Reviews by Genre
Movie Reviews by Genre
Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax Review
Ahh young love. Ted(voice of Zac Efron), a 12 year-old boy, asked Audrey, (voice of Taylor Swift), the girl of his dreams, what she would do if a boy showed her a real tree; Audrey replied, “I’d marry him.” That was it for Ted, he was on a mission to find out why the trees in their world were all chopped down, and he was determined to find a tree to show Audrey. He went to visit Once-ler, a strange creature who was involved with the tree debacle. While chatting with Once-ler, Ted learned the intriguing story of the Lorax,(voice of Danny DeVito), a charming creature who fought to save the trees. So now it was up to Ted to fulfill his goal, and get the girl. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, is a fun, entertaining movie for kids of all ages.
Rating: 5 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: August 7, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
The Lorax has caused some controversy because of the environmental message instilled throughout the film. Some commentators thought the message was over the top, trying to “indoctrinate our children.” Some adults may feel the same way, however kids will most likely enjoy this film. It was an entertaining movie, with some catchy tunes and fun characters. The theater was packed with young kids, who were all very attentive, while laughing at the humorous parts.
When Once-ler gave Ted the last tree seed, he said, “It’s not what it is. It’s about what it can become.” We all grow and learn in life, especially our children. A good lesson for kids.
It was annoying to see Once-ler’s family mocking and criticizing him; saying he would never succeed. When he became successful they were supportive, however when he failed, they left him.
Once-ler broke a promise to the Lorax, which ultimately hurt him. This could spark some good parent/child conversations.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Animated characters wore bikinis.
- Ted had a dream that he kissed Audrey, it was a sweet innocent scene.
Violent Content: Mild
- There was some slapstick, silly animated violence.
- Ted was threatened and chased by Mr. O’Hare, a business tycoon, who sold bottled city air. He may scare young kids.
- When Ted approached Once-ler’s house, he had to avoid an array of old machinery, loaded with dangerous blades.
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Overall The Lorax is a cute entertaining film for young kids. It’s appropriate for kids of any age, though parents need to be aware of the mild, slapstick violence.
Dolphin Tale Review
Sawyer Nelson was a shy, lonely boy who didn’t have many friends. However his life dramatically changed one day when he was asked to help a dolphin who was washed up on shore. The dolphin got caught in a crab trap, and severely damaged her tail; she was rescued and taken to local marine hospital, where they named her Winter. With a poor prognosis, and no tail, it took a group of dedicated doctors, biologists, and of course the dolphin’s loyal companion, Sawyer, to inspire a miracle that saved Winter’s life. The real dolphin, plays herself in this heartwarming true story about perseverance and hope; a movie for the whole family.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: September 23, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8 +
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Sawyer’s father abandoned the family when he was little, however his older cousin becomes a father-figure for him, and becomes a wonderful role model.
When Klye (Sawyer cousin) gets injured and can no longer swim, the doctor stresses that just because he can’t swim doesn’t mean he can’t find something new to excel at. He said, “Just because you’re hurt doesn’t mean you’re broken.” This is a constant theme throughout the film, whether it’s a physical injury, struggling financially, or emotional issues, it’s possible to pull together and overcome difficult situations. A great parent/child conversation.
It’s so sweet to see the relationship between Winter and Sawyer. Not only is Winter’s life saved, but so is Sawyers as he comes out of his shell.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Girls are shown in bikinis at a pool party.
Violent Content:Mild
- When we see Winter washed up on shore she’s tangled in a heavy rope.
- We see an x-ray of a large tortoise with a hook under it’s shell.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Slang words such as “darn,” “shoot,” and “crappy” are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Overall ‘Dolphin Tale’ is an amazing true story, one that the whole family can enjoy. I interviewed kids of all ages, even teenagers, who all loved the film.
Dinner for Schmucks Review
Tim Conrad (Paul Rudd) wants to move up in the corporate ladder so to do that he must pass a strange test. Tim’s boss hosts a monthly dinner where all the top executives compete to see who can bring the most idiotic guest. Initially Tim is debating about whether to do such a cruel thing, especially since his girlfriend is against it. However, money hungry Tim decides to go through with it when he meets Barry (Steve Carell), a very quirky guy who has a hobby of making dioramas with stuffed mice. Meeting Barry changes Tim’s life, together they endure many strange situations, with the initial purpose of moving to the top of the corporate ladder.
Rating: One out of five buckets
Release Date: January 4, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 17+
Sexual Content: Excessive
Violent Content: None
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points:
As quirky and weird that this movie is, there is also a sweet element to it. Initially Tim does want to use Barry to advance in his career, but in the end he realizes how cruel and wrong it is to mistreat people. Through all the drama that’s in their relationship, they gradually develop a nice friendship. This is the only thing I liked about the movie.
