War
Harry Potter and the Socerer’s Stone Review
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone is the first movie in the Harry Potter series. We meet Harry as a misfit orphan in his Aunt and Uncle’s home. Through an amusing series of events he learns that he is a wizard and has been invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. There we meet many of the characters who play important roles in subsequent movies, namely his two best friends Ron and Hermione, the game keeper, Hagrid, and the headmaster, Dumbledore. In this movie, Harry learns how his parents were killed and begins his ongoing conflict with their killer, Lord Voldemort. Voldemort was also killed when Harry’s parents died and in this movie his spirit is attempting to return to the physical world through the use of the Sorcerer’s Stone.
The movie is rated PG, mild violence, good for kids ages 7 and up. It is an exciting escape into a clever and well constructed fantasy world. Although I would recommend parents to use their discretion, especially with children who would react negatively to frightening visual images.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: May 28, 2002
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 7+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
GI Joe Rise of the Cobra Review
The movie is based on the long time action figure and the 1980’s cartoon, about a special operation unit known as GI JOE. The GI JOE team uses the newest futuristic spy and military equipment to fight the highly advanced crime organization known as Cobra. The GI JOE team must prevent the evil Cobra organization from destroying the world.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: November 3, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I brought four boys ages 9 to 14. They all thought it was an entertaining movie, they liked it.
Adults may think it’s corny and over the top with some of the futuristic scenes.
There’s an odd inconsistency in that it’s unrealistic in the same way that little boys who play with GI Joe action figures are unrealistic but it’s not geared for little boys -It’s a PG 13 movie with a lot of graphic violence.
When the bad guys blow a hole through the polar ice cap, hoping the ice will destroy the GI Joe submarines below, the ice sinks.(That bothered my husband).
I read some fun facts on-line about the movie:
- G.I. JOE is an acronym for Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity.
- The term G.I.JOE was a generic term given to the general infantry soldiers of the U.S. Army during WW II.
- Dennis Quaid took the role of General Hawk because his son is a G.I. JOE fan.
- The film-makers enjoyed working with Quaid so much that the screenwriter created 10 to 15 more scenes for him.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Women wear low cut outfits, revealing cleavage.
Violent Content: Excessive
- Younger kids (7 and under) may get scared by the violence and disturbing scenes.
- In a flashback, we see two of the characters as children beating each other up to a pulp, using martial arts.
- In other scenes the characters are shot, sliced, stabbed, poked in the face with needles.
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
- Swearing throughout the film; the a-word, d-word, s-word and b-word are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- One character takes a pain medication.
Overall it’s an action packed, mindless, entertaining movie with well-known characters. Boys that like action packed movies may enjoy it. For boys ages 8 and up, with parental guidance. My kids said to give it 3 1/2 buckets, my husband said to give it 2 buckets, so I decided to give it 3 buckets.
Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs Review
Inspired by the 1978 children’s book. “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” is about a nerdy young scientist(Flint), who dreams of changing the world with his inventions. When his home town of Swallow Falls is hit by hard economic times, Flint builds a machine that converts water into food. He becomes the town hero when treats such as burgers, ice cream, pancakes and many other delights fall from the sky like rain. But when the machine looses control and threatens to bury the whole world, Flint realizes he’s in over his head, and must stop the chaos.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: January 5, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
Considering that the book is too short for a full length movie, this movie does not have much resemblance to the original story, though it’s a wonderful animated version with lovable characters.
Flint grows up in a very loving family. His mom encourages him to follow his dreams, while his dad has the same feelings, he has a harder time expressing them.
Flint’s dad points out that people shouldn’t get everything they want. That food and treats falling from the sky will cause greed and laziness and won’t be good for people.
There’s a subtle message against junk food and over eating. Some kids get sick from too much candy, and the mayor gains a lot of weight, while becoming obsessed with food.
The movie goes overboard the last 15 minutes when the machine goes haywire and Flint tries to stop it. It’s a very drawn out dramatic conclusion, which may even scare some kids.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Flint explains to his adorable love interest, (the intern weather girl), that it’s important to be yourself, don’t worry about what people think of you.
- Innocent flirting.
Violent Content: Mild
- Slapstick, silly violence. Nothing that should scare or disturb kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The evil mayor call their town a “hell-hole.” Other words they say; “nerd,” and “freak.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Overall it’s heartwarming movie with likable characters which stresses that a loving family is more important than anything. I give it 4 buckets.
Another wonderful classic children’s book is “Where the Wild Things Are” which comes out on October 16.
