Star Trek Review
This is a prequel to the original Star Trek series from 1966. We see how the well loved crew of the Starship Enterprise comes together and is tested by adversity. Of course, here they’re younger and and in this day and age, more edgy. While on a special humanitarian mission from Starfleet Academy, the new recruits have to find a way to stop the evil Nero, a Romulan who wants to destroy all of mankind. The fate of the galaxy rests in the hands of rivals, James Kirk (Chris Pine), a thrill seeking Iowa farm boy, and Spock, who was raised in the logic based Vulcan society that seeks to control all emotions. Though Kirk and Spock are very different, they lead the crew through danger and adventure.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: November 17, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Talking Points:
I didn’t want to see the movie, I usually don’t like science fiction, however I loved it.
Even though there is fighting and violence, it’s a fun optimistic movie.
The special effects are terrific. At one point, they do a space jump which is something like a parachuting but from outside the atmosphere. It was really cool.
My husband, a lifelong trekie, tells me that there are many allusions and connections to the original 1966 series. Leonard Nemoy, has an important, though small role as an older Spock who is sent back in time. He provides a great connection with the new Star Trek cast and the original cast.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- If parents decide to bring younger kids, they may find one scene it a little uncomfortable when Kirk is in bed with a green skinned cadet in a bikini. They’re interrupted when her roommate walks in. But then he hides under the bed and sees the roommate(whom he likes) strip down to her bra and underwear.
Violent Content: Excessive
- Kirk gets into a bar fight, where he’s brutally beaten, covered with blood. He also gets in a few other fights.
- Kirk is nearly choked to death a few time.
- There a some intense spaceship battles.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- The s-word is used, and we hear other words such as “a‑‑,” “b‑‑tard” and “d‑‑n.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- Characters drink at a bar.
- We see Kirk drunk.
I thought the ending was, especially for Trekies, really neat. The movie ended with the lines and the music that started every show . . .”Space, the final frontier. These are the voyages of the Starship Enterprise. Its continuing mission: to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before.”
I recommend that you boldly go to see Star Trek, I give it five buckets.
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World Review
Marissa (Jessica Alba), a retired spy, is now a full time homemaker. She’s married to Wilbur (Joel McHale) a spy hunting TV reporter, she has a baby and twin 10 year old step children, (Rebecca, played by Rowen Blanchard and Cecil played by Mason Cook); who want nothing to do with her. However, things dramatically change when the twins find out their stepmom is a former spy agent. Marissa (the stepmom) is called back to duty to save the planet from an evil villain (Time Keeper). He wants to take over the world, and ultimately freeze it. He feels that people waste their time, and they don’t realize how precious it is. Now it’s up to Marissa, her step-kids, along with the familiar Spy Kids from the previous films, Cameron (Alexa Vega) and Juni Cortez (Daryl Sabara), to save the world from this evil threat.
Rating: Three out of five buckets.
Release Date: August 19, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5 to 10
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
This is the fourth movie in the popular Spy Kids series. My kids were fans of the first three movies, however they are not the target audience for this film; I’m sad to say that they’ve outgrown the Spy Kids series.
I didn’t particularly love this movie, however I did like the constant theme throughout the film. The movie focuses on the importance of family, and to make the most of our time, to love and enjoy our families. Some great quotes from the movie about time: “It’s not about the time you have, it’s what you choose to do with it.” When referring to spending quality time with your kids, a character says, “Spend time with them now, because the only thing you’ll find time for later is regret.” Another message is that you can’t change the past, “Live life moving forward not back.” This could spark a conversation with your kids.
There’s some rude potty humor; with kids vomiting and dogs burping. The twins play many practical jokes on their stepmom such as; dropping a bag of blue cheese dressing on her head, and putting baby powder in her blow dryer. Initially the twins didn’t like their stepmom, I thought they were mean and disrespectful.
The movie was in 4D, which could be a fun added feature for kids. When buying the tickets, we received a card with 8 numbers on it.When a number appeared on the screen, you rub that number on the card and sniff it. I think the kids in the theater liked it, I thought it was a little annoying.
The acting was not the greatest!
