DVD Reviews
Cars 2- Kids Movie Review
In Cars 2 we once again see star race car Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson), and his pal, tow truck Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) as they head overseas to compete in first-ever World Grand Prix. However, it’s not as easy as they had planned; Mater gets caught in his own adventure, as he accidentally gets involved in an international conspiracy to sabotage the big race car event. While Lightening is busy with the race, Mater travels from Japan to Europe in an exciting chase, as the whole world is watching his surprising and hilarious adventure. In this sequel, there are some new and colorful cars, for the whole family to enjoy.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: November 1, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Any age
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
There’s a message about the importance of friendships. One character says, “Whoever finds a friend, finds a treasure.” Lightening and Mater have a special relationship. Even though Lightening gets very frustrated with his ditzy friend, he learns to appreciate Mater’s good and likable qualities.
Though fun and entertaining, this film had more potty and slapstick humor than the first Cars movie. The kids in the theater seemed to enjoy, not sure about the parents.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Mater has a romantic interest, there’s a little innocent flirting going on between he and his girl.
Violent Content:
- Some cars are equipped with rockets and other spy gear, which resulted in many explosions and heated chase scenes.
- Some bad guys use gas to subdue Mater.
- Mater has a time bomb tied to his engine, this may scare young kids, you’re not sure if Mater will make it.
Crude or Profane Language:
- Words such as “idiot” and “jerk” are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content:
- Cars go to a pub, and are served cocktail drinks.
Cars 2 is an entertaining movie for the whole family. With the likable, colorful cars, and a lot of adventure, kids will be thoroughly entertained. Having said that, I feel that the original Cars movie was better, and had an innocence about it that I enjoyed. Cars 2 had more crash scenes and violence; if your kids are sensitive to that, you may want to wait, otherwise it’s a good one to see at the theater this summer!
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.
Big Miracle Review
“A highly improbable or extraordinary event,” that’s the definition of a miracle, and that’s what this movie is about. In a small Alaskan town, a news reporter (John Krasinski) spots 3 California gray whales trapped in a small circle of unfrozen water. Initially, the reporter is excited about his big news story, then gradually he starts to truly care for the whales survival. The White House, The National Guard, Eskimos, Greenpeace and other influential groups; even the Russians, get involved to help save the whales. Big Miracle is based on a true story, that captured the attention of millions of people all over the world.
Rating: 5 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: June 19, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
See a clip of my review here, along with “The Women In Black”
Talking Points:
This movie had an amazing cast; to name a few; John Krasinski, Drew Barrymore and Kristen Bell.
This was an educational movie that will spark some great parent/ child conversations. It makes many cultural and historical references throughout the film…ending with clip of a surprise shot of a former newscaster.
Not only was the movie interesting, it was exciting; wondering if the whales will be rescued.
Sexual Content: None
Violent Content: Mild
- We see gouges and scrapes on the whales; from using their snouts to break the ice.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- We hear “b-tard,” “a–,” “jack a–,” “holy crap,” and d–n.”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- We see characters drink alcohol in a couple of scenes. It’s obvious that one character is drunk.
Overall this is a wonderful, educational movie for the whole family. Having said that parents need to be aware of the moderate profanity throughout the film. I recommend this for kids ages 8 and up.
Bedtime Stories Review
Bedtime Stories is a family comedy about a hotel handy man (Skeeter) whose life changes when the outrages bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew start to come true. His niece and nephew unknowingly have the power to make the stories become real.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: April 7, 2009
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:
His clever and creative storytelling is portrayed as a fun and relaxing family activity, which may inspire viewers to do the same thing.
I read that when Adam Sandler was asked about the film he said, “I wanted to make sure I made one movie in my career that mothers hug me for.”
Though Skeeters storytelling may be self-absorbed, he is a devoted and loyal uncle who loves his niece and nephew. His love and dedication is shown throughout the movie, as the children are going through a hard time with their parents divorce.
His storytelling highlights greed. He tells stories to get what he wants, (A Ferrari, and a million dollars),
Sexual Content: Mild
- There are some sexual references. Skeeter comments on a girls reputation, saying that she is hot and that she likes to have a good time.
- In real life and his stories, Skeeter tries to kiss several women, and he says he’s a great kisser. Eventually, he actually does kiss a character.
Violent Content: Mild
- There are some violent scenes in a few of Skeeter’s bedtime stories. There are battle scenes, and laser beams are used in some of his stories.
- Skeeter steals a motorcycle as a way to rapidly get to a crime scene.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Words such as “stupid,” and “weird,”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters drink alcohol. Skeeter mentions drinking in his “bedtime stories.”
Overall, it’s a fun, heart warming, unassuming movie that the whole family will enjoy.
My kids ages 9, 11 and 12 loved it too.
Beverly Hills Chihuahua Review
It’s about a very pampered, well-to-do, Chihuahua named Chloe, who lives in Beverly Hills. While Chloe’s on vacation in Mexico (with her equally snobby dog-sitter), Chloe gets lost. The movie shows her adventures in Mexico, and how she’s trying to get back home to her luxurious life in Beverely Hills.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: March 3, 2009
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:
The film was funny: Chloe goes to the spa,dogs on tread mill, seaweed wrap
diamond collar and designer clothes and boots.
Dog owners can relate to the silly things in the movie.
Funny Line:
Papi- Her neighbor dog, (who is in love with Chloe), searches for her in Mexico. The Mexican police say they don’t need Papi’s help. Papi says, “We’re Mexi-can not can’t.”
Movie Entertains adults and engages kids right from the beginning of the movie.
My 12 year old daughter and friend thought it was really corny. (The dramatic dog scenes in the middle of the movie.)
Sexual Content: Mild
- Girls wear bikinis. One man is very suggestive to Rachel, wanting more than just a dance.
- Songs such as: “I”m too Sexy,”” Whomp,” and “Hot, Hot, Hot,” play as background music.
Violent Content: Mild
- May be a little scary for younger kids. A mean Mexican dogcatcher who wants to capture Chloe could scare younger kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- There is some mild name calling such as, “fool.”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- In a restaurant scene, there are many champagne glasses that are shown.
- One of the dogs is named Whiskey.
Overall it’s a wholesome Disney Movie.The movie highlights loyalty and friendship. Chloe relies on her friends to try to help get her back to Beverly Hills.