Captain America: The First Avenger Review
Steve Rogers ( Chris Evans ) a very weak, frail boy wanted nothing more than to enlist in the army during WWll; however, with his small size and poor health conditions, he was rejected several times. After seeing the horrific footage of the war, he was more determined than ever to fight for his country. Luckily for Rogers, a General overheard his request to enlist, so he offered him the opportunity to be apart of a special experiment, one that Rogers couldn’t refuse! They injected a serum into his muscles, which would stimulate growth and therefore he would have a perfect muscular body…and that he did!!! After a three month intensive training program, Rogers became Captain America. He had an indestructible shield and a costume with the American flag on it. Rogers, now known as Captain America, was the new hope for America; not only to win the war, but to save the world from an evil man who wanted to destroy the universe! Captain America: The First Avenger, was an exciting, action packed, patriotic movie based on Marvel Comics fictional character, from World War ll.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: October 25, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points:
I’m not a huge comic book fan, but I enjoyed this movie. The characters were very likable, especially Captain America. He was a humble, meek guy, who was bothered by the war, and wanted to help. He was also a very loyal friend, who would do anything for you. He said, “I don’t like bullies, I don’t care where they’re from.”
This movie, set during WWll, could spark some good parent/child conversations. During the film we saw footage from the war, and of people celebrating V E day. During the movie my daughter asked some questions regarding WWll. A little history lesson during summer vacation… not a bad thing!
Through all the action, there was a little romance to the story too, which I really liked.
Sexual Content: Mild
- A couple of kisses and innocent flirting.
Violent/Disturbing Content: Excessive
- People were shot at, stabbed and punched throughout the movie.
- Many people died being thrown out of airplanes.
- The “bad guy” in the movie was scary looking. I don’t want to give too much of the movie away, but he had some evil ways and could really scare some kids.
- There were many explosions with characters being blown up.
- We see a character slowly dying, while foaming at the mouth.
Profane or Crude Language: Mild
- There may have been a couple of swear words, but nothing too bad.
Alcohol and Drug Content: Moderate
- There were characters drinking beer at a pub, getting a little tipsy.
- Other characters shown drinking cocktails throughout the film.
Overall this was a fun action packed movie. Parents need to know that there was a lot of violence and many intense scenes. If you’re comfortable with your kids seeing this type of movie, and they like action films, I would recommend it for kids ages 12 and up.
Battleship Review-Teen Movie Review
“You sank my battleship!” Even though they don’t say that in the movie, it’s a familiar phrase from Milton Bradley’s classic naval combat game…Battleship; and now it’s on the big screen! Lieutenant Alex Hopper (Taylor Kitsch) also known as Tim Riggins from the TV series Friday Night Lights, is intelligent and handsome; but makes poor decisions. He’s 26, his car won’t start, and he sleeps on his brother’s couch, who’s a commander in the Navy. Alex’s life dramatically changes when his brother convinces him to join Navy and get his life in order; so that’s what Alex does. Things start out a little slow, an admiral even tells him, “You’ve got skills, but I’ve never seen anyone waste them like you!” However when the world is attacked by an army of aliens, Alex takes command with hopes to save the world. Battleship is a sci-fi, action/ adventure film, one that boys will love, though it’s very violent!
Rating: 3 1/2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: May 18, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content:Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Talking Points:
Alex went from a guy who didn’t care about much, to someone who became passionate about helping people, and saving the world. He was a great character and role model for kids. Good eye candy for moms!
One of the soldiers lost his legs during the war, he felt insecure about his handicap, though he become a key part in helping his country.
Alex and his brother have a strong relationship, which ultimately helps Alex become a true hero. Another great thing for kids to see.
At the end of the film a group of 80 year-old men help Alex and company save the world from the alien invasion. This was a great, motivating scene!
Rihanna was not the best actress, I think she should stick to singing.
Sexual Content:Mild
- Alex’s girlfriend wears low-cut, revealing shirts.
- In one scene Alex’s girlfriend straddles him, while not wearing much, as we see them passionately kiss.
Violent Content:Excessive
- There are several ships that sink, we see hundreds of people die.
- The alien’s weapons could tear through metal, which would ultimately sink our ships.
- This was a very loud movie, with many massive explosions throughout the film.
- Aliens and humans engage in fistfights.
- We hear screams of several victims.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- “S–t,” “b–ch,” “b-tard,” “d-mn,” and “a-s,” are said throughout the film.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Character’s are shown in a bar drinking shots and beer.
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Overall this is an action packed violent film that boys will love, however parents need to be aware of the continuous violence. Depending on the child, I feel the movie is appropriate for kids ages 12 and up.