Sexual Content: Mild
- A married couple kiss.
Violent Content: Mild
- There’s an evil villain, but he’s not that scary, if anything he’s a little goofy.
- Men chase the kids, and shoot them with laser beams….silly violence, not threatening or scary.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Words such as “butt-head,” “stupid,” and “puke” are used.
Drug and Alcohol Content: None
Overall Spy Kids: All the Time in the World is an adventurous action packed movie. Parents need to know that there is some rude potty humor, and slapstick violence. As I previously mentioned, kids familiar with the first three films have most likely outgrown this one. With all the messages about embracing time, my 13 year old son said, “The time in the movie was too long.” Hmmm…maybe not for teens, but great for it’s target audience; kids ages 5 to 10.
Some quotes from the audience:
“It was totally appropriate,” said a mom of a 6 and 9 year old.
“I loved it,” said a 9 year old boy.
“I loved it that Cameron and Juni (characters from the previous films) were in it.” said a 7 year old girl.
Sparkle Review
Three beautiful sisters, one named Sister, were raised as churchgoing girls who sang in the choir. One of the girls, Sparkle (Jordin Sparks) had a gift for songwriting, and wanted to pursue her goal of becoming a singer/songwriter. The other two had beautiful voices as well and had their own dreams and goals. However their mother, Emma (Whitney Houston) wanted to keep her daughters on the straight and narrow; she did not want them to lead a life of fame. Eventually the three sisters secretly formed a singing group and became a Motown hit! Later, their fame and fortune brought on unforeseen difficulties and began to tear the family apart. Set in Detroit in the 1960’s, Sparkle is a musical drama about fame and the hardships that may come along with it.
Rating: 2 out of 5 buckets
Release Date: November 30, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 16+
Sexual Content: Moderate
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
Will Kids Like It? No
Talking Points:
The movie highlights the values of faith, family and love. The three sisters were supportive of one another, and always tried to help each other through difficult times.
The movie notes that sometimes fame can destroy a person, as it did with one of the girls, Sister. However the film also suggests that if we use our gifts to benefit others, as Sparkle did, then it’s worth pursuing.
The girls had an unusual relationship with their mother, Emma (Whitney Houston). Emma had a difficult life and made some poor choices. She was adamant about her girls not following in their mother’s footsteps.
There are some disturbing abusive scenes, and disturbing images of drug use. This could spark some good parent/child conversations of making the right choices.
Adults will like the 1960’s music.
Sexual Content: Moderate
- The girls wear very revealing dresses while performing. Sister believes her sex appeal is the key to their success.
- While performing Sister has many seductive moves as she caressed her chest and thighs. The camera zoomed in on the girl’s hips and chests. Men in the audience are cheering.
- Sister and Satin (her abusive husband) kiss passionately and talk about making love. Sister straddles him on a chair and says she “horny.”
- We see couples kissing at night clubs.
Violent Content: Moderate
- There are two fist fights.
- We see bruises on Sister’s face, it’s noted that Satin (her husband) had abused her.
- We see Satin chasing Sister around the house, then whipping her with a belt.
- The girls get into a fight with Satin. One of the girls hits Satin on the head with a fireplace rod.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- The s-word is said twice. “BS,” “d–n,” “h—,” and “a–,” are also used several times each.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Excessive
- Several character’s are shown smoking throughout the film.
- We see several characters’ drinking alcoholic beverages.
- Sister uses cocaine which we see on a mirror. It’s clear that she becomes addicted to the drug.
Overall I would say this is not a movie for kids. With the mature subject matter and images of drugs and physical abuse I would not recommend this for kids. Adults may find the storyline interesting, and enjoy the wonderful Motown tunes from the 1960’s.
Source Code Review
Captain Steven Colter (Jake Gyllenhaal) gets on a Chicago train, sits across from a cute girl (Michelle Monaghan), the girl gets a phone call from her ex-boyfriend, someone spills coffee on Colter’s shoe, the conductor checks Colter’s ticket, the train stops, the passengers get off the train, and then the train explodes. And, then the same thing happens again, and again, and again. He’s involved in a government experiment known as “Source Code.” This experiment allows him to enter into the body of a male passenger on this Chicago train; eight minutes before the explosion. His mission is to identify the bomber, and prevent another attack from happening. Colter returns on the train several times hoping to get enough clues to complete his mission. This suspenseful drama will keep you at the edge of your seat.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: April 1, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Very Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
See a clip of my review here!
