Kids
Kung Fu Panda 2 Review
My dad used to say, “Tough times never last, but tough people do.” In this sequel to Kung Fu Panda, we see our favorite Panda, Po, going through a tough time, and eventually learning how to deal with it. Po (voice of Jack Black) is now a Dragon Warrior; which means that he, along with his kung fu friends, The Furious Five, are to protect the Valley of Peace. Initially things are great, and they are enjoying their new life, until they found out an evil villain named Shen (voice of Gary Oldman) plans to use a secret weapon to conquer China and ban martial arts. Now it’s up to Po and his friends to seek out this villain, and save Kung Fu. This is an entertaining, fun movie for the whole family.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: May 26, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points
Po and Shen (the evil villain) both have some insecurities from their past of which they are both dealing with. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, however, there are some lessons in the movie which could spark some great parent/ child conversations. To name a couple:
• In this movie, we’re told that your story may not have a happy beginning, (like Po’s), but it’s who you choose to be. Po learns a lot about how to handle certain hardships, and eventually says, “You gotta let go of that stuff from the past, because it just doesn’t matter.” A good reminder for kids as well as their parents.
• Po doesn’t have any special powers or strengths, he’s just a regular guy who is a good friend and a good son; he wants to do the right thing.
Po is an adorable, likable character, one that kids will be entertained by. Po see’s disturbing visions of his past. We see him as a crying baby, being abandoned by his parents. This was sad, and may also disturb some kids.
Sexual Content: Mild
• Parents be prepared for some questions. In one scene, Po asks his dad, (who’s a goose), where he came from. His dad tells him that geese come from eggs, and then says, “Don’t ask where the egg comes from.”
Violent Content: Moderate
There is a lot of violence in this PG movie. One reviewer compared this movie to a Road Runner cartoon, and then comments; “You get the idea of the level and kind of violence we’re talking about here.” I couldn’t agree more. The violence consists of:
• Characters being punched, kicked and hit, while doing a lot of kung fu moves.
• There are fireballs and cannonballs used in many scenes.
• There is a lot of slapstick violence, similar to cartoons.
Crude and Profane Language: Mild
• Words such as “idiot” and “fool” are used.
Overall I think most kids will enjoy this animated action comedy, which is geared towards kids. However, parents may get a little bored. One man was snoring in the theater. With the fun characters and light humor, this is a good movie for kids ages 5 and up. Having said that, I feel that parents need to know that if their kids are sensitive to violent scenes, it might not be for them.
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island Review
Most teenagers feel that they can do things on their own, without their parents help or wisdom. That’s how Sean Anderson,(Josh Hutcherson) felt. He claimed that he could take care of himself; and he especially didn’t want any advice from his step-father (Dwayne Johnson). However, things changed the day Sean received a coded signal from a mysterious island. Since his step-father was once in the Navy, Sean realized that he might need his help after all. So Sean and his step-father decoded the secret message, and discovered that the note was from Sean’s long-lost Grandpa (Michael Caine). So now Sean, his step-father, a helicopter pilot, and the pilot’s beautiful daughter (Vanessa Hudgens) ventured out to find the mysterious island; and that’s when the excitement begins. A sequel to 2008’s Journey to the Center of the Earth, Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, is an action/adventure, sci-fi movie, with some great messages for kids!
Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: June 5, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group:8+
Sexual Content:Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
See a clip of my review here, along with a review of The Vow!
Talking Points:
Initially Sean wanted nothing to do with his step-father, however they gradually developed a special relationship,which was nice to see. Hank (the step-father), gave some great parenting tips on making wise choices, and he even gave some advice about girls.
When researching the island, Sean and his step-father got clues from classic novels. Great for kids to see!
Kailani,(Vanessa Hudgens) the helicopter owner’s teenage daughter was very close with her father. She frequently expressed her love for him, and appreciated his protection and care. Great parent/child conversation.
I felt the movie was a little corny and unrealistic, though kids may feel differently.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Kailani wore a low-cut tank top and short shorts.
- Sean and Kailani briefly kissed.
Violent Content: Moderate
- There are many chase scenes with giant lizards, huge birds and an electric eel. This may scare young kids.
- We also saw an enormous spider, which was scary looking, however not threatening.
- When the island started to sink, volcanoes erupted, the land shook, and things got very chaotic.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Characters say, “heck” and “crap.”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Journey 2: The Mysterious Island is a film for the whole family. Younger kids may get a little scared in parts, though most likely they’ll be be entertained, especially with some parental comfort. Depending on your child, I recommend this film for kids ages 8 and up.
Imagine That Review
Evan, played by Eddie Murphy, is a financial executive who barely has time for his 7 year old daughter,Olivia, because he’s a workaholic, and focuses more on his computer, blackberry and business phone calls. When he’s faced with a challenge at work, he finds solutions to his problem in his daughters imaginary world. Olivia’s pretend friends come up with advice on which stocks her dad should buy and sell, and they’re always right. Evan eventually learns to loosen up at home, and has fun with his daughter, and her imaginary friends. He and his daughter end up developing a wonderful relationship.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: October 6, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 6+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I love the father-daughter relationship. Initially, Evan is a self-absorbed business man. He’s even upset with his estranged wife when he has to watch his daughter (Olivia) for a week. Eventually he realizes that Olivia matters more than his career, and at the end of the movie he’s even willing to sacrifice his career for a healthy relationship with his daughter.
