Drama
Drama movie reviews
Captain America: The First Avenger Review
Steve Rogers ( Chris Evans ) a very weak, frail boy wanted nothing more than to enlist in the army during WWll; however, with his small size and poor health conditions, he was rejected several times. After seeing the horrific footage of the war, he was more determined than ever to fight for his country. Luckily for Rogers, a General overheard his request to enlist, so he offered him the opportunity to be apart of a special experiment, one that Rogers couldn’t refuse! They injected a serum into his muscles, which would stimulate growth and therefore he would have a perfect muscular body…and that he did!!! After a three month intensive training program, Rogers became Captain America. He had an indestructible shield and a costume with the American flag on it. Rogers, now known as Captain America, was the new hope for America; not only to win the war, but to save the world from an evil man who wanted to destroy the universe! Captain America: The First Avenger, was an exciting, action packed, patriotic movie based on Marvel Comics fictional character, from World War ll.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: October 25, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points:
I’m not a huge comic book fan, but I enjoyed this movie. The characters were very likable, especially Captain America. He was a humble, meek guy, who was bothered by the war, and wanted to help. He was also a very loyal friend, who would do anything for you. He said, “I don’t like bullies, I don’t care where they’re from.”
This movie, set during WWll, could spark some good parent/child conversations. During the film we saw footage from the war, and of people celebrating V E day. During the movie my daughter asked some questions regarding WWll. A little history lesson during summer vacation… not a bad thing!
Through all the action, there was a little romance to the story too, which I really liked.
Sexual Content: Mild
- A couple of kisses and innocent flirting.
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
- People were shot at, stabbed and punched throughout the movie.
- Many people died being thrown out of airplanes.
- The “bad guy” in the movie was scary looking. I don’t want to give too much of the movie away, but he had some evil ways and could really scare some kids.
- There were many explosions with characters being blown up.
- We see a character slowly dying, while foaming at the mouth.
Profane or Crude Language: Mild
- There may have been a couple of swear words, but nothing too bad.
Alcohol and Drug Content: Moderate
- There were characters drinking beer at a pub, getting a little tipsy.
- Other characters shown drinking cocktails throughout the film.
Overall this was a fun action packed movie. Parents need to know that there was a lot of violence and many intense scenes. If you’re comfortable with your kids seeing this type of movie, and they like action films, I would recommend it for kids ages 12 and up.
Big Miracle Review
“A highly improbable or extraordinary event,” that’s the definition of a miracle, and that’s what this movie is about. In a small Alaskan town, a news reporter (John Krasinski) spots 3 California gray whales trapped in a small circle of unfrozen water. Initially, the reporter is excited about his big news story, then gradually he starts to truly care for the whales survival. The White House, The National Guard, Eskimos, Greenpeace and other influential groups; even the Russians, get involved to help save the whales. Big Miracle is based on a true story, that captured the attention of millions of people all over the world.
Rating: 5 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: June 19, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
See a clip of my review here, along with “The Women In Black”
Talking Points:
This movie had an amazing cast; to name a few; John Krasinski, Drew Barrymore and Kristen Bell.
This was an educational movie that will spark some great parent/ child conversations. It makes many cultural and historical references throughout the film…ending with clip of a surprise shot of a former newscaster.
Not only was the movie interesting, it was exciting; wondering if the whales will be rescued.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
- We see gouges and scrapes on the whales; from using their snouts to break the ice.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- We hear “b-tard,” “a–,” “jack a–,” “holy crap,” and d–n.”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- We see characters drink alcohol in a couple of scenes. It’s obvious that one character is drunk.
Overall this is a wonderful, educational movie for the whole family. Having said that parents need to be aware of the moderate profanity throughout the film. I recommend this for kids ages 8 and up.
Beastly Review
“People like people who look good, whoever doesn’t is either dumb or ugly.” That’s what teenage hunk Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) believes; he says, image is everything. Kyle’s got it all, (so he thinks); he’s popular, cute, comes from a wealthy family, and is now running for class president. Things change dramatically for Kyle when he insults his classmate, Kendra, who’s a witch. She casts a spell on him; and transforms him into a bald, tattooed and scar covered teenage boy. The witch tells him that he has a year for someone to fall in love with him, and then the spell will be permanent. Now we see how this once arrogant boy turns into a humble, considerate person who seeks out love.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: March 4, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
See a clip of my review here, along with the Rango review too!
Talking Points
• This is a teen version of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. There are many nice messages, that teens could learn from. Kyle begins to truly care for people, even his housekeeper, Zola, whom he was initially very disrespectful to. He feels sorry for his tutor, who’s blind, and eventually wants to help him. He also falls in love with Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), who comes from a dysfunctional family. Kyle protects her from her dad’s drug dealer.
• Even though the movie was a little sappy and predictable, there were some humorous parts. Kyle’s tutor (Neil Patrick Harris), had a lot of funny one-liners.
Sexual Content: Mild
This is a PG13 movie, and in my opinion, parents won’t feel uncomfortable with their pre-teens/teens going to this movie.
• Initially, when Kyle is good-looking we learn from Facebook that he’s promiscuous. He writes on his profile that he’s interested in “anything that’s bangable.”
• There’s some kissing, but that’s about it.