Talking Points
The goal of Captain Colter, and everyone involved in the mission, is to save lives! A good thing for teenagers to witness.
It was exciting to see Colter with each return train visit; as he got more clues determining who the bomber was. I kept thinking of the board game Clue, a family favorite.
There are many likable characters in this film, I especially liked Carol Goodwin (Vera Famiga, from Up In The Air). She’s Colters main contact at the agency, and they develop a special friendship. Colter also got attached to some of the passengers on the train, especially the cute girl.
The movie got confusing at times, you really had to pay attention, though not as confusing as Inception.
Sexual Content: Very Mild
• There are a couple of kisses, but that’s about it.
Violent Content: Moderate
• We see the train explode several times throughout the movie.
• There are some graphic scenes. Colter gets in a bad fight, he’s beaten and bruised. He also jumps off a moving train, and once again gets pretty bloody.
• Colter is aggressive with some of the passengers while aiming his gun at them; you’re not sure if he’s actually going to kill them.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
• “F#@k” is said, but not much, maybe once or twice. Other words such as “s*&t” and “d%n” are used sporadically throughout the film.
Overall this was an intense and exciting movie. I was anxious at times, wondering who the terrorist was, and if Colter could accomplish his mission successfully. I thought the movie had an appropriate rating of PG13. I brought my 13 year-old son, who loved the action and suspense as well. I recommend this for kids (mainly boys), ages 12 and up.
Soul Surfer Review
This is story about Bethany (AnnaSophia Robb) a 13 year old girl who was born to surf. She was an amazing surfer, and enjoyed her wonderful life in Hawaii. Bethany was constantly participating in national surf competitions with her best friend; that was her greatest passion in life, until the day everything changed. In 2003 Bethany lost her arm by a shark attack while surfing. Her dreams were shattered, but with the help of family and friends, and her strong faith, Bethany persevered , and was determined to be back in the water again. This is a heartwarming, true story about a courageous girl who is an inspiration to all, as she handles life’s difficulties with faith and determination! A great movie for the whole family!
Rating: Four out of five popcorn buckets.
Release Date: August 2, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points:
This is one of my favorite movies of the year! I loved the religious element of the film. Even though Bethany went through a very difficult time, her faith kept her going; she ultimately knew that something good would come out of this; she completely trusted God’s plan for her. She knew that God would take care of her. This could spark some great parent/child conversations.
I also loved the family dynamics. Her dad, mom, and two brothers were very loving and supportive, which helped her through this difficult time. She became stronger and better as she fought to get back in the water.
While in Thailand on a mission trip, Bethany realized that she has not suffered as much as others in the world. With the help of her youth group leader, Sarah (Carrie Underwood), Bethany helped people in Thailand who had lost loved ones in a tsunami in 2004. Another great lesson for our kids!
Sexual Content: Mild
- Teens wear skimpy bikinis, and bare backed shirts as there on the beach in Hawaii.
- Teens innocently flirt with each other.
Violent Content: Excessive
- The shark attack was very scary, and may disturb some kids. We saw a large pool of blood from Bethany’s shoulder, it may be hard for kids to see.
- The surfing can get intense. There were shots of struggling surfers in the water.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- There was a little name-calling like, “psycho,” but no swear words.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
This movie is a life lesson for everyone. Millions of people all over the world have seen her interviews and witnessed her strong faith and courage. I read that in an interview Bethany said, “We never know what life brings. Maybe there are some rough times for you now or in the future. I think that if you seek God first and focus on Him, you’ll be able to endure those struggles and hardships.”
I highly recommend this movie for kids ages 10+. If your kids are sensitive, they may be scared by the shark scene and the disturbing subject matter. However with the strong message of faith, and trust in God, when your kids do see it, there will be some great parent/child discussions…there were in my house!