There’s real warmth in the father-daughter scenes. Evan sings and dances with his daughter, and it’s really cute when he teaches her how to sing “All You Need Is Love.”
When Olivia develops a strong emotional bond with her father, she’s ready to throw out her security blanket(Goo-Gaa), and say goodbye to her imaginary friends.
Younger kids may get confused with Evan’s career problems and his relationship with his office competitor. It’s also very predicable, but the story is so charming and cute it doesn’t matter how predicable it is.
Sexual Content: Mild
- One character wears a form-fitting outfit.
Violent Content: Mild
- Slap stick silly violence. Children throw balls at Evan.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- H-word and “idiot” are used. Adults say, “crap” and “big ol butt.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters drink beer.
I interviewed kids ages 6 to 12 that all really liked it a lot. They liked Olivia.
Overall it’s a feel good, family friendly movie, with a sweet message about the importance of family. The movie stresses that work and a career are important, but spending quality time with your kids and spouse, are what matters most. I give it 4 buckets.
Ice Age: Continental Drift Review
Can a prehistoric squirrel really cause an earth-shattering event? That’s what happens in this fourth segment of the Ice Age series. When Scrat, (the squirrel) chases his beloved acorn, he inadvertently causes the continents to drift apart. So now Manny, Diego, Sid, and Sid’s Granny embark on a new adventure as they travel on their iceberg ship; facing many challenges while exploring a new world. Ice Age: Continental Drift is an entertaining, fun movie for kids of all ages.
Rating: 4 and 1/2 buckets out of 5.
Release Date: December 11 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Talking Points:
This movie not only exciting and fun, it highlights some great family values and lessons throughout the film. There are some relationship issues amongst the characters, for example; Manny and his teenage daughter (Peaches) have some father/daughter conflicts, however Peaches comes to realize how much she loves and needs her father. Sid and his Granny have an adorable relationship, he takes care of her and keeps her safe.
Sid is a positive, upbeat character. He says, “Bad news is just good new in disguise.”
Peaches, the teenager, is influenced by peers to gossip and turn away from a friend. Peaches regrets her decision and learns the true value of friendship. She eventually comes to her friend’s aid when he’s trapped on a high ledge; Peaches says, “You don’t leave a friend behind.”
Kids in the theater were laughing at the humorous parts of the film. They were thoroughly entertained!
Sexual Content: Mild
- Peaches flirts with another teenage Mammoth, she comments on how “hot” he is.
- Two character’s kiss.
Violent Content: Moderate
- Captain Gutt, the villain in the film, may scare young kids. He threatens to steal all of Manny and his friends belongings.
- Capt. Gutt and Manny have several battles. Gutt uses a sword-like weapon, and his sharp claws when fighting.
- Two character’s slash at each other with their claws.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- “Holy crab,” is said once.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Overall this is an innocent entertaining movie for youngsters. It highlights the value of family, friends and teamwork! It touches on parent/teenage conflicts, and the importance of communication!!! Depending on the child I recommend this film for kids ages 5 and up. Parents need to be aware that the villain in the film may scare younger kids.
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Review
The main characters, Manny, Sid, Diego and Ellie are all back in this third film of Ice-Age series. Manny and Ellie are expecting their first baby, so now Sid begins to wish for a family of his own. When Sid stumbles upon 3 dinosaur eggs, he takes it upon himself to become their mom, which then leads him to a strange underground world. Now Sid’s friends, led by a 1 eyed weasel named Buck, must rescue him from the constant danger of dinosaurs.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: October 27, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 4+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Kids will love the humor. While Scrat was on a desperate hunt for an acorn, he gets distracted by a female squirrel, which leads to a romantic love affair. Kids in the theater thought this part was hilarious.
The 3D affects are terrific, which added a lot of depth and detail to the film.
Parents can relate to Manny and Ellie’s excitement and nervousness of having their first baby. Manny is very anxious because he wants things to be perfect when the baby arrives. In their way, they’re baby proofing the house.
The theater was packed!! I interviewed kids ages 5 to 9, who all loved it. Some comments I overheard kids saying were, “That was awesome, I loved that song, that was the best movie ever!” I gave it 4 buckets.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Mild potty humor. When Ellie’s newborn daughter is born Sid says, “it’s a boy,” then Diego says, “that’s his tail.”
Violent Content: Mild
- Kids may get scared when several large dinosaurs chase Manny and his friends. At one point Sid is picked up and tossed around bumping into trees and rocks.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Words such as “idiot” and “cheeare used.
Overall, it’s a cute, entertaining movie for kids ages 4 to 9. The movie stresses the significance of family, and the importance of helping family and friends out in time of need.