Sexual Content: Excessive
- This movie is on the edge of PG13, it could have been R, there is a lot of sexual adult humor throughout the whole movie. Some examples are:
- Darla, a girl that Tim once a had fling with, shows up at Tim’s apartment wanting a romantic evening with Tim. She is very strange, she even stuffs Tim’s phone in her pants. There was a great deal of sexual references and innuendo when she was on the screen.
- There’s a scene where an artist is shooting a photo session with two nude woman, covered with paint. He claims that he will sleep with both of them.
Profanity: Mild
Conclusion:
I really like Steve Carell and Paul Rudd, and my whole family was excited to see this movie. Unfortunelty this was a weird, strange movie, with uncomfortable humor that we did not enjoy. There were some redeeming qualities in the end about friendship and honesty, but other than that it was a waste of time! I didn’t like the movie and I don’t think it’s appropriate for most children.
Crooked Arrows Review
Lacrosse was originated by the Native American’s about one thousand years ago, and has become a popular sport in schools and communities all over the United States. Crooked Arrows centers around a Native American high school lacrosse team, named the Crooked Arrows, which competes against an elite prep school league. Though the Crooked Arrows are not as equipped or well trained as the prep school teams; this Native American team stays true to their heritage, and is ready for the competition… but can they win? Crooked Arrows is an inspirational sports film for kids ages 10 and up, lacrosse players will especially like it.
Rating: 5 out out 5 buckets
Release Date: October 23, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Will Kids Like It? Yes
See a clip of my review here, along with Snow White and the Huntsman!
Talking Points:
This is a film that won’t win an Oscar; the acting is good, not great, but it’s an appropriate inspirational sports film. The coach focuses on the team aspect of the game. When the only Caucasian boy on the team misses the game winning shot, Coach Logan emphasizes the fact that it’s a team sport, he says, “we win and lose together.” This could spark a great parent/child conversation.
The Crooked Arrows are humiliated by their privileged rivals, but Coach Joe Logan does a great job of motivating his team and keeping them true to their heritage and valued traditions.
There are some fun, entertaining clips during the credits.
Younger kids may get bored with the storyline; when they’re not playing lacrosse.
Sexual Content: Mild
- We see some innocent flirting.
- Players are shown in the locker room wearing only briefs, some are naked, we see their back side.
Violent Content: Mild
- We see some aggressive hits and plays during the lacrosse games, but appropriate for PG13.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- While playing in a game, the boys say, “vagina dodge,” when near the cheerleaders. The translation is show on the screen.
- There is some name calling…”wussy.”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Overall this is an inspirational sports film, with an education about the Native Americans and their sport…lacrosse. I recommend this for kids ages 10 and up.
Cowboys and Aliens Review
When I first heard of the movie Cowboy & Aliens, I thought that it sounded like a fun kids movie, well I was wrong. The film starts out in Arizona during the 1800’s, where we meet Jake (Daniel Craig), a local cowboy, who is all bloody and wounded. The local cowboys, headed by Jake, and the Apache tribe have been feuding enemies for a long time. However, everything changes when a spaceship appears in the middle of the night, led by an alien who is determined to destroy the human race to obtain gold. Now the cowboys and Indians must get along, only to fight against their unexpected visitors from outer space. This violent, action packed movie is based on the graphic novel by Scott Mitchell Rosenberg.
Rating: Two out of five buckets.
Release Date: December 6, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 15+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
See a clip of my review here, review of Smurf too!
Talking Points:
One thing I really liked about this movie is how the long time enemies (cowboys and Indians) unite to save the lives of innocent people against the alien threat.
A preacher tells a women that when you have faith, things will go well for you. The preacher also tells Jake, “God don’t care who you were, son. Only who you are.”
There are wonderful actors in the film with Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford.
The movie was way too violent for me, not like a Harry Potter violence, but a gross disturbing violence that I didn’t like, and I don’t recommend this for kids.
Sexual Content: Mild
- A character appears naked in front of a fire, we see her shoulders and up.
- Characters kiss, but no other sexual involvement.
Violent Content: Excessive
- There is violence throughout the whole film starting and ending with cowboy Jake. To name a few things; he knees a guy in the crotch, severely punches other characters, and slams a guys face into cell bars.
- There are a lot of intense battle scenes with gun shots and explosions.
- We see a women reduced to a pile of ash from a laser beam.
- The preacher stitched up a wound with a needle and thread.
- The aliens are creepy and scary as they try to kill the humans.
- To sum it up someone is continually being beaten or shot at throughout the whole movie.
Profanity: Excessive
- Swearing throughout the film. The d-word, h-word, a-word and b-word used several times.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- A cowboy drinks a bottle of whiskey.
- Men drink in a saloon.
- Men smoke and role cigarettes.
I am not a huge fan of gross, violent movies. There are many disturbing scenes that are not appropriate for kids. However, it may interest older teenagers that like westerns and sci/fi movies.