Musicals
Musicals
Princess and the Frog Review
“Princess and the Frog” is set in the city of New Orleans in the 1920’s. The movie is about a young hard working girl, Tiana, who wants to fulfill her and her late father’s life long dream of someday opening their own restaurant. However, when she encounter’s the lazy, but charming, Prince Naveen, they magically turn into frogs. Tiana and the Prince have many adventures and meet a lot of fun characters, as they seek help to become human once again.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: March 16, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
The movie has a lot of laughs and great messages. The film emphasizes the value of love over material wealth, and Tiana continually stresses throughout the movie that you get what you want from hard work and perseverance. She say’s, “Wish and dream with your heart, set your mind to it, you can do anything.”
The music was phenomenal. Very catchy jazz and gospel tunes. All the original music on this film was done by Randy Newman, who has done most of Pixar films for Disney.
I think most adults will enjoy the movie. It was fun to see the 1920’s New Orleans setting, Mississippi steamboats, and wonderful bayou’s.
Tiana, is the first African American Disney Princess. The movie lightly touches on social and racial divisions of the time.
The characters are very entertaining. There’s Charlotte, Tiana’s best friend, who’s a very spoiled wealthy girl, only wanting to marry a Prince. Then there’s a trumpet playing alligator and a lovesick Cajun lightening bug. They add a lot of humor and wonderful music to the movie.
The animation was colorful and well-done.
I have 2 negative comments; it’s a little long, 1 hour and 35 minutes, though the music should keep the kids attention.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Innocent flirting and smooching.
Violent Content: Mild
- There are images of evil spirits and fire-breathing masks, that may scare younger kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- “Heck” and “dang” are used.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters drink wine and champagne.
I brought my 10 year old son, who thought it was okay, and my two nieces. My 16 year old niece thought it was a sweet Disney movie, okay to watch, while my 6 year old niece said, “It was good.” My sister-law also liked it, and really enjoyed the music, and the New Orleans setting, as most adults will.
Overall it’s a fun, entertaining movie for all ages. I’m giving it 4 buckets!!!!!
Pitch Perfect-Teen Movie Review
Beca(Anna Kendrick) is a freshman at Barden University; she doesn’t love college, she doesn’t try to fit in, but what she does want to do…is move to Los Angeles!!! However, things change when she’s persuaded to join The Bellas, an all-girls a cappella group. Now Beca takes this traditional, somewhat boring singing group, and adds a contemporary flare, which sets them apart from their rivals. Pitch Perfect is a comedy musical; it’s a fun entertaining movie!!!
Click here for Movie Bucket Rating!
Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: December 18, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Talking Points:
The a cappella group is filled with a bunch of misfit girls. It was nice to see the girls accept one another and learn how to work together. Great parent/child conversation.
The movie is predictable and sappy, though cute and entertaining.
The music and talent of the young men and women in the film was amazing. They had wonderful voices!!!
Sexual Content: Moderate
- There are some suggestive dance moves as one girl touches her privates while dancing.
- In a singing contest, one group is asked to sing songs about sex.
- Initially Beca was asked to join the group while she was in the shower, the other girl was in the shower too. We only saw their shoulders and backs.
- Three girls were kicked out of the group for sleeping with their rival boys group.
- There were sexual references made throughout the film.
Violent Content: Mild
- After a competition, The Bella’s got into a fight with another singing group. One character is hit in the face and crotch.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- The s-word is said about 6 times, we also hear other words such as; “a–,” “b–ch,” “d–n” and “h–l,” are said.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- We see college students drinking at a party, it’s obvious that some are drunk.
Will Kids Like It? Yes
- Fans of Glee and other movies of this genre, will enjoy this film.
Overall this is an entertaining film. Parents need to be aware of the moderate sexual content. Depending on the kid, I recommend this film for girls ages 12 and up.
Joyful Noise Review
Set in a small-town in Georgia, Joyful Noise centers around a gospel singing church choir, whose goal is to win the national choral competition. Even with amazing choir leaders such as Vi Rose (Queen Latifah) and G. G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton), the choir still had many complications and struggles to overcome, while trying to win the national championship.
Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 1, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12 and up
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
There were many relationship issues; the two matriarchs of the choir, (Vi Rose and G. G.) didn’t particularly get along, they competed with each other, especially when Vi Rose was chosen to be the new choir director. Things got even more heated when G.G.’s headstrong teenage grandson, Randy (Jeremy Jordan), unexpectedly showed up; he not only joined the choir, he fell madly in love with Vi Rose’s daughter Olivia (Keke Palmer), and once again conflict occurred.
The film could spark some great parent/ child conversations especially with teenage daughters and mothers. We saw several confrontations with Vi Rose and her 16 year old daughter.
The film had some nice messages of forgiveness, and had a religious element to it; with gospel songs and many conversations about God and love throughout the film. This could also spark some great conversations as well.
One part of the storyline I especially liked was with G. G.’s grandson, Randy, and Vi Rose’s son Walter. Walter has Asperger’s Syndrome, and felt uncomfortable around people. Randy befriended him, and taught him how to handle some difficult situations.
