DVD Reviews
Beastly Review
“People like people who look good, whoever doesn’t is either dumb or ugly.” That’s what teenage hunk Kyle (Alex Pettyfer) believes; he says, image is everything. Kyle’s got it all, (so he thinks); he’s popular, cute, comes from a wealthy family, and is now running for class president. Things change dramatically for Kyle when he insults his classmate, Kendra, who’s a witch. She casts a spell on him; and transforms him into a bald, tattooed and scar covered teenage boy. The witch tells him that he has a year for someone to fall in love with him, and then the spell will be permanent. Now we see how this once arrogant boy turns into a humble, considerate person who seeks out love.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: March 4, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
See a clip of my review here, along with the Rango review too!
Talking Points
• This is a teen version of the classic fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast. There are many nice messages, that teens could learn from. Kyle begins to truly care for people, even his housekeeper, Zola, whom he was initially very disrespectful to. He feels sorry for his tutor, who’s blind, and eventually wants to help him. He also falls in love with Lindy (Vanessa Hudgens), who comes from a dysfunctional family. Kyle protects her from her dad’s drug dealer.
• Even though the movie was a little sappy and predictable, there were some humorous parts. Kyle’s tutor (Neil Patrick Harris), had a lot of funny one-liners.
Sexual Content: Mild
This is a PG13 movie, and in my opinion, parents won’t feel uncomfortable with their pre-teens/teens going to this movie.
• Initially, when Kyle is good-looking we learn from Facebook that he’s promiscuous. He writes on his profile that he’s interested in “anything that’s bangable.”
• There’s some kissing, but that’s about it.
Violent Content: Mild
• In one scene we see Lindy’s father in a confrontation with his drug dealer, they get into a fight, but nothing too scary or violent.
Crude and Profane Language: Excessive
• There are bits of profanity throughout the movie; such as “s*#t” , “a$$”, “d%$m” and “b$%&h”.
Here are some fun quotes that I got from kids that I interviewed after the movie:
• “That movie made me want to barf, eat it, and barf again.” (Eleven year-old boy).
• “I loved it because of the guy.” (Teenage girl).
• “It was funny, cute and romantic.” (Teenage girl).
Clearly this is a teenage girl movie, the girls even clapped at the end of the movie. Overall this teen romance is about humility, and caring for others. I read that, “Beastly tells us that humility is a virtue, that true love is a nifty thing and that beauty is far more than what you see in the mirror. These values are like the story, timeless”. That sums it up! I recommend Beastly for girls ages 11 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.
The Back Up Plan Review
“The Back-up Plan” is a story about Zoe (Jennifer Lopez), a single woman who decides that after several years of dating, and never finding “Mr. Right,” that she’s ready to have a baby; so she opts for artificial insemination. Naturally, the day that she is artificially inseminated, is the day she meets Stan (Alex O’Loughlin). While after many romantic dates, she decides that it’s time to tell Stan about her pregnancy. Stan responds enthusiastically, though very nervous. Over the course of nine months, we not only see the couple’s romance and excitement, but also their struggles over the stress of Zoe’s pregnancy.
Rating: Two out of five buckets
Release Date: August 24, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 14+
Sexual Content: Excessive
Violent Content: None
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
I liked Jennifer Lopez’s hair, and clothes.
Even though Stan is nervous, he does everything he can to support Zoe. From her cravings to her mood swings, he’s always there for her. I liked the fact the abortion was never mentioned.
The part that bothered me the most was how poorly parenthood is portrayed. When Zoe’s friend, a mother of four, was trying to dissuade Zoe from having a baby, she say’s that kids are awful, it’s the worst thing thats ever happened to her, and that she hates them. A father at the playground tells Stan the same thing. He says fatherhood is “awful, awful, awful, and then something beautiful happens, then it’s awful, awful, awful.”
Sexual Content: Excessive
- Many times we see a woman breast-feeding her 3 year old girl, this was inappropriate.
- There are many sexual scenes with Stan and Zoe, and there’s a lot of sexual conversations throughout the movie, mostly regarding pregnancy issues.
- We see one of Zoe’s friends give birth in a tub of water, this was a disturbing and inappropriate scene for young teens, my daughter thought it was gross.
Profane or crude language: Moderate
- Some swearing throughout the movie.
I kept thinking there would be some redeeming qualities at the end, Perhaps a nice message on how wonderful parenthood is, or how it’s best to get married first, then have children, but no such luck.
I know many teens that saw the movie, some thought it was okay, while others really liked it and thought it was a cute and fun movie. From a mom’s perspective, I didn’t care for it. If you have to see it, I would say it’s appropriate for kids ages 14 and up, but I would have a conversation with your kids how it’s just a light hearted movie, with not much substance. I’m going to give the movie two buckets. The movie was centered around the couples love affair, and the trials of parenthood, but not the blessing that is truly is.
