Movie - Cheaper by the Dozen 2

Cheaper by the Dozen 2
Rated PG

4 ½ stars

It use to be that sequels were not as good as the first movie. However, I think there is a change in this trend. Recently I have been enjoying follow up movies. This one is no exception.

Cheaper by the Dozen 2 does not try to pick up where the first one leaves off. I think that is a credit to them as the children have gotten older. They'd have to recast just about everyone to pick up at the same place.
Instead, this movie begins as Lorraine (Hillary Duff) is graduating. From there comes what may be the last family get-away at the lake.
While there aren't quite as many pranks, the children still have their share of mishaps. In addition to that, the dad (Steve Martin) meets up with his old friend and lake rival Jimmy Murtaugh (Eugene Levy) and his family. You'll have to watch the movie to see what happens from there.

I rented part one and part two (I had seen part one before tonight). I watched them both, one right after the other. I am even considering buying them both.
I am giving this movie 4 ½ stars.

CFR: Most

There is one obvious usage of ... a word for mad. If your child is one who does not hear such things – and would repeat it - , then I wouldn't suggest this movie. The dog gets rather friendly with a character's leg after the woman has been knocked down. This may be a concern for some. Otherwise, if you and your family enjoyed the first movie, you will enjoy second movie as well.
I'll put this under a family movie that most could watch.

Movie - Over the Hedge

Over the Hedge
Rated PG

4 Stars

This is a pretty good movie. The story line is good. The voices work well with the characters. There was a steady pace to the movie. But, for me, there was something lacking. I am not sure what, but there was something lacking. Children and adults seem to enjoy the movie. I did laugh in some sense. Of course, the “something lacking” could just be that it is a movie for children and I was a grumpy adult by the time we found our seats in the theater.

The main character is a raccoon voiced by Bruce Willis. He is a smooth talker with a hidden agenda. RJ (the raccoon) meets up with some woodland creatures that have awoken to find there log-home now sits by a new hedge. The animals, although made up of a mix of creatures, are a family. RJ shows this family how to find food just beyond the hedge... in suburbia. In the process of finding food, they also battle for survival against a human who has a dislike of foraging creatures in her perfect suburb. It really is a good family friendly film.

CFR: Yes

As I said before, a good family film.
One creature threatens another, and this is not really dealt with. Language wise, if there was any (I think there may have been one “mild” word), it isn't really noticeable/obvious. There is deception in the film. I am not sure that the honesty issue is addressed well enough, but it is pointed out that the truth should be told in the first place. And how can you have “moral lessons” in a movie without first having issues such as threats and deception? So, some things you could talk about after viewing this about are: Honesty, Turning to family for help, Trust, Obeying the law, Threats, Greed and Food Obsessions
Even with all this, overall, I think this is a “Yes” for any movie-going age.

Movie - Nanny McPhee

Nanny McPhee
Rated PG

3 ½ stars

I didn't think I'd like this movie and I didn't' think I'd want my children to see it. However, I did end up renting it last night. I don't know where I had gotten the ideas I had about this movie, but it wasn't really bad. It exceeded my low expectations.

It does have a Marry Poppins feel to it in that Nanny McPhee is a nanny and a bit magical. Basically the children are beyond wild. They have run out every other nanny from an agency. The dad must remarried to continue receiving his allowance from a rich aunt, and the child children don't want a step-mother. After all, they've heard the fairy tails and step-mothers are an evil breed.

It is a cute movie, and I'd sit through it again. I have not yet decided if it is a movie I will purchase or not. I am just shy of giving this movie four stars. So, I'll say a family fun 3 ½ stars.

CFR- Most
I'd say most children could watch this movie.
There is a scene where the dad is trying to protect a lady from the cruel “tricks” of his children. The lady mistakes his actions for passion and is quite thrilled about it. And of course, there are scenes of mischievous children doing potential dangerous things and saying rude or mean things. If it weren't for the children saying and doing these things, there would be no need for Nanny McPhee.
There is mild language a time or two but it is most difficult to catch.
Even with that, I still say it has a Child Friendly Rating of “Most”.