The audience seemed to have love the movie! They were laughing throughout most of the film. One lady walked out saying, “That was a great movie!”
Randy, (Jeremy Jordan), wasn’t the best actor, but I could see how he would appeal to pre-teen and teenage girls. He was cute, fun and energetic.
The film didn’t seem to flow smoothly, it was a little choppy in parts, also a little too long at 118 minutes.
Sexual Content: Mild
- There were passionate kisses.
- There were some sexual references and comments. For example; one man died while in a sexual encounter, this was a constant joke throughout the film.
Violent Content: Mild
- Two teenage boys got into a fist fight, we saw blood and a bruised face.
- The two women, Vi Rose and G. G. got into a food fight, which turned into a mild brawl.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- There were about 9 swear words ranging from the b-word, s-word to the a-word. This was a sore subject for Vi as she didn’t like swearing.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- There was a scene at a night club, where we saw several people drinking alcohol.
Joyful Noise, a musical dramedy, was similar to Glee and other musical films. While I didn’t particularly love this film, I felt it was appropriate for pre-teens and teens, though they may find it a little slow and long in parts. Having said that there were some fun musical arrangements, nice messages, and appealing teenage characters that may entertain kids. This is an appropriate movie for kids ages 12 and up.
Hannah Montana: The Movie Review
As most kids know from watching the TV show “Hannah Montana,” Miley Stewart (Miley Cyrus) leads a double life as an average teenager, and as the famous pop singer, Hannah Montana.
In the movie, Miley Stewart is becoming too attached to her pop star alter ego, and is letting her popularity of Hannah Montana take over her life. As Miley’s father, (Billy Ray Cyrus) is noticing her arrogant attitude, (and is not happy with it), he steps in to take her back home to Tennessee, and bring her back to reality. Despite her initial protest, she gradually finds fun and adventure in the small town, and realizes the importance of family and friends.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: August 18, 2009
MPAA Rating: G
Best Age Group: 4+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
The movie stresses strong family values. Though Miley’s upset with her dad when he wants her to take a break from her career, she ultimately respects her father’s decision, and apologizes.
There is a huge enthusiastic fan base for the TV show- this group will love the movie.
Two girls behind me ( ages 9 and 11) were thrilled with the movie. They were singing and giggly throughout the movie. When I interviewed them after the movie they were ecstatic, they said they were going to see the movie again.
The premise of the movie is similar to “Sweet Home Alabama”: where a big city girl goes back to her home town, and realizes how pleasant and comforting it really is.
Taylor Swift and Rascal Flats sing in the movie, which kids will enjoy.
Older girls and most boys may find it a little corny.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Hannah has a cute relationship with Travis ( a cowboy). He is drawn to Miley, not Hannah’s popularity. They flirt, kiss a little, but nothing inappropriate.
Violent Content: Mild
- Miley trips over fences, falls off chicken coops, and gets hit on the head several times, while trying to escape a nosy reporter. Not too violent, more silly.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Characters say words such as; “geez,” “heck” and “dang.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Overall it’s a fun, entertaining movie, which emphasis the importance of good down to earth values.
Great movie for girls ages 4 and above- I give it 4 buckets.
Glee: The 3D Concert Experience Review
“Gleeks,” if you missed the Glee concert, don’t worry, you have two weeks to catch it in the theater. Glee 3D Concert Movie is a documentary which is revolved around the 14 members of the television show’s cast, and their 2011 summer concert. We see behind the scenes interviews and special moments with the cast, and some interviews with their enthused fans! So if you missed the concert, or you want to see it again, this is your chance!
Rating: Two out of five buckets
Release Date: December 20, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: None
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
I read that the cast of “Glee” are among the most hardworking actors in the business right now. They worked almost year-round filming and promoting the TV show, and then had a three month concert tour, on which the movie is based. Now the cast heads back to film the third season of their popular TV show, Glee!
Even though the movie is called Glee 3D Concert Movie, I thought it would be a story focused on their lives, rather than a concert with interviews. I respect and admire the groups talent of singing and dancing, however, I’m not a huge fan of the show.
The 3D effects were great, the movie had a concert feel to it.
The message of the movie is to embrace everyone – no matter how tall, short, fat, skinny, or your sexual preference; it doesn’t matter, just be yourself! This could spark a parent/child conversation.
The fans interviewed idolized the characters; in my opinion a little too much. One girl said the show changed her life. A boy explained that he felt comfortable “coming out of the closet,” because of some characters on Glee.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- There are some suggestive dances and lyrics that parents need to know about.
- References of sexual preferences.
Violent Content: None
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- One character talked about her “boobs.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
The “Gleeks” of the world will be entertained by the music and dancing, however if your kids are not a fan of the show, or if you don’t want your kids watching a concert, with some sexual lyrics and dances, I don’t recommend this film. As my eleven year old son said, (I dragged him to the show), “You could watch most of the concert on youtube.” Something to ponder!