Fantasy

Fantasy movie reviews

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies-Teen Movie Review

“A woman is either highly trained or highly refined. One cannot be both in such times,” said Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James). Set in the 19th century England, the film centers around the four Bennet sisters, all who have been highly trained to kill zombies. In the quiet English village where they live, the dead are coming back to life to terrorize the land and it’s people. Elizabeth Bennet (Lily James) is the determined sister who desperately wants to destroy the zombies, however she is distracted by the arrogant Mr. Darcy (Sam Riley). Between the romances, the sword fights and the zombies, the Bennet sisters and their suitors come together to try and save their country.

Rating: 4 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: May 31, 2016
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

This is a very unique film and interesting film. Though very violent, teens who have read Jane Austen’s book, Pride and Prejudice, and those who also like zombies movies/ TV shows, will be highly entertained by this film.

Sexual Content: Mild

The women where revealing dresses, we see a lot of cleavage.
We see several couples kiss.
As the Bennet girls strap their knives in their boots, we see their lacy undergarments and bare legs.

Violent/Disturbing Content:

We see numerous grotesque battle scenes with the undead zombies. Creatures are stabbed, slaughtered, thrown in ovens to be baked alive, and blown up.
The zombies are scary looking creatures, their faces are bloody and deformed.
Humans fight as well, we see several brutal scenes. Character’s are shown hitting and kicking one other. We see several sword fights.
A man is shown choking a girl, she finally fights back and throws him into a pillar.
We see bodies of soldiers with holes in their heads, as someone stole their brains.
After too much alcohol consumption, Mrs. Bennet bites her daughter.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

We hear “b–tard,” and “h–l.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Characters are shown drinking at a ball. Mrs. Bennet drinks too much and gets drunk.

Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

I interviewed some teenagers, ages 16 and up, who loved the film. They’re fans of the TV series, The Walking Dead, and loved the zombie aspect of 19th century movie.

Overall Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is an entertaining film for those who like zombie movies. Parents need to be aware of the excess violence. Depending on the child, I recommend this for kids ages 13 and up.

The 5th Wave-Kids’ Movie Review

Cassie Sullivan (Chloe Grace Moretz) is a happy teenage girl living in Ohio. She’s close with her family, has a wonderful best friend, and has a crush on the school jock. However, things dramatically change as a series of alien attacks attempt to destroy the planet with earthquakes, tsunamis and a deadly strain of bird flu. As Cassie is separated from her family she ventures out to find her younger brother Sam (Zachary Arthur), which eventually leads her to a handsome young man named Evan (Alex Roe). Together she and Evan fight to stay alive as the aliens prepare for the 5th attack. Based on the best selling young adult novel, The 5th Wave is an entertaining and suspenseful film.

Rating: 3 and 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 3, 2016
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

Though there are billions of casualties throughout the film the main characters risk their lives to try and save the innocent victims.
The mature subject of loved ones dying is highlighted in the film.

Sexual Content: Mild

A character is shown bathing in a lake. We see him waist up.
Two teens kiss which eventually leads them to the back seat of a car. They wake up fully clothed.
There’s talk of “end of the world sex.”

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

Kids in the film are forced to wear trackers which are injected in the backs of their necks. The devices can only be removed by slicing open ones skin. This was disgusting too.
There are numerous deaths throughout the film. The first wave knocks airplanes out of the sky, causing explosions. The 2nd wave triggers floods worldwide, and the 3rd wave, a bird flu, leaves several dead bodies lying around.
Cassie gets shot in the leg and we see a lot of blood seeping through her jeans. Later, Evan stitches her leg back to health. This was a graphic scene as we see a lot of blood and her open wound.
We see numerous characters shot and killed.
A woman’s head crashes through a glass window. A guy gets punched in the throat.

Crude or Profane Language: Moderate

We hear the f-word once. We also hear “sh-t,” “h—,” and “a–.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Cassie and her drink at a party. It’s assumed they’re alcoholic beverages.

Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

Overall this is an intense drama. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violent content.

Krampus-Kids’ Movie Review

The Christmas season is a festive time of year to be with loved ones. However, for Max (Emjay Anthony), a pre-teen boy, things aren’t that wonderful. He misses the days when his family was happy and didn’t argue, but when he loses the Christmas spirit and has given up hope, Max’s world changes completely. Krampus, an enormous goat-like creature, and his creepy clan of toys, elves and gingerbread cookies arrive at Max’s house. His German Grandmother is familiar with the Krampus legend and says, “Krampus came not to reward, but to punish.” Not to give, but to take.” Now Max and his family must forget their differences and bond together to save one another and bring back the Christmas spirit.

Rating: 2 and 1/2 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: April 26, 2016
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

Krampus is a strange but thought provoking Christmas film. The wise German Grandmother tells the family that Krampus took everyone in her family after WWII except her. She said, “He left me as a reminder of what happens when hope is lost, when belief is forgotten, and when the Christmas spirit dies.” Grandma also explains to the family that the true meaning of Christmas is to focus on others’ needs, not our own selfish desires. Great parent/child discussion.
Though there are some wonderful messages, the film is very dark and creepy. See violent content below:

Sexual Content: Mild

There’s a joke about squirrels “playing with their nuts.”