Movie - Undiscovered

Undiscovered
Rated PG-13

2 stars (not good – not bad)

I think this movie was mostly touted as Ashlee Simpson’s flop movie. However, to be honest, I’m not sure I even knew she was in it when I decided I wanted to watch it. I would call Ashlee’s role as Clea in the movie a supporting roll. The two main characters are performed by Pell James (as Brier) and Steven Strait (as Luke).

Brier and Luke bump into each other on the Subway. They meet up again sometime later in another town. I’d say it is a movie about a group of young people in the entertainment business.

The “Undiscovered” cast consists of mostly new faces (to me) - Mostly, but not only new faces. While I normally give a short opinion of the movie, and stay away from critiquing acting abilities – after all, you don’t see me on the silver screen – I feel the need to go there this time with the 2 main characters.

I have seen Steven Strait in one other movie. He played the part well. He did not do too bad in this role either, but wasn’t an absolutely fabulous performance either. (Sorry, Cutie, but it’s true) He does sing in this movie. He’s not hard to listen to (I have considered purchasing the soundtrack), nor is he hard to look at. I think he has potential if he doesn’t get stuck in stereo-type-casting.

Pell James, to my knowledge, has not been in any other movie that I personally have seen. She seemed to me to be self-conscience, insecure, and did not display a wide range of expression. Now, IF this is what she was going for in her character, then she did a wonderful job. Otherwise…

I think if you look at a lot of great actors, their first movies are not going to be their best movies. These two seem to just be starting out. So I will give them that and say “This movie is a typical ‘first movie’ quality wise.” In years to come you may see one them sitting on some talk show’s couch saying “Oh please don’t bring up that movie”
It will be intriguing to watch these two and see where they go and if they develop more.

As an interesting side note, while I was checking out the soundtrack I did notice that a couple of songs that Ashlee “sung” in the movie, she didn’t sing on the soundtrack. Hm….

If you like movies about “the business”, then watch this one. But wait until it is an “old release” before you rent it.

Movie - First Daughter

First Daughter
PG

4 1/2 Stars

This is an older movie; I believe the release date is 2004. Although I have seen this movie before, I rented it again this week. I had remembered that I kind of liked the movie, but that was about all I had remembered.
After watching First Daughter today, I decided I like it well enough to possibly purchase the movie. *gasp!* *shock*
Yes, I know Katie Holmes is in the movie. But regardless of what you think of the choices she has made in her personal life, she did well in this movie as an actress. Not only that, but she is not the only actor in the movie. If you boycott her movies, you are also boycotting the other people who work on the film. From the other stars, to the makeup artist, to the person getting the coffee.
Ok, off my soap box, and back to the movie. Regardless of choices Katie has made in her personal life and whether you agree with them or not, this is a not a bad movie. (Yes, I know I said that, but to get back on point I had to repeat it… stick with me here)
It is a story about a daughter of the President of the United States. She goes off to college during an election year. It is also a movie about relationships. I admit I did get a little misty eye here and there. Not because of a tragedy in the movie (there were none), but just because some parts were just sad or touching.
I say, if you are looking for a simple sweet movie, rent it.

CFR- Older
Although it is a sweet movie, and language wise I think it was fine, there are a couple of scenes that might not be appropriate for younger children. There is dancing and drinking that may not be suitable for children. There are also a few sexual references that may go over a child’s head, but are there none the less (including an obvious scene of someone picking up birth control). If your child is old enough that these issues have been discussed, then this would probably be an okay movie. Therefore, I give this movie a “Child Friendly Rating” of “Older”.

Movie - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
PG-13

2 1/2 Stars

Let’s start out with “I am not a big Harry Potter fan.”
Okay, now that is out of the way, let’s get on to my review.

