all, I’m giving it 5 buckets, appropriate for girls(and their moms) ages 11 and up.
The Lovely Bones Review
“The Lovely Bones” is based on the 2002 bestselling novel by Alice Sebold. This is the story of the murder of a 14 year-old girl named Susie Salmon. She lives happily in a suburban neighborhood in Pennsylvania with her parents and 2 younger siblings. She tells us her story by narrating everything that happens from “in-between” somewhere between earth and heaven. Susie watches her family and friends heal from their loss and search for her killer.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: April 20, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Talking Points:
As parents we always tell our kids, “Don’t talk to strangers.” Well, in this movie the murderer is a neighbor, someone who she knows and trusts. When the neighbor wants to show Susie something that he made for the neighborhood kids, Susie is curious, but a little apprehensive, though she follows him, and that’s the beginning of the end for Susie. This could bring up a good discussion with kids about safety and to follow their instincts.
Parents will relate to what Susie’s parents are going through. Her dad is determined to find the killer, and her mom is in denial, sealing off Susie’s bedroom. Their marriage is also strained from the stress of this horrific event in their lives.
The movie is entertaining at times. Susie’s grandma (Susan Sarandon), who enjoys her liquor, adds some humor to the movie as she demonstrates her terrible housekeeping skills when she comes to take care of the kids.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- There’s no indication that Susie gets raped, as she does in the novel, and her murder occurs off screen, but knowing what happened is creepy.
Violent Content: Excessive
- The movie was scary, I was on edge in most of the scenes. However, I read that the movie was intentionally made less upsetting for teens.The movie will scare some teenage girls. As viewers, they will get to know Susie from the various flashbacks in the movie that show her interest in photography, her crush on a boy at school, and her day to day life with her parents and siblings. Teenage girls will see that Susie is a normal teenager and that they can relate to her in some aspects of their own lives. Like the author, Alice Sebold, said, “No one is immune from violence, it touches everyone.” The novel, in which the movie based on, arose from the author’s own experience with violence, her rape as and 18 year old girl.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
- Susie’s grandma is an alcoholic and drinks a lot throughout the movie.
I’m not a fan of scary movies, for myself or my kids, so the movie did not appeal to me. However, I liked the characters, and I appreciated the fact that we didn’t see the gory details of the actual murder. If your unsure about the movie, I would view it first before allowing your kids to see it. It’s rated PG13 for disturbing violent content and images.
My 13 year old daughter and her 2 friends saw the movie. They all liked it, but thought it was scary. My daughter did not sleep well the night after she saw the movie. I rate it three buckets with the recommendation, as I mentioned, that parents see it first.