Reviews by Genre
Movie Reviews by Genre
Snow White and the Huntsman Review
Well, I would not want to escape into a dark forest from an evil queen, but I would want the Huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) protecting me. Snow White and the Huntsman is story about the evil Queen Ravenna (Charlize Theron) who desperately wants Snow White (Kristen Stewart) killed when she realizes that the Princess will soon become more beautiful than she. So the Queen recruits a fierce Huntsman to go into the dark forest and kill the fair beauty. Things don’t work out the way the Queen had originally planned; the Huntsman ends up protecting Snow White and helps prepares her to save the kingdom from the evil Queen.
Rating: 2 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: September 11, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 14+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language:Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Will Kids Like It? No
See a clip of my review here, along with Crooked Arrows!
Talking Points:
This is a modern-day twist to the classic fairy tale, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, however this film is very dark and creepy, one that young kids should not see. The Twilight fans, which include many tween girls, will want to see this film because of Kristen Stewart (who plays Bella in the Twilight series), however parents need to be aware of the disturbing content of the film.
The classic theme of good vs. evil is portrayed in the film as Snow White convinces man, beast and the dwarfs to do the right thing and set their kingdom free.
Snow risks her life to save the kingdom from the Queen’s control, she even stands in front of a a giant troll to help the Huntsman.
When we first meet the adult Snow White she prays the “Our Father,” while thinking of her deceased parents.
The Queen is very cruel, dark and malicious; she kills anyone she pleases; and enjoys the power and control she has over the people.
Charlize Theron and Chris Hemsworth were amazing in their roles as the Queen and the Huntsman. Kristen Stewart struggled in her role as Snow White. She acted like Bella from her Twilight movies.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Queen Ravenna wears low cut dresses, showing cleavage.
- We see the Queen’s naked form, from the back side.
- We see the Queen from the waist up naked, though she covers her chest with her arms.
- A couple kiss.
Violent Content: Excessive
- The Queen stabs her husband with a knife in his chest.
- We see battles with sword fights and stabbing, and bloody victims.
- Ravenna is stabbed in the gut by an attacker, she pulls the blade out and is perfectly fine.
- The Queen steps into a fire, we see her skin begin to burn, then she’s magically healed.
- The Queen slaps and attack’s Snow, we see her mouth bleeding.
- Queen Ravenna wears claws on her fingers which she uses to attack people.
- In one scene the Queen scoops out a small birds heart, and eats it.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- “H–,” and “d–n,” are said.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- The Huntsman is typically drunk.
- The dwarfs are shown drinking alcohol in several scenes.
Will Kids Like It? No
Overall this is a very dark and disturbing film, not for kids. Having said that, adults may like this film… I did. Mirror Mirror would be more suitable for kids, as it’s targeted to a younger audience. Depending on the child, I feel that Snow White and the Huntsman is appropriate for kids ages 14 and up.
The Smurfs Review
One would think that life as a Smurf would be trouble free, however, they have their share of problems too, especially when an evil wizard named Gargamel is after them. He absolutely hates the Smurfs, and wants to make their lives miserable. He eventually chases the adorable little blue creatures right out of their magical world, and right into the heart of Central Park. Now, stuck in New York, the Smurfs have to find a way back to their village, before the evil wizard captures them first.
Rating: Three out of five buckets.
Release Date: December 2, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
See a clip of my review here, review of Cowboys and Aliens too!
Talking Points:
The Smurfs are very nice and friendly to each other. They appreciate each others similarities and differences, and for the most part they have a peaceful life.
While in New York, The Smurfs stay with a nice young couple, who are expecting a baby. Believe it or not the Smurfs teach them to enjoy life, and not get so caught up with their crazy workload. It was sweet to see their relationship.
I liked the actors, to name a few; Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays (from Glee), and Sofia Vergara ( who plays Gloria in Modern Family).
There is some potty humor. In one scene Gargamel urinates in a bucket, at a nice restaurant.
Sexual Content: Mild
- One Smurf thanks another Smurf for holding his hand, he replies back Smurf, “That’s not my hand.”
Violent Content: Moderate
- Smurf’s smack each other.
- Gargamel is hit with by nuts and apples with needles in them.
- The Smurfs get slammed in a subway car door, beaten in a toy store, and even sucked up by a leaf blower.
- Gargamel and his cat are evil cruel characters, they may scare young kids.
Profane or Crude Language: Mild
- The d-word is used.
- They have their own language; characters say, “where the smurf are we?” “smurf me” “son of a smurf.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters are shown drinking champagne.
Overall this is a cute movie, one that kids should be entertained by. Parents may get a little bored, but close your eyes just a bit and you’ll be fine.
