Family
Family movie reviews
Sparkle Review
Three beautiful sisters, one named Sister, were raised as churchgoing girls who sang in the choir. One of the girls, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) had a gift for songwriting, and wanted to pursue her goal of becoming a singer/songwriter. The other two had beautiful voices as well and had their own dreams and goals. However their mother, Emma (Whitney Houston) wanted to keep her daughters on the straight and narrow; she did not want them to lead a life of fame. Eventually the three sisters secretly formed a singing group and became a Motown hit! Later, their fame and fortune brought on unforeseen difficulties and began to tear the family apart. Set in Detroit in the 1960’s, Sparkle is a musical drama about fame and the hardships that may come along with it.
Rating: 2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: November 30, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 16+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Will Kids Like It? No
Talking Points:
The movie highlights the values of faith, family and love. The three sisters were supportive of one another, and always tried to help each other through difficult times.
The movie notes that sometimes fame can destroy a person, as it did with one of the girls, Sister. However the film also suggests that if we use our gifts to benefit others, as Sparkle did, then it’s worth pursuing.
The girls had an unusual relationship with their mother, Emma (Whitney Houston). Emma had a difficult life and made some poor choices. She was adamant about her girls not following in their mother’s footsteps.
There are some disturbing abusive scenes, and disturbing images of drug use. This could spark some good parent/child conversations of making the right choices.
Adults will like the 1960’s music.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- The girls wear very revealing dresses while performing. Sister believes her sex appeal is the key to their success.
- While performing Sister has many seductive moves as she caressed her chest and thighs. The camera zoomed in on the girl’s hips and chests. Men in the audience are cheering.
- Sister and Satin (her abusive husband) kiss passionately and talk about making love. Sister straddles him on a chair and says she “horny.”
- We see couples kissing at night clubs.
Violent Content: Moderate
- There are two fist fights.
- We see bruises on Sister’s face, it’s noted that Satin (her husband) had abused her.
- We see Satin chasing Sister around the house, then whipping her with a belt.
- The girls get into a fight with Satin. One of the girls hits Satin on the head with a fireplace rod.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The s-word is said twice. “BS,” “d–n,” “h—,” and “a–,” are also used several times each.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
- Several character’s are shown smoking throughout the film.
- We see several characters’ drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Sister uses cocaine which we see on a mirror. It’s clear that she becomes addicted to the drug.
Overall I would say this is not a movie for kids. With the mature subject matter and images of drugs and physical abuse I would not recommend this for kids. Adults may find the storyline interesting, and enjoy the wonderful Motown tunes from the 1960’s.
Soul Surfer Review
This is story about Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) a 13 year old girl who was born to surf. She was an amazing surfer, and enjoyed her wonderful life in Hawaii. Bethany was constantly participating in national surf competitions with her best friend; that was her greatest passion in life, until the day everything changed. In 2003 Bethany lost her arm by a shark attack while surfing. Her dreams were shattered, but with the help of family and friends, and her strong faith, Bethany persevered , and was determined to be back in the water again. This is a heartwarming, true story about a courageous girl who is an inspiration to all, as she handles life’s difficulties with faith and determination! A great movie for the whole family!
Rating: Four out of five popcorn buckets.
Release Date: August 2, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
This is one of my favorite movies of the year! I loved the religious element of the film. Even though Bethany went through a very difficult time, her faith kept her going; she ultimately knew that something good would come out of this; she completely trusted God’s plan for her. She knew that God would take care of her. This could spark some great parent/child conversations.
I also loved the family dynamics. Her dad, mom, and two brothers were very loving and supportive, which helped her through this difficult time. She became stronger and better as she fought to get back in the water.
While in Thailand on a mission trip, Bethany realized that she has not suffered as much as others in the world. With the help of her youth group leader, Sarah (Carrie Underwood), Bethany helped people in Thailand who had lost loved ones in a tsunami in 2004. Another great lesson for our kids!
Sexual Content: Mild
- Teens wear skimpy bikinis, and bare backed shirts as there on the beach in Hawaii.
- Teens innocently flirt with each other.
Violent Content: Excessive
- The shark attack was very scary, and may disturb some kids. We saw a large pool of blood from Bethany’s shoulder, it may be hard for kids to see.
- The surfing can get intense. There were shots of struggling surfers in the water.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- There was a little name-calling like, “psycho,” but no swear words.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
This movie is a life lesson for everyone. Millions of people all over the world have seen her interviews and witnessed her strong faith and courage. I read that in an interview Bethany said, “We never know what life brings. Maybe there are some rough times for you now or in the future. I think that if you seek God first and focus on Him, you’ll be able to endure those struggles and hardships.”
I highly recommend this movie for kids ages 10+. If your kids are sensitive, they may be scared by the shark scene and the disturbing subject matter. However with the strong message of faith, and trust in God, when your kids do see it, there will be some great parent/child discussions…there were in my house!
