Kids
Mr. Popper’s Penguins Review
When you get a package in the mail it’s typically a book, clothing, or some sort of electronic device, but not for Tom Popper. Tom (Jim Carrey) is a high-powered business man, who’s divorced with two kids. He’s more concerned about his job, and never missing an important meeting than his teenage daughter and son. However, things change when he inherits six penguins from his deceased father. Now Tom discovers his true emotions through these six annoying, but loving penguins. He bonds with his ex-wife, and gradually learns how to communicate with his daughter, and son. Mr. Popper’s Penguins is an entertaining, fun movie is based on a 1939 children’s book.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: December 6, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points
Initially Tom doesn’t have the best relationship with his children, it’s not that he doesn’t love them, he just has a hard time expressing it. We all know that dealing with teens can be challenging at times. I’m not quite sure getting penguins is the way to go, but it worked for Tom. He realized that his kids were a lot more important than any job.
Tom was not allowed to have pets in his New York apartment, so he lied to his neighbors, denying that the penguins were his; he even bribed the door man not to tell anyone about his secret. He lied in other difficult situations too; there were little or no consequences, not a great thing for kids to see.
This is a sweet, innocent movie that kids will be entertained by, however parents may get a little bored by the storyline, and silly humor…I did.
There was a lot of potty humor used throughout the movie, with bird droppings as the main source of humor. In one scene, Tom held each bird up over the toilet so they can do their thing…the kids found this to be funny.
Sexual Content: Mild
• Tom’s teenage daughter talks a lot about her love life dilemmas, and how to deal with boys.
• Slight innocent flirting between Tom and his ex-wife.
Violent Content: Mild
• The penguins crash a fancy cocktail party, they cause a little mayhem while people were tripping over them, and things were falling all over the place.
• Tom and the zookeeper argue and fight.
Crude/Profane Language: Mild
• “Freakin” and “What the…..?” is used.
Overall this is a sweet, innocent movie, one for kids of any age. It’s probably not a movie they’ll remember and talk a lot about, but they will be entertained while in the theater.
Monsters vs. Aliens Review
Susan, a cute California girl,(voice of Reese Witherspoon), is hit by a meteorite on her wedding day, and grows to 49 feet, 11 inches tall. Then, the military takes her away to their secret compound as a government test subject, and that’s where she meets a group of monsters. Rather than destroying each other, Susan and the monsters become great friends, as they’re trapped together. They are finally released when an alien robot lands on Earth, and the President of the U.S. enlists the monsters to attack the Alien Robot, and save the world.
Rating: Three out of five buckets.
Release Date: September 29, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Initially the monsters seem scary and threatening to Susan, but as they become friends, the monsters transform into harmless, fun creatures. They love Susan, and will do anything for her, and Susan feels the same way about them.
The movie suggests lessons of friendship and self-sacrifice(it doesn’t matter what you look like). Susan’s parents are even supportive of her monster friends.
It’s a colorful animated action movie, with enjoyable characters and light humor.
The 3D affects were well-done.
Sexual Content: Mild
- When Susan starts to grow very tall, her wedding gown tears, though the dress stays on her, it looks like a revealing mini dress.
- Teenagers go parking at night, the girl wants to smooch a little, but they don’t, because a spaceship lands near them.
Violent Content: Mild
- Slight violence, especially when the alien robot destroy The Golden Gate Bridge, with cars and pedestrians on it.
- When the meteorite lands, it momentary crushes Susan.
Crude of Profane Language: Mild
- Exclamations are used, such as; “what the flagnod?” and “holy Cheez-Its!”
- OMG is used several times.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- One character mixes several bottles of alcohol, and makes a cocktail.
Adults may get bored, my friend saw it, and fell asleep. I also got a little bored so did my 11 and 12 year olds.
Mirror Mirror Review
“Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the fairest of them all?” Mirror Mirror is a comedic adaptation of the Snow White legend that we’re all familiar with. In this film, Julia Roberts is the evil Queen who steals control of a kingdom and becomes a ruthless, cruel ruler. However, things change when the seven courageous dwarfs help Snow White (Lily Collins) fight to reclaim her birthright, and also win the heart of her true love…Prince Alcott (Armie Hammer).
Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets.
Release Date: June 26, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I loved seeing the transformation of Snow White. She starts out as a meek child and turns into a respectable, strong, leader. With hard work and determination, she eventually believed in herself, and had the confidence to do the right thing. A great parent child conversation.
This was a very entertaining film for the whole family, as kids will enjoy the fun character’s and the colorful scenery. Along with action and suspense.
It was sad to see the towns people suffer as the Queen raised their taxes to buy lavish gowns, and throw amazing balls.
During a full body treatment, the Queen was stung by bees and scorpions, in addition to bird poop being smeared across her face. This was a disgusting scene.
Sexual Content: Mild
- The Queen gives Prince Andrew a love potion, which causes him to fall madly in love with the her. He jumps on her, pushes her onto the bed, while licking her face.
- Snow White passionately kisses the prince.