Shrek Forever After Review
“What if?” “The Grass Is Greener on the Other Side.” These are common thoughts that at some point in life, we’ve probably all wondered. Now that Shrek is a family man, with a wife and three kids, he’s longing for the days when he felt like a “real ogre.” The evil Rumpelstiltskin, happens to hear Shrek’s complaint, and persuades him to sign a magical contract, which takes Shrek back to his more exciting past. Suddenly Shrek is in an alternate version of Far Far Away. In this new land, wicked witches reign, ogres are hunted, Rumpelstiltskin is King, and sadly, Shrek and Fiona have never met. Now Shrek has to undo this terrible predicament that he put himself in.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: December 7, 2010
MPAA Rating: G
Best Age Group: Any Age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I thought this was a very creative way to end the Shrek adventures. Once Shrek’s life, that he had taken for granted, was gone, he realized the mistake he had made. There was a constant message to be content with your life, and realize the importance of family.
In the new version of Far Far Away, Fiona doesn’t know Shrek. When trying to win her over, Shrek discovers why he originally fell in love with her. Shrek said, “The best part of the day is I got to fall in love with you all over again.” This was so sweet and enduring.
The storyline with Puss in Boots was great. When I interviewed kids after the movie, they all mentioned how funny he was.
There are some violent scenes that may scare younger kids. For example;
The battles with the wicked witches and the ogres felt more intense, than the battles in the previous Shrek movies.
Rumpelstiltskin is a very evil, creepy character.
The witches are very cruel to Donkey, they continually whip him when he pulls their cart.
There is some potty humor; we see Shrek’s baby ogres burping and passing gas. Fiona constantly said, “Better out than in.”
Overall this is a wonderful family movie with a nice message of contentment. In the end Shrek realizes that the most important thing in life is being a good dad, and husband. A good message for us all. I give this movie five out of five buckets.
Shorts Review
The movie revolves around an 11 year old boy(Toby) who tells a series of short stories about his family, his community, and most importantly his magic “wishing rock” that he discovered. What initially seems to appear as a wonderful concept (always getting what you want), turns into complete mayhem. This rock not only changes the Toby’s life, but also his friends, family, and community.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: November 24, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
Talking Points:
Initially Toby is thrilled with the wishing rock, knowing he can get whatever he wants, but then he, and everyone who else gets the rock, realizes that selfish wishes cause more problems and aren’t worth it. Like the classic message “be careful what you wish for.”
Potty- gross humor throughout the movie.
There are many discussions about nose picking and booger eating.
A kids booger grows into a sloppy, gross monster.
Helvitica, the girl bully, eats Toby’s favorite fish from the fish tank.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
- Toby is constantly being picked on, his classmates dunk him in the trash can, punch him, while verbally abusing him. This could bring up good discussions with parents and their children about bullying.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Name-calling: Dr. Dumbutt, loser, idoit, and dork.
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
This movie was made for kids, not adults. I read in a review, which I thought was great, “Think of “Shorts” as “The Hangover” for 10 year olds. Many kids ages 5 to 9 will like the silly humor, while most adults will be bored!!!!!!!!
I give it 3 buckets.
Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows Review
Set in 1891, as an unknown terrorist’s bombings threaten to push Europe to war we see Sherlock Holmes (Robert Downey Jr), in pursuit of Professor Moriarty (Jared Harris), a mathematical wizard who was suspected to be the world’s first supervillain. Meanwhile, Watson, (Jude Law), Holmes’ friend and partner, was primarily focused on being a good husband to his new wife, Mary (Kelly Reilly), while keeping Holmes safe and alive; which was not an easy job! Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows is an adventurous action packed film that will keep you in suspense.
Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: June 12, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13 and up
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
See a clip of my review here, plus a review of Alvin and The Chipmunks
Talking Points:
The banter between Holmes and Watson was fun and entertaining, even with the excessive violence. I noticed the audience laughed a lot throughout the film.
Watson was a very loving and dedicated husband, however, Holmes was not a fan of marriage. He labeled marriage as,”eternal purgatory.”
Sexual Content: Mild
- Mary, Watson’s new wife, had an unusual encounter with Holmes’ brother. She saw him walking around his house…naked. We could see his torso and backside, though Mary saw more! He continued to chat with her as if he was fully clothed, Mary was horrified, and wanted to leave.
- Women wear revealing outfits.
- Mild kissing.
Violent Content: Excessive
- There were several scenes with Holmes fighting thugs; kicking and hitting with character’s thrown against the wall.
- There were several explosions and gun fires, as we saw many characters die throughout the film.
- A bad guy stabbed a huge meat hook through Holmes’ shoulder, then raised him off the ground…it was disgusting!!!
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Words such as, “b–tard,” and “d–n” were used a few times.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- Characters drank frequently throughout the film. Watson got very drunk at his bachelor party.
- We saw character’s smoke cigarettes and cigars.
Sherlock Holmes fans will most likely enjoy this film. I was slightly entertained, but with all the unnecessary violence, the film didn’t appeal to me that much. Depending on whether you child is sensitive to violence, I would say this is appropriate for kids 13 and up.