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

A group of kids get into a fight wrestling and tackling one another.
Krampus is a very large and very creepy beast. When he invaded Max’s house, he brought with him evil stuffed animals and toys, creepy elves and wicked gingerbread cookies.
We see huge angels with bloody teeth, bears and clowns who try to devour the family. Sadly they do eat a child.
A baby is kidnapped.
Gingerbread cookies attack Uncle Howard with a nail gun.
A character is shown hanged by Christmas lights, then cut down.
The humans fight back and continuously shoot the evil creatures.
We see Krampus dropping two children into a deep fiery pit.

Crude or Profane Language: Excessive

The f-word is said twice. We also hear “sh-t,” “d–n,” “b–tard,” “a–,” “a–hole,” “d–k,” and “b–ch.”

Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate

We see a teenage boy holding a Christmas bong.
Aunt Dorothy likes her alcohol. She shows three tweens how to make her favorite concoction of peppermint schnapps with hot chocolate; then offers the drinks to the tweens.

Will kids/ Teens Like It? Yes

Krampus will appeal to kids that like horror films.

Overall Krampus is a scary and creepy horror film. However, there are some redeeming qualities and noteworthy messages for kids. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence and crude language throughout the film. Depending on the child, Krampus is appropriate for kids ages 13 and up.

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2-Teen Movie Review

Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) is known as the Mockingjay…she’s the face of the revolution and a symbol of hope. After living under the horrific conditions of the totalitarian ruled country of Panem, Katniss and her closest friends; Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), Gale (Liam Hemsworth) and Finnick team up to accomplish the courageous mission they’ve always hoped to do…assassinate their cruel and evil dictator, President Snow (Donald Sutherland). They face many challenging obstacles as they attempt to free millions of innocent victims from the corrupt government of Panem. The Hunger Games: Mockingjay-Part 2 is the fourth film in a trilogy book series by Suzanne Collins.

Rating: 4 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: March 22, 2016
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Teens Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

Katniss is determined to kill President Snow, she and her friends sacrifice their lives to improve the lives of millions of people.
Among all the violence in the war-torn area of Panem, there is a sweet love story between Katniss and Peeta. Peeta was tortured and corrupted by the government, which turned him against Katniss. She cares for him and teaches him what’s real.

Sexual Content: Mild

We see character’s kissing.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

Katniss and her group are in several life threatening situations. In one scene they are underground and a pool of oil comes pouring out at them.
Katniss’ team is attacked and eaten alive by frightening zombie type creatures.
We see numerous characters being shot, stabbed and blown up.
There are several scenes that are hard to watch. One in particular when President Snow corals a massive group of people outside the Capitol. He kills them by setting off bombs. Initially we hear screaming children, then we see dead bodies everywhere, woman and children…which was very disturbing.
We see bloody wounds and bruises on Katniss’ neck and stomach.

Crude or Profane Language: None

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

We see character’s drinking champagne at a party.
Katniss is given a morphine drip. Another character takes the tube out of Katniss’ arm and sticks it in her own…admitting she’s been looking for drugs.

Will Teens Like It? Yes

Overall The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 is a very dark and violent film. Parents need to be aware of the excessive violence throughout the film. Depending on the child, this is appropriate for kids ages 13 and up.

Goosebumps-Kids’ Movie Review

Moving to a new city can be difficult, especially for a teenage boy whose father had just passed away. Zach Cooper (Dylan Minnette) is upset about moving from New York City to a small town in Delaware. Though things quickly change when Zach meets his beautiful new neighbor, Hannah (Odeya Rush). Zach discovers that Hannah’s father is R. L. Stine (Jack Black), the author of the bestselling “Goosebumps” series. Things get exciting when Zach accidentally releases the monsters from R. L. Stine’s novels. Now Zach’s boring small town becomes an adventurous city. Goosebumps is a thrilling Halloween film, especially for pre-teens.

Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: January 26, 2016
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Will Kids Like It? Yes

Talking Points:

R. L. Stine, known as the “Stephen King of children’s literature,” is an author that kids and tweens are very familiar with. Goosebumps is a creative film, one that will most likely appeal to Stine’s fans. Parents need to be aware of the violent parts that will scare young kids.

Sexual Content: Mild

A teenage couple kiss.
Innocent flirting.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive

The first monster to escape is the Abominable Snowman. He destroys an ice rink’s scoreboard, a Zamboni and a vending machine. He chases some teenagers as well.
We see close-up of snarling werewolves, which may scare youngsters.
A werewolf chases a group of teenagers through a grocery store.
A praying mantis grabs a boy through a school window. Later we see him in a neck brace.
Humans fight with ceramic gnomes, smashing them to the ground.
A monster closes a typewriter case on Stine’s finger, breaking most of them.
Aliens freeze most of the townspeople.
We see a group of half-decomposed zombies at a cemetery.
A group of monsters attend a high school dance, scaring the students.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

“H—,” said once.

Drug and Alcohol Content: None

Will Kids like it? Yes

Overall this is a fun, though scary, Halloween film. Great for tweens who like scary movies.