Violent Content: Moderate
- The evil Queen was on a mission to kill Snow White. She becomes very obsessed and cruel while trying to obtain her goal.
- There were many fist fights and sword fights throughout the film, though sometimes shown in a comedic way.
- Two character’s were captured by bandits and tied up, while hanging upside down. The prince and the Queen’s soldiers were attacked by the same villains. Even though violent, this was a silly, funny scene as well.
- Characters were attacked by a magical, large creature, which may scare younger kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- “Idiot,” and “jerk,” are said.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- One dwarf came home drunk after a night at a pub.
Overall this is a fun, action packed, entertaining movie for the whole family. Parents need to be aware of the moderate violence throughout the film. I recommend this for kids ages 8 and up.
Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted Review
Alex, Marty, Gloria and Melman have been traveling far too long; they’re ready to get back to their home town…New York! After leaving Africa they end up in Monte Carlo, where they find their gambling penguin buddies. So now they’re all ready to head back to the Big Apple, however things don’t go as planned. Capitaine Chantel DuBois, the evil French animal control officer, finds the animals, and desperately wants to capture Alex; hoping to add a lion’s head to her wall of captured animals. To escape the officer and get back home, they end up joining a traveling circus. Now Alex and the gang not only have to run from the evil officer, they also have to take part in helping a troubled traveling circus improve their show; with the ultimate goal of getting back to their beloved cages in the Central Park Zoo. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted is a wonderful, animated film for kids!
Rating: 4 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: June 8, 2012
MPAA Rating:PG
Best Age Group:5 +
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Talking Points
Not only is this a funny entertaining movie for kids, there are some great messages woven throughout the film. The animals continually try to help one other, by being supportive during their circus events, and trying to make it the best it can be.
Alex helps the circus’s animal leader overcome his fears. While giving him an inspirational talk, the Pomp and Circumstance march was playing in the background. This was a very motivating scene.
The 3D effects were very well done. Kids will like the vibrate colors in the film, and the fun circus acts.
The theater was packed; the kids were very attentive and laughed at the comedic parts of the film, however parents may get a little bored.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Two of the animals flirt with each other, and fall in love. While flirting one says, “Ooh, you have a very hairy back. I like that in a woman.
Violent Content: Moderate
- Animals crash through a glass ceiling in Monte Carlo, causing mayhem in a casino.
- There are car chase scenes as the Capitaine tries to capture the animals. We see vehicles tumbled and blown up, thrown through buildings.
- The Capitaine uses her dart pistol at the animals.
- A group of cute little dogs turns out to be a pack of mongrels. We see them fight with each other while threatening others.
- Knives are thrown
- The animals fight with the Capitaine. In one scene the bear hits her with a motorcycle wheel, she’s smashed between two elephants and falls unconscious off a raised platform.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- “Poopy,” and “heck” are said.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- When referring to a circus company, an animal says,” the members are drunk from their maple syrup.”
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Overall this is a fun animated movie for kids. Depending on the child, I recommend this film for kids ages 5 and up. Parents need to be aware of the slapstick moderate violence.
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa Review
In the beginning of the movie we see a recap of the 1st movie(how Alex is separated from his family, he goes from Africa to Central Park Zoo). When the story starts the four main characters are in Madagascar ready to board a broken down plane to New York. They don’t make it far, end up in the plains of Africa,( in the middle of an animal reserve where Alex’s mom and dad live). Many surprises happen there, good and bad.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: February 6, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Like the first one, the movie highlights the importance of friendship. I read a review by David Schwimmer(voice of Giraffe). He said a question that was being raised throughout the film was: “What is the definition of home? Is it Manhattan? Is it Africa? Is it Madagascar?” Home for those guys is each other. They’re loyal to each other. They have each other, that’s what counts.
After Alex is reunited with his mom and dad they discover how little he and his dad have in common. His dad learns to appreciate and respect his son. Alex is a dancer not a fighter. Main point is: value who you are, follow your dreams and be proud of who you are.
The four main characters have their own story(subplot).
Lion-(Alex) is trying to prove himself to his dad. Alex is named heir to the throne- if he can prove himself in a rite of passage that involves fighting another lion, he assumes it’s a dance contest.
Zebra-(Marty) Trying to find his individuality among a herd of zebras.
Hippo-(Gloria) looking for love. She meets Motto, Motto, which means hot, hot.
Giraffe(Melman) is in love with Gloria.
Sexual Content: Mild
- King Julian makes sexual comments such as “I’m a lady, which of you is attracted to me?’” (He’s wearing a coconut bra and skirt).
- Gloria says she wants to sign up for the breeding program. She and Moto Moto talk in low and sexy voices with each other.
Violent Content: Mild
- Lions battling each other.
- Humans are also stranded in Africa. A tough granny punches Alex, he steals her cell phone. Penguins attack the grandma.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- “Jeez, “heck,” darn” and “oh snap” are used in the movie. There’s name calling such as: “loser” and “stupid.”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Gloria drinks wine, there are champagne glasses on the plane.
Overall there is good music, with colorful and vivid landscapes. A lot of detail in the animals, which kids will enjoy!