Violent Content: Mild
• In one scene we see Lindy’s father in a confrontation with his drug dealer, they get into a fight, but nothing too scary or violent.
Crude and Profane Language: Excessive
• There are bits of profanity throughout the movie; such as “s*#t” , “a$$”, “d%$m” and “b$%&h”.
Here are some fun quotes that I got from kids that I interviewed after the movie:
• “That movie made me want to barf, eat it, and barf again.” (Eleven year-old boy).
• “I loved it because of the guy.” (Teenage girl).
• “It was funny, cute and romantic.” (Teenage girl).
Clearly this is a teenage girl movie, the girls even clapped at the end of the movie. Overall this teen romance is about humility, and caring for others. I read that, “Beastly tells us that humility is a virtue, that true love is a nifty thing and that beauty is far more than what you see in the mirror. These values are like the story, timeless”. That sums it up! I recommend Beastly for girls ages 11 and up.
Battleship Review-Teen Movie Review
“You sank my battleship!” Even though they don’t say that in the movie, it’s a familiar phrase from Milton Bradley’s classic naval combat game…Battleship; and now it’s on the big screen! Lieutenant Alex Hopper (Taylor Kitsch) also known as Tim Riggins from the TV series Friday Night Lights, is intelligent and handsome; but makes poor decisions. He’s 26, his car won’t start, and he sleeps on his brother’s couch, who’s a commander in the Navy. Alex’s life dramatically changes when his brother convinces him to join Navy and get his life in order; so that’s what Alex does. Things start out a little slow, an admiral even tells him, “You’ve got skills, but I’ve never seen anyone waste them like you!” However when the world is attacked by an army of aliens, Alex takes command with hopes to save the world. Battleship is a sci-fi, action/ adventure film, one that boys will love, though it’s very violent!
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 18, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content:Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Talking Points:
Alex went from a guy who didn’t care about much, to someone who became passionate about helping people, and saving the world. He was a great character and role model for kids. Good eye candy for moms!
One of the soldiers lost his legs during the war, he felt insecure about his handicap, though he become a key part in helping his country.
Alex and his brother have a strong relationship, which ultimately helps Alex become a true hero. Another great thing for kids to see.
At the end of the film a group of 80 year-old men help Alex and company save the world from the alien invasion. This was a great, motivating scene!
Rihanna was not the best actress, I think she should stick to singing.
Sexual Content:Mild
- Alex’s girlfriend wears low-cut, revealing shirts.
- In one scene Alex’s girlfriend straddles him, while not wearing much, as we see them passionately kiss.
Violent Content:Excessive
- There are several ships that sink, we see hundreds of people die.
- The alien’s weapons could tear through metal, which would ultimately sink our ships.
- This was a very loud movie, with many massive explosions throughout the film.
- Aliens and humans engage in fistfights.
- We hear screams of several victims.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- “S–t,” “b–ch,” “b-tard,” “d-mn,” and “a-s,” are said throughout the film.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Character’s are shown in a bar drinking shots and beer.
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Overall this is an action packed violent film that boys will love, however parents need to be aware of the continuous violence. Depending on the child, I feel the movie is appropriate for kids ages 12 and up.
Amelia Review
“Amelia” is based on biographies The Sound of Wings, and East to the Dawn. It’s the story of Amelia Earhart, the first women to fly across the Atlantic, and one of America’s major celebrities of the 1930’s. As a child in Kansas she became obsessed with flying after seeing a plane flying close the ground. She was determined to make her dream come true, which was to fly. The movie shows a series of events in her life which leads to her final flight. In the summer of 1937 Amelia took on a flight around the world, which became one of the most talked about journeys in history.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: February 2, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Amelia had a lot of wonderful qualities that young girls will admire. Failure was not an option for Amelia. She was determined, hard working, and had a thrill for danger. While her first flight across the Atlantic made her famous, and an inspiration, Earhart was dissatisfied, because she was the passenger, not the pilot, so she took the dangerous journey solo.
Amelia was a role model for many young women in her life. Her courage, passion and perseverance proved to other woman that they should follow their dreams, no matter people say. She was even an inspiration to Eleanor Roosevelt.
The scenery, especially while flying, was absolutely gorgeous.
Amelia became the first person to make the flight across the Atlantic since Charles Lindburgh, so her nickname became “ Lady Lindy.”
Like anything, hard work leads to success. She had to work hard to keep up her expensive life style of flying. It was the commercial endorsements that her husband set up, which helped fund her flying, this was stressed throughout the movie.
While the movie did not get the best reviews, I enjoyed it, and so did many people in the theatre. One reviewer said, “Despite Earhart’s extraordinary life, the movie about her feels all too ordinary”.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Though very famous and well liked, she had some personal problems. She had feelings for another man, a fellow pilot, with whom she had an affair. This scene was uncomfortable and disappointing, because she was such a role model. In the end she realizes how important marriage is, and sticks with her loving and supportive husband.
Violent Content: Mild
- During some of the flights, there were some scary scenes.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The a-word, d-word are used.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters were drinking in many scenes.
The movie may bore younger kids, and there’s probably not enough action for boys, though it’s a great, educational movie for girls ages 11 and up. There’s the repeated message to follow your dreams, while remaining down to earth and humble. I give it 3 1/2 buckets.