I was disappointed. That’s right, I was disappointed. I know everyone raves about how great the movie is, and maybe that brought my expectations up, but I was disappointed.
I heard about Harry’s girlfriend, there is a death in the movie, scariest movie so far, teen romance, bla-bla-bla… So, through the whole movie I am trying to figure out which one will be his girlfriend. THERE IS NO GIRLFRIEND!! Now, I wasn’t looking for hot and heavy, after all they are still children. But, I thought Harry would carry her wand, or send her a dancing flower or something… Nothing of the sort… BUT, there was some flirting going on throughout the movie. That is more appropriate for the age, but all the ta-do over Harry’s girlfriend, I just thought there would be more.
Then there is the scary thing. “Each one is more scary than the one before” or more violent. And someone dies in this movie…. Oy!
It’s Harry Potter… Who is always being chased by the evil “guy”… It’s rated PG-13. Of course there will be violence and such. *sigh*
As for the movie it’s self, it wasn’t bad. It just wasn’t as good as I was expecting. The ending, for me, was kind of like “What? Is that it?”
So, I only give this 2 ½ stars.
Maybe if I watch it in a few months or a year, when my expectations are not quite so high and all the fanfare has died down I will appreciate the movie more.

Movie - A History of Violence

A History of Violence
Rated R

3 Stars with exception

(WARNING: Spoiler and Sensitive Material in this review)
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
Movie Gallery’s website says of this movie “Rated R for strong brutal violence, graphic sexuality, nudity, language and some drug use.” The movie starts off slow. There are two men leaving a hotel, and you are shown what they have done there. Then you go to the main character and his family. He is shown to be a loving father and husband. He runs a diner where the small town’s people know, love, and respect him. The two men from the beginning of the movie show up with bad intent and he handles things. This makes him a reluctant hero. With this heroism comes the press, killing the two murders is big news. This brings people from his past. I am not sure if the main character chose to become someone else, or if does actually have MPD. You can see a difference in the two main characters within the one man most of the time. One of his personalities – or the person he was in his old life – is quick and good at killing. The other is a loving gentle man and we see an “act” of that love. The violence shown in the movie is graphic. This is NOT a movie for those with a weak stomach. There is intent to rape and a rape that turns consensual. If you are able to put up with all that, the story line itself was pretty good. The ending left you wondering. It was left too open. I found myself yelling at the TV “So!!!! What happens next?” Wondering if he stays, goes, has she split, do they move on like nothing happened, is the violent one gone again, what?
3 stars with exception means the story line and acting was pretty good, but I don’t think I could sit through it again.
I feel I have to add this: I don’t think movie was so much about a person with MPD, or trying to start over, as it was about not really knowing a person or not being able to completely run from our past.

KFR- None. No. What I said in the review should explain that this is not a kid friendly movie.

Movie - Riding Giants

Riding Giants
PG-13

5 Stars

This is not an unbiased Review. I love surfing.
It would be better if there was no profanity – and there is definitely profanity there.
But it’s real and it is surfing.
That’s all I need.

KFR: No
I say no because of the language.
BUT, I think this movie is categorized as a Documentary. So, if language isn’t an issue for you, and you have a real interest in surfing… go for it.

Movie - Wimbledon

Movie- Wimbledon
Rated PG-13

3 stars

I am not much of a tennis player. I know what a tennis ball looks like. I know the basics of the game, maybe a little less. This movie was still enjoyable. Paul Bettany is a lovely actor. I have seen him in another role and enjoyed him there as well. In this movie he plays the part of Peter, the main character. He is a man who sees himself as old in a game for the young. At some point, he recaptures his drive and finds love.
Kirsten Dunst played Lizzie. She is a confident girl and confident tennis player. She is also the the one he falls in love with.
However, romance can be a distraction in sports.
Now, don’t misunderstand and think it is all mush. The movie is called Wimbledon for a reason. And even though I am tennis-challenged, I still enjoyed the movie.

Movie Yours Mine & Ours

Movie – Yours, Mine & Ours
Rated PG

3 ½ Stars

This family is not the Brady Bunch. The Brady Bunch never created this much chaos!

A man and woman marry. Combined they have 18 children. *waits while that sinks in* 18 children.

