DVD Reviews
Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Pt. 1 Review
Most everyone was excited for the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, and now the wedding that all the twihards have been waiting for; Edward Cullen’s (Robert Pattinson) and Bella Swan’s (Kristen Stewart). In The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 1 we saw the beautiful couple say their vows, as their guests all celebrated joyfully,(except for Jacob Black), we saw an elegant setting in the garden of the Cullen mansion, but most importantly we saw a happy a couple that have had their share of problems over the years! As the newlyweds departed to a Brazilian Island for their honeymoon, like most newlyweds; life was great. The honeymoon started out with passionate evenings, swimming under a waterfall, and quietly playing chess. However, things changed when Edward, a vampire who doesn’t know his own strength, realized that his wife was covered in bruises from their romantic evenings. As Edward felt terribly guilty, he and Bella soon came to realize that the consequences from their sexual encounters changed their lives forever. In this fourth segment of the Stephanie Meyer’s bestselling book series, we once again see romance, passion and intrigue with the vampires and werewolf’s we’ve grown to know and love over the years.
Rating: 4 out of 5 buckets.
Release Date: February 11, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I enjoyed the romantic element of the movie. From when Bella’s dad walked her down the aisle, which by way brought tears to my eyes, to the honeymoon in Brazil.
The love and commitment that Edward and Bella shared was very youthful and refreshing. When faced with difficult circumstances, Edward was committed to keeping his true love safe, no matter what he had to face.
Werewolf, Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner), was also committed to keeping Bella safe, even though it meant going against his own pack.
Bella showed courage and sacrifice when she refused to take Edward’s advice and “get rid” of their unborn child. Even though her pregnancy could have killed her, she was willing to sacrifice her life. When everyone was telling her to abort the child, Bella commented by saying, “it’s not his fault.”
I’ve read all the books and seen all the movies thus far. When I initially read Breaking Dawn I thought the storyline was a little strange and creepy, though I still liked it, after all I am a twihard! Having said that I thought the movie was strange and creepy as well, especially the birthing scene!
Like the first part of the book, the movie was a little slow, not very exciting or suspenseful, however, I know that the action will come in part 2.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- We saw the couple passionately kissing several times.
- We saw them naked from the waist up, hugging under a water fall.
- Bella wore tight shorts and tee-shirts. She also wore some sexy lingerie outfits.
Violent Content: Excessive
- Bella’s pregnancy was painful to see. She was torn apart by her unborn child. She looked emaciated and pale throughout her pregnancy.
- Her C-section, performed by the Cullens, was a very bloody ordeal. Edward and Bella were covered in blood.
- Edward attacked and bit the throats of several men.
- The werewolves and vampires had some viscous fights, where bodies were thrown in all directions.
- After the wedding night we saw multiple bruises all over Bella’s body.
- Bella drank several cups of blood, to feed her baby. That was disgusting!!!
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The h-word and d-word is said.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Wedding guests drank champagne and cocktails.
The teenage love affair between the Twilight characters has now moved into a more serious direction of marriage and kids; which brought a more serious tone to the movie.Though we know there aren’t any werewolves or vampires in our lives, and we know that almost nothing in the Twilight films could ever really happen; though we do know that teenagers may fall in love, and there are life challenges no matter if your a werewolf, vampire or a human! Depending on the child; with the gory birthing scene, and moderate sexual content, I recommend this film for kids ages 13 and up.
Unstoppable Review
Unstoppable is based on a true story, about an unmanned, runaway train filled with explosives and toxins traveling through Pennsylvania. It’s up to a veteran engineer Frank Barnes (Denzel Washington), and a young conductor Will Colson (Chris Pine) to prevent a major catastrophe from happening.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: February 15, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Excessive
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points:
The premise of the movie is about a runaway train, and that’s it. You may think, how can I watch a ninety-eight minute movie about a runway train? Well, you will be on the edge of your seat the moment that train is loose. This is an entertaining, suspenseful, action packed movie, one that my three kids and I thoroughly enjoyed.
Frank Barnes(Denzel Washington) and Will Colson(Chris Pine), are two very likable characters, and at completely different stages in life. Throughout all the action, we see an emotional side to them. We hear about Frank’s (Denzel Washington) two daughter’s, who work at Hooter’s restaurant, and Will’s (Chris Pine), struggles with his marriage. These are two average guys trying to save thousands of lives.
I brought my 14 year old daughter, and 13 and 11 year old boys. My daughter was not interested in seeing it. She typically likes a good “chic flick,” but she loved this movie. She thought it was very interesting, and was at the edge of her seat as well. My boys loved the action, though after the movie my eleven year old said, “I will never ride on a train.”
Sexual Content: Mild
- There are no sexual references or scenes. They show a couple scenes at Hooter’s restaurant, which was fine.
Violent Content: Excessive
High-action film, which may frighten younger kids.
- The train, which is going about 70 mph, crashes through many obstacles on it’s track, there are loud explosions and noises.
- At one point, the runway train is headed towards another train, which is full of young kids on a field trip. This was a very suspenseful part.
Profanity: Excessive
There were a lot of swear words used throughout the whole movie. I read in a review that, “The crassness only serves to distract, and it derails any fun a family audience might have had.”
Overall this is an entertaining movie. However, with the heavy profanity and high-action intense scenes, I would recommend this movie for kids ages eleven and up.