The Smurfs Review
One would think that life as a Smurf would be trouble free, however, they have their share of problems too, especially when an evil wizard named Gargamel is after them. He absolutely hates the Smurfs, and wants to make their lives miserable. He eventually chases the adorable little blue creatures right out of their magical world, and right into the heart of Central Park. Now, stuck in New York, the Smurfs have to find a way back to their village, before the evil wizard captures them first.
Rating: Three out of five buckets.
Release Date: December 2, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
See a clip of my review here, review of Cowboys and Aliens too!
Talking Points:
The Smurfs are very nice and friendly to each other. They appreciate each others similarities and differences, and for the most part they have a peaceful life.
While in New York, The Smurfs stay with a nice young couple, who are expecting a baby. Believe it or not the Smurfs teach them to enjoy life, and not get so caught up with their crazy workload. It was sweet to see their relationship.
I liked the actors, to name a few; Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays (from Glee), and Sofia Vergara ( who plays Gloria in Modern Family).
There is some potty humor. In one scene Gargamel urinates in a bucket, at a nice restaurant.
Sexual Content: Mild
- One Smurf thanks another Smurf for holding his hand, he replies back Smurf, “That’s not my hand.”
Violent Content: Moderate
- Smurf’s smack each other.
- Gargamel is hit with by nuts and apples with needles in them.
- The Smurfs get slammed in a subway car door, beaten in a toy store, and even sucked up by a leaf blower.
- Gargamel and his cat are evil cruel characters, they may scare young kids.
Profane or Crude Language: Mild
- The d-word is used.
- They have their own language; characters say, “where the smurf are we?” “smurf me” “son of a smurf.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters are shown drinking champagne.
Overall this is a cute movie, one that kids should be entertained by. Parents may get a little bored, but close your eyes just a bit and you’ll be fine.
Shrek Forever After Review
“What if?” “The Grass Is Greener on the Other Side.” These are common thoughts that at some point in life, we’ve probably all wondered. Now that Shrek is a family man, with a wife and three kids, he’s longing for the days when he felt like a “real ogre.” The evil Rumpelstiltskin, happens to hear Shrek’s complaint, and persuades him to sign a magical contract, which takes Shrek back to his more exciting past. Suddenly Shrek is in an alternate version of Far Far Away. In this new land, wicked witches reign, ogres are hunted, Rumpelstiltskin is King, and sadly, Shrek and Fiona have never met. Now Shrek has to undo this terrible predicament that he put himself in.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: December 7, 2010
MPAA Rating: G
Best Age Group: Any Age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I thought this was a very creative way to end the Shrek adventures. Once Shrek’s life, that he had taken for granted, was gone, he realized the mistake he had made. There was a constant message to be content with your life, and realize the importance of family.
In the new version of Far Far Away, Fiona doesn’t know Shrek. When trying to win her over, Shrek discovers why he originally fell in love with her. Shrek said, “The best part of the day is I got to fall in love with you all over again.” This was so sweet and enduring.
The storyline with Puss in Boots was great. When I interviewed kids after the movie, they all mentioned how funny he was.
There are some violent scenes that may scare younger kids. For example;
The battles with the wicked witches and the ogres felt more intense, than the battles in the previous Shrek movies.
Rumpelstiltskin is a very evil, creepy character.
The witches are very cruel to Donkey, they continually whip him when he pulls their cart.
There is some potty humor; we see Shrek’s baby ogres burping and passing gas. Fiona constantly said, “Better out than in.”
Overall this is a wonderful family movie with a nice message of contentment. In the end Shrek realizes that the most important thing in life is being a good dad, and husband. A good message for us all. I give this movie five out of five buckets.
Shorts Review
The movie revolves around an 11 year old boy(Toby) who tells a series of short stories about his family, his community, and most importantly his magic “wishing rock” that he discovered. What initially seems to appear as a wonderful concept (always getting what you want), turns into complete mayhem. This rock not only changes the Toby’s life, but also his friends, family, and community.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: November 24, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
Talking Points:
Initially Toby is thrilled with the wishing rock, knowing he can get whatever he wants, but then he, and everyone who else gets the rock, realizes that selfish wishes cause more problems and aren’t worth it. Like the classic message “be careful what you wish for.”
Potty- gross humor throughout the movie.
There are many discussions about nose picking and booger eating.
A kids booger grows into a sloppy, gross monster.
Helvitica, the girl bully, eats Toby’s favorite fish from the fish tank.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
- Toby is constantly being picked on, his classmates dunk him in the trash can, punch him, while verbally abusing him. This could bring up good discussions with parents and their children about bullying.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Name-calling: Dr. Dumbutt, loser, idoit, and dork.
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
This movie was made for kids, not adults. I read in a review, which I thought was great, “Think of “Shorts” as “The Hangover” for 10 year olds. Many kids ages 5 to 9 will like the silly humor, while most adults will be bored!!!!!!!!
I give it 3 buckets.