Then add that they have COMPLETELY different parenting and life styles. But, somehow, for a while, they make it work. (Ahhh, if only it was so easy in real life.) Eventually the children – who cannot stand each other – plot to try and breakup the parents. How does it end? Watch and find out. (Cruel, aren’t I?)

It was actually a pretty interesting sweet family-type movie. I don’t think I’d buy it yet, but I would sit through it again. I think it may be the type of movie that grows on you. So who knows if I’ll own it in the future or not.

KFR: Most
There is (of course) profanity. Anymore, that can be found in G rated movies.
P***ed is said quite plainly. Knowing my daughter, I wouldn’t let her watch the movie because of that one scene. However, if it’s not a big deal in your household, then go for it. Some suggestive between man-n-wife stuff, but I don’t think little ones will really pick up on it.
As always, if in doubt, watch it yourself before sharing with the family.
After all, these are just my opinions.

Movie- {Proof}

Movie – {Proof}

4 stars

Except for the language, I did really enjoy this movie. I didn’t think I would because it was so difficult for me to rent. It took several tries before it was actually “in”. Usually when that happens, the movie is so built up in my mind I don’t enjoy it. Not so with this one.

I would say it’s more of an intellectual movie. A brilliant yet crazy mathematician’s daughter struggles with questions about with her own sanity. I know, that really doesn’t sound too interesting, does it? You have to be in the right mood for this kind of movie.

KFR (Kid Friendly Rating): No
This movie is a little deep for a young mind. I also have an issue with foul language.

So, if you are an adult, looking for a deep-ish movie, and can overlook some naughty words, I recommend this {Proof}.

Movie - The Legend of Zorro

Movie- The Legend of Zorro
Rated PG

3 Stars

This is a good compromise movie. It has something for everyone. Antonio Banderas with his wonderful brown eyes and Catherine Zeta-Jones that many men find attractive. Men get to see things blown up. Women get to see Zorro.
There is also the underlying story of their relationship and family. Maybe it is more than an “underlying story”.
I would watch the movie again. And, I probably will if my husband or son wants to watch it.

CFR (Child Friendly Rating): Older kids
I would let my son watch this movie but not my daughter.
There is some language, but it is minimal. There is violence, but you do not see the gore. There is drinking and pipe smoking, but no “drugs”.
There is nudity, but we do not “see” anything and it is non-sexual.
This movie is not really geared towards children, but in my opinion I think it would be okay for an older child to watch this movie if they were interested in it. And as with all movies, there is so much you could talk about afterwards… Spying, Alcohol, Civil War, Family Issues, Secrets, and the list goes on.

Opinion Guide

My Opinion on Opinions

I have found that movies tend to be the most effected by expectations.
If you hear a movie is good, you have higher expectations.
If you hear a movie is not good, you have lower expectations.
If you’ve not heard a thing about a movie, you go into it with no expectations.

Now, although that seem obvious, it is surprising how people do not actually realize this. I think it is a direct result of why I may enjoy a movie that another person didn’t like as much when other times, we have the same opinions.
There are times that I will even say “Oh, it was okay” to a movie that truly enjoyed simply because I want the person who is going to watch it to enjoy it more.

However, I will give my true feeling and thoughts on movies here. At least, they are my feelings and thoughts at the time of typing.

Standard 5 star rating.
0 – Blah!
1- I didn’t like it. At all
2- Not bad, but not good.
3-I kind of liked it.
4- Pretty good. I’d sit through it again.
5- Very Good Movie.

… That’s a Probably-What-I-Mean-Guide to my movie rating.


Child Friendly Rating (CFR) Guide:

None – The movie probably contains the F-word or some really steamy scenes.

Older – This movie is probably okay for older children. It may still contain some language, innuendos, or very mild adult humor/nudity.

Most– Not for the very young, but probably okay for some little ones (say, 6 and up)

Yes – This probably has no foul language or nudity. It is, in my opinion, okay for any age.

**This guide is subject to change, because, well, it’s only a guide**