War Horse Review
Typically one would think of a dog as a man’s best friend, though maybe not for a farmer’s son. This is a story about a teenage boy, Albert, and his horse, Joey. Albert has a remarkable bond with Joey as he teaches his horse to become the best plow horse in town. Unfortunately, Albert’s father is forced to sell the horse to the Army, since he can’t pay the rent. Now we see Joey’s remarkable journey as he travels throughout Europe from owner to owner, hoping to reunite with Albert. War Horse is based on a children’s book, set in England and Europe during World War I.
Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets.
Release Date: December 25, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12 +
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content:Moderate
See a clip of my review here, along with We Bought a Zoo!
Talking Points:
Most of us have seen many war stories. What make’s this film different and what I like about this film is that you see the war from the perspective of a horse. You could feel the horse’s pain and suffering during the war as if he was a soldier fighting for our country.
War Horse was an educational film. I didn’t realize the importance of horses during WWI. I read that,” Britain sent more than 1 million horses to war between 1914 and 1918. Just 62,000 returned.” The war aspect of the film could spark an interesting conversation with kids.
I thought it was interesting to see a German and British soldier come together in No Man’s Land to save Joey, as he was tangled in barbed wire.
As the horse traveled throughout the war it was interesting to meet his various owners, and see them deal with the war, while also hoping to survive.
Though the film is based on a children’s book, this is a war story, and may be a little long and boring for some kids.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Moderate
- Initially we see a field of dead men and horses.
- There are many explosions and gun fire throughout the film.
- We see people with missing limbs and scared faces.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- “B-tard” is said, and “h–l,” is said a couple times.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- Ted, Albert’s father, drinks regularly throughout the film.
Overall War Horse was a well done film with a wonderful storyline about a boy and his horse. Since it is a war movie, the mature subject matter may not interest many kids.
Up Review
Up is a comedy adventure about a 78 year old widower named Carl, who finally fulfills his life long dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and flies away to Paradise Falls in South America. This is a place he and his wife had dreamt of going to since they first met as children, but the everyday life occurrences got in the way, so they never made the trip together. During the flight, he discovers a stowaway; Russell, an enthusiastic 8 year old boy scout. Once they arrive in South America they come across many adventures that change both of their lives.
Rating: Four out of five buckets.
Release Date: November 10, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any Age
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Carl and his wife had a wonderful relationship. He adored her from the minute they met, even though she passes away, he continues to talk to her throughout the movie.
Russell and Carl have a sweet relationship as well. Russell has one badge left to earn as a boy scout, it’s his “assisting the elderly” badge, which he aims to do throughout the movie by caring and respecting Carl.
As Carl struggles with his house and material possessions, it’s Russell who knows what’s really important in life. When Russell is telling a story about he and his dad getting ice cream, he then says “It might sound boring, but I kinda think it’s the boring stuff I remember the most. Carl learns valuable lessons involving family, friendship and materialism.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
- Young kids may get scared. If you’re afraid of dogs you won’t like the movie. There are mean dogs in the movie that have special collars that make them talk, which is also very funny.
- In South America they meet a bad guy, Charles Munz, a longtime adventurer whom Carl had always wanted to meet, though he wasn’t what Carl had expected. When Munz and Carl get into a sword fight, Munz fires a shotgun at Carl, that sets the house on fire. This scared my niece who’s 6 years old.
Crude or Profane Content: Mild
- “Gosh,” “golly” and “darn.” are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters drink wine.
I interviewed kids ages 3 to 12. Younger kids thought it was scary, but ages 7 and up really liked it. Adults will love it. They’ll get the humor and appreciate the relationships that Carl has with his wife and the young boy that he meets.
Overall it’s a heartwarming film about keeping promises, treasuring people, not material possessions, value time with your kids, and to honor and respect elderly people. It’s a good movie for grandparents to take their grandchildren. I give it 4 buckets.
Twilight Review
Based on a popular book series. It’s about a 17 year old girl, named Bella who moves to an overcast town in Washington, to live with her dad. While at her new school, she meets a very mysterious, pale-faced, handsome boy, named Edward. As she gradually falls in love with him, she gradually discovers that he is a vampire. It’s a wonderful, dramatic love story, though their romance puts her in physical danger when Edward’s vampire enemies come to town, and want to kill Bella.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: March 29, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Edward hasn’t aged since 1918.
Bella and Edward’s relationship: You feel a powerful tension throughout the movie between his animal instincts as a vampire, and his human love for her. They could win an academy award, it’s so well done.
Edward is surprisingly close with his family, they make a point of saying that they protect each other.
Bella’s parents are divorced, she has a very loving relationship with each parent. She risks her life for her mom.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Edward and Bella kiss in the film.
- Edward watches her sleep at night. It’s kind of creepy. They snuggle fully clothed in her bed one night.
Violent Content: Moderate
- The kind of violence you’d expect from a vampire movie. An enemy vampire wants to kill Bella. There are some violent scenes: she’s slammed into a mirrored wall, blood all over.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The h-word is used once or twice.
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Bella’s dad drinks beer on a number of occasions throughout the film.
I’ve talked to many teenage girls, that have loved the movie. Those that have read the book, and those that didn’t. Two girls liked the book a lot better. Overall, it’s a great romantic, suspenseful movie!