Rango Review
Who knew that a chameleon could have an identity crisis? Well, in this animated western comedy we meet a pet chameleon (voice of Johnny Depp), who feels like an outsider. Initially, he has lived his life in a terrarium, but always fantasized about becoming a hero. When he eventually gets out of the tank, he ends up in a gritty, western town called Dirt. In this town he becomes the hero he always wanted to be. He’s made the local sheriff, and decides that his name is Rango. However, Rango eventually realizes that it’s easier to dream about being a hero, than actually be one; as he tries to save this western town from their local outlaw, Rattlesnake Jake.
Rating: One out of five buckets
Release Date: March 4, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: Not Recommended
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points
Rango is directed by the same director as The Pirates of the Caribbean movies. In most animated films the creatures are cute and lovable, not in Rango. The creatures are disgusting with brown, decayed teeth, and leathery skin, which many kids will be scared of, and frankly, it’s not at all pleasant to watch for anyone. There are some saloon scenes where these creatures are smoking cigars and drinking. It’s implied that one guy passed out from being drunk
There is a lot of potty humor, which I typically don’t mind, however in this movie the humor is targeted towards adults and not kids. Some of the jokes are about enlarged prostates, laxatives and mammograms, which I feel most kids won’t even understand.
If I have to find a redeeming quality I would say there is a nice message that everyone needs to believe in something.
Sexual Content: Mild
In the beginning of the movie Rango is staging a play in his terrarium, which he typically loved to do. In his plays there is a headless and shirtless Barbie torso. He points to her chest and says, “Are those real?”
Violent Content: Excessive
The movie is set in an old western town. It’s a creepy, scary setting especially for a PG animated film. There are many scary scenes, but I’ll just mention one scene.
• Rattlesnake Jake grabs a girl, whom Rango likes, the snake licks her and says in a creepy voice, “I want to watch you die.”
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
• There is swearing in this animated film. Words such as “h**l”, “d$%m”, and “a@#” are said.
Overall I didn’t like this movie. It was an animated film, which I associate with kids, that was not geared towards kids. Parents were uncomfortable in the theater, some even took their kids and walked out. Which I would have done if I wasn’t reviewing the film.
Race to Witch Mountain Review
Jack Bruno(Dwayne Johnson) is a Las Vegas cab driver whose life changes when 2 teen aliens(siblings) enter into his cab. Though they don’t look like aliens, Jack gradually realizes that they are when he sees they have supernatural powers. The sibling’s inform Jack that their spaceship had crashed on Earth, which is buried within Witch Mountain. They must return the spaceship home to save their own planet and ours. It’s up to Jack and his “scientist” love interest to help the teens retrieve their spaceship.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: August 4, 2009
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 8+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Moderate
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Funny, a lot of one-liners.
Great actors, the girl was in “Bridge to Tarabithia,” and “Because of Winn Dixie.”
I read that “this remake was written with Dwayne Johnson in mind, to turn “The Rock” into a more family friendly commodity.”
Jack is very loyal to the teens, initially he wants to walk away, but his conscience won’t let him.
Two actors from the original movie have cameos in this movie.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Women wear tight fitting outfits.
Violent Content: Moderate
- There is a lot of action and violence. Men with black SUV’s, black overcoats, and black sunglasses are after Jack and the kids throughout the movie. May scare younger kids.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Characters say, “up the yin-yang,” and “nutjob.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Two characters are given a drug through a breathing tube.
Overall, this film is a fun, action packed movie for the whole family.
Puss in Boots Review
How did Puss get those boots of his? In this wonderful, animated film, Puss in Boots, we learn a lot about that bad cat long before he ever meets Shrek. This is story about Puss (Antonio Banderas) and his courageous adventures with his long time friend, Humpty Dumpty (Zach Galifianakis) and the street-savvy Kitty (Salma Hayek). This trio is on a mission to steal magic beans from Jack and Jill, grow a bean stalk, and get to the golden egg kingdom in the clouds, with hopes to steal the goose that lays the golden eggs. This is a hilarious and clever movie, one the whole family will enjoy.
Rating: Five out of five buckets
Release Date: February 24, 2012
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 5+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
“Please do not let me down,” these are the words from Puss’s adopted mom after she finds out he was stealing beans. Despite Puss’s reputation, he is a good cat; it’s mentioned throughout the film that he wants to do the right thing and make his mom proud! This is a great message for kids!!!
In a flashback scene we learn that Puss was put in an orphanage as a tiny kitten. That’s where he meets Humpty Dumpty, who’s constantly being picked on and bullied by other kids. Puss sticks up for his bullied new friend; another great thing for kids to see.
In addition to the moral lessons that runs throughout the film, it is also a hilarious movie. From Puss’s dance moves, to his witty and silly humor; kids and adults will be thoroughly entertained.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Puss and Kitty have a “dance fight,” where they seductively dance together.
- Puss makes reference of his reputation as a lover.
Violent Content: Mild
- In this film Jack and Jill are evil, scary characters who threaten anyone who gets in their way. They hit Puss and his friends with swords and clubs. Jack and Jill may scare some younger kids.