Arthur Christmas Review
So how does Santa deliver all those presents in one night? That’s the question that many children have during the Christmas season; if you see Arthur Christmas you’ll find out…he is high-tech, that Santa!!! But behind all state of the art equipment that Santa has, this story center’s around Santa’s youngest son Arthur. He’s quirky and clumsy, but he has a heart of gold. One Christmas Eve night Arthur realizes something awful; a little girl does not get her gift, she was forgotten. Arthur is devastated, and will do anything he can so this sweet little girl won’t lose her faith in Santa. This is a fun heartwarming story, one that kids will enjoy, though parents may get a little bored.
Rating: 3 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: November 23, 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:
Arthur is a great character. He’s a simple unassuming guy, who loves the spirit of Christmas.
There are some nice messages in the film about forgiveness, and determination.
Steve, Santa’s older son has an important job, he runs Christmas. The only bad thing about Steve is that he’s not concerned that they forgot a little girl, he says that it’s not a big deal.
Grandsanta teases Santa, calling him a “postman with a spaceship.”
Sexual Content: Mild
- Two elves kiss.
Violent Content: Mild
- Some characters are attacked by lions.
- Arthur and his friends get shot at by a shotgun.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- An elf said that “children are stupid.”
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Grandsanta mentions that he likes whiskey.
Arthur Christmas is a movie that you can take your kids to and not worry about them being scared, or covering their eyes during the inappropriate scenes. It’s about kindness; and the consequences you get from helping people out…it will bring a smile to your face, it did for Arthur!
Arthur Review
Do money and material things make a person happy? Arthur (Russell Brand) initially thinks they do. He is a very generous, kind-hearted man and an heir to a very successful family business. He spends his money foolishly; on magnetic beds, Batmobiles, lots of alcohol and prostitutes. Arthur’s mother (Geraldine James) eventually realizes that it’s time for Arthur to finally grow up, (after all, he is a grown man who still has his nanny taking care of him). So his mother decides to marry him off to a women named Susan (Jennifer Garner). She’s beautiful, smart, and can eventually run the family business. Knowing that Arthur isn’t in love with this women, his mother gives him an ultimatum: marry Susan or forfeit his inheritance. This is a hard decision for Arthur, especially when he falls in love with another women, one the family doesn’t particularly like.
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: April 8, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 13+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Talking Points
Arthur is a remake of the 1981 comedy. Though I don’t remember much about the original movie, I do remember liking it.
Arthur’s relationship with his nanny (Helen Mirren) is very special. When he was a child, his mother was always working, and his dad died when he was three, so his nanny was the one person who truly cared about him. When she gets sick, Arthur matures, and eventually takes care of her, this was sweet and endearing to see his gradual change.
There’s a nice message that life isn’t all about material things. When Arthur falls in love with Naomi, (the woman the family doesn’t like), he realizes that all the money in the world won’t make him happy, but love will. Naomi also helps him mature and become more responsible. She explains that it’s good to earn things…something that Arthur doesn’t understand.
While the movie is funny and entertaining, it’s very predictable and a little boring in parts. I found myself looking at my watch a couple of times. Arthur is shown drinking excessive amounts alcohol throughout most of the movie and parents may feel uncomfortable with that.
Sexual Content: Mild
• Arthur is shown in bed with a prostitute wearing a skimpy outfit. It’s implied they’ve had a sexual encounter.
• There are many sexual references and jokes throughout the movie. Arthur talks about all the women he’s been with, and some he doesn’t even remember the next morning.
• Arthur has a huge party, and women’s underwear and bras are scattered throughout his apartment.
• Arthur is shown only wearing briefs in a couple of scenes.
Violent Content: Moderate
• When Arthur was playing with a nail gun, he accidentally shot his father-in-law to be. When he pulls out the nails, we see blood stains on his shirt.
• Arthur gets in a few car accidents when carelessly driving his Batmobile.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
• A young child says b*&#h, there are some other mild profanities used throughout the movie, but not very often.
Overall Arthur is an entertaining movie with a nice message. Though it’s fun to buy new “toys,” they will only bring you temporary happiness; something Arthur eventually comes to realize. I brought my 11 and 13-year-old sons, and one of their friends. My 11-year-old got a little bored, the 13 year-olds liked it and thought it was funny. I recommend this movie for kids ages 13 and up.
Overall this is an adventurous, action packed movie. As I previously mentioned, there is a lot of violence, but fine for a PG13 rated movie. Depending on whether your child can handle some of the violent scenes, I recommend this movie for kids ages 11 and up.