Reviews by Genre
Movie Reviews by Genre
Invictus Review
“Invictus” is based on a true story of how newly elected South African President, Nelson Mandela, united his country through means of rugby. He knew his nation was racially and economically divided. With the help of the national team’s rugby captain, played by Matt Damon, Mandela inspires South Africa’s rugby team to make history as they make it to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: May 18, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Talking Points:
Forgiveness is the crucial theme of the movie. Mandela says, “Forgiveness liberates the soul, it removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon.” After spending 27 years for opposing apartheid, rather than seeking revenge, Mandela learned that in order for his country to survive, they must forgive and unite.
Invictus is Latin for “unconquerable,” it is a Victorian poem that inspired and strengthened Mandela while he was in prison. He references the poem frequently by saying, “I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.” He also stresses to the rugby captain that a leader leads by example, which Mandela did an outstanding job of.
Some fun and amusing scenes throughout the movie involved Mandela’s black and white bodyguards. Initially Mandela’s longtime black bodyguards were upset when he added more bodyguards, who were white. It was wonderful to see them work together and gradually bond throughout the movie.
Sexual Content: Mild
- It’s implied two characters sleep together.
Violent Content: Moderate
Rugby is an aggressive, violent sport, played without pads. I did not enjoy the rugby scenes all that much, though it got very exciting.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- One f-word, and a few other swear words throughout the movie.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
- Players drink beer throughout the movie.
“Invictus” is an outstanding well-done movie. It was very interesting and educational. My 10 year old son liked it, though he got confused at times. My 12 and 13 year olds liked it a lot and thought it was very interesting. My 13 year old daughter thought Nelson Mandela was a very sweet, compassionate old man. She said, “His smile was contagious.” I felt the same way. We also saw about ten 16 year old boys in the theatre. They liked it as well. One boy said, “It was awesome.”
I loved the movie, though I’m giving it four buckets because the subject matter may not interest kids. It’s a 5 bucket movie, but a 4 bucket family movie.
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.
I Don’t Know How She Does It Review
I Don’t Know How She Does It is a film centered around the life Kate Reddy (Sarah Jessica Parker). Kate is a very successful finance executive, happily married to Richard, (Greg Kinnear) and she has two wonderful children, (ages two and five). Sounds like she has it all together, right? Well, not really. In the film we see many of Kate’s successes and failures, however she eventually comes to realize that she can’t do it all, and that somethings got to give. This film, based on a novel, is a wonderful story with some good moral lessons about the importance of family; and knowing what’s truly important in life.
Rating: Four out of five buckets.
Release Date: January 3, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I really enjoyed this film and the messages portrayed throughout the story. Kate was an intelligent successful woman, though things at home were being neglected; after all she is only human. Though she loved her job, she loved her family more. In one scene Kate told her husband, “Me without that job isn’t me. But me without you and the kids…is nothing!”
Kids may not be able to relate to this film, however mom’s will. When Kate missed her son’s first haircut, you could feel her pain. Whether it’s a first haircut, first step, or first words, we want to be apart of it!
This movie won’t be up for an Oscar, or win any awards, though it does have an all-star cast, to name a few; Sarah Jessica Parker, Pierce Brosnan, Greg Kinnear, and Kelsey Grammer.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- We see Kate jump out of bed, only wearing a slip.
- There are many sexual references regarding affairs, oral sex and orgasms.
- Kate’s assistant gets pregnant and she’s not married. Kate tells here assistant, “parenting is most rewarding enriching experience one could ever have.”
Violent Content: Mild
- Kate’s son falls down the stairs, ends up going to the hospital.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- The s-word is used several times, also the h-word, a -word and d-word are used.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters drink wine and beer, one character orders a martini at dinner.
The subject matter may not interest many kids, though I think teenage girls, especially those who like Sarah Jessica Parker, will enjoy the film. As a mom of three, I absolutely loved it, I laughed and cried, it was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon at the movies! I recommend this film for teenage girls, and moms!!!
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.