- There are many sword fights; Puss loves to use his sword.
Crude or Profane Language: None
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Characters are shown drinking alcohol in a pub.
Though Puss in Boots may have been your favorite character in Shrek, this is not another Shrek movie. This film has a new and entertaining twist, with some interesting new characters. I recommend this movie for the whole family, though parents need to be aware that the characters, Jack and Jill, may frighten young kids.
Prom Review
Are you going to prom? Who are you going to prom with? These are popular questions during the spring season, and the answer varies from student to student. However, they all have one goal in common….they all want to go to prom. In this movie we see several interconnecting stories at a high school in Waverly, MI. The stories range from; the characters organizing the prom, the students deciding where to go to college, the high school friendships and the romance dilemmas, to the prom King and Queen. With each story there’s a little drama and a little fun, however, the stories all revolved around one big event…..PROM!
Rating: Three out of five buckets
Release Date: April 29, 2011
MPAA Rating: PG
Best Age Group: 10+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild, “h%$l” is said a few times.
Drugs and Alcohol Content: None
Talking Points
Prom is a movie you can send your tween to, and feel perfectly comfortable. It is an innocent Disney movie, with tween girls as the target audience. In the movie we see teens of all types; they have some insecurities and fears about leaving their safe life in high school, and approaching independence. In one scene a senior boy was giving a sophomore boy advice about handling certain issues in high school.
One thing I really liked about this movie is that it is set in Michigan, there’s talk of some students attending The University of Michigan, my alma mater….Go Blue!
The characters are very likable. Nova (Aimee Teegarden), is the class president who’s also organizing the prom; she’s a very hard-working, driven girl. Though she falls for Jesse (Thomas McDonell), the “bad boy,” she’s a good girl, and wants to have the perfect prom.
I thought the movie was a little corny and cheesy, and the acting was just okay. However, the kids in the theater seemed to have really liked it, and most importantly, it’s an appropriate movie, which parents will like.
Sexual Content: Mild
• This was a refreshing movie. There were some kissing. While some movies focus on drinking and sex during proms, this movie is more of a fairy tale, focused on romance and friendships.
Violent Content: Mild
• There was a fist fight in one scene.
Crude/Profane Language: Mild
• They say h*#l once or twice.
Some comments from girls after the movie:
“I thought is was so cute and funny,” said a 13-year-old girl.
“It was a wonderful fairy tale,” said a 17-year-old girl.
“I liked it, though it was a little corny,” said a 13-year-old girl.
Like I said before, this movie is a little corny, though it’s a cute movie for tween and teenage girls. It highlights what’s important about a prom. It doesn’t matter if you go alone, with your friends or with your true love. Prom is an important part of high school, something you’ll always remember. After all, the boy who I went to prom with, set me up with my husband ten years later, you never know what can happen.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Review
Prince of Persia: The sands of Time, is an action adventure movie set in the beautiful lands of ancient Persia. We initially meet Dastan, a young orphan boy, who comes to another boy’s defense. The King happens to be passing by, and he’s so impressed with Dastan’s actions that he adopts him on the spot. Fifteen years later we see Prince Dastan as a very handsome young man, in his early twenties. When he and his brothers found out that a neighboring city is selling weapons to Persia’s enemies, they proceed to invade the city, but didn’t find any weapons. However, they do encounter the beautiful Princess Tamina. Together Prince Dastan and Princess Tamina risk their lives as they protect a magical dagger that could destroy the world.
Rating: Four out of five buckets
Release Date: September 14, 2010
MPAA Rating: PG13
Best Age Group: 12+
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drugs and Alcohol Content: Mild
Talking Points:
Beautiful scenery: As Dastan and Tamina travel to the neighboring city, we see the beautiful desert landscapes in Persia. Also, I thought Jake Gyllenhaal, was pleasant to look at, while my husband enjoyed looking at Princess Tamina (Gemma Arterton).
Dastan’s adopted father and brother’s are a very loving and loyal family. The brother’s remember their father’s words to do the right thing, no matter what the consequence is.
I thought the movie was unpredictable, there were many surprises, though sometimes got a little confusing.
Sexual Content: Mild
Violent Content: Excessive
Like a lot of PG13 action films there is a lot of violence! Some examples are:
Initially we see a young boy beaten by an adult, this was disturbing.
People are impaled by arrows and swords throughout the movie.
There are scary, creepy snake scenes, we even see a snake cut open.
Profane or crude language: Mild
I interviewed many people after the movie, some comments were:
One 11 year old boy loved it so much he saw it twice. Though he did not like the snake scenes, but loved the action.
Two teenage boys loved the action, thought the movie was well done, excellent ending.
Like I’ve said, there is a lot of action in this movie, which I typically don’t love. However, I really enjoyed the storyline, and found the movie to be very entertaining. Because of the violence and disturbing scenes, depending on your child, I would say it’s appropriate for ages 12 and up. I give it four out of five buckets.