Monday, July 9, 2012

The Amazing Spiderman

Content:



Language: 3 There is some language in this film but not over the top for a PG-113 film


Sexuality/Sensuality: 3 There is a little bit of skin in this film, as well as a kissing scene, however, nothing in terms of nudity. 


Violence: 6 This is a movie about a superhero. The main thing to watch out for in this movie is the violence



Frightening Scenes/Images: 4 There are several scenes in which The Lizard can be seen as frightening, especially for younger teens/children


Drug and Alcohol Content: 1 None that was noticeable in the film. 


Blood and Gore: 6 There is some blood in this film and some Body mutation as well as Body mutilation




Review:


The amazing Spiderman is... well amazing to be honest. This fourth installment of the Spiderman series takes us onto a new track that those who grew up in the 90's will be more familiar with than the original series of the Incredible Spiderman. So what are the differences and similarities? Well for one thing the actor of this series fits the role of Peter Parker much better than Toby McGuire ever did. He looks smart, acts smart and is able to make more than one facial expression. The movie is filled with witty and slap stick humor that gives needed relief between moments of fast paced action.


*SPOILERS*
If you don't know already in this installment of Spiderman, Peter Parker's origins story is rewritten. Mary Jane the original female lead character from the first three films is not in this film which leads to the protagonist (Peter Parker) falling in love with another core character from the Spiderman franchise, Gwen Stacy. While it is a bit of a slow starter especially for those who were fans of the original series because of the origin story being so similar, the movie is done much better overall. Also the part that I'm sure you were waiting for in this edition the web-slinger faces off against one of his more famous foes: The Lizard or sometimes referred to as The Crocodile or Doc Croc in the comic books. For all those fans of the comics you know already that The Lizard is an experiment in cross genetics that goes horribly wrong for Doctor Curt Conner. The experiment was an attempt to regrow his missing arm but instead alters his body and mind. (For fans of the original series Doctor Conner is the same scientist who helps Peter analyze the goo from Venom).
*End Spoilers*


Overall the content of this film is pretty straight forward for another comic book superhero movie. Action, Violence and Language are pretty mediocre. There is no worry of F-Bombs (though you do think that they are coming in a few places but they are either cut off or unused). Unlike the original series there is a small amount of blood in this film. There is some skin in the film as well as the web slinger takes off his uniform top and he accidentally rips off a bystander's shirt when he first gets his powers.


This is another film I definitely recommend. However, parents I don't suggest this for children under the age of 13. But like before this entirely depends on your values so I suggest screening the film beforehand and determining if you believe this movie is appropriate for your kids.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Paul Blart Mall Cop

Rated PG for: Violence, Crude and Suggestive Humor and Language



Back of Box: With a heart that won't quit, a stomach that won't stop gurgling and a self-worn oath to protect his turf, he's Paul Blart: Mall Cop.
Mild-mannered Paul Blart (Kevin James, "The King of Queens") has always had huge dreams of becoming a State Trooper. Until then, he patrols the local mall as a security guard. With his closely cropped moustache, personal transporter and a gung-ho attitude, only Blart seems to take his job seriously. All that changes when a team of thugs raids the mall and takes hostages. Untrained, Unarmed and a super-size target, Blart has to become a real cop to save the day

Review

Language: 3 There are a few instances in which language is used in this film
Violence: 4 there are several scenes with threatened or used violence. However, the violence is not excessive
Sex/Sensuality: 2 There is an instance in which a character asks something and it alludes to something sexual. The character realizes his mistake and corrects himself
Blood and Gore: 1 There is no blood or gore
Drug/Alcohol: 2 In one scene several characters go to a bar. By mistake, the main character gets drunk and scenes ensue that display his behavior because of his altered state
Frightening Scenes: 1 there is one scene that may be slightly frightening for younger children. However, there is nothing overly scary about this movie

Segway riding, Candy Toting “Security Officer” Paul Blart knows to always pull up to an assailant at the West Orange Pavillion Mall with his left hip forward and his right hand on his hip to give the illusion that he may have a gun… but we all know he doesn’t. While the gun Blart is attempting to conceal is, an illusion the comedy of this film is not.  This film is a great film for the entire family. While it does have some content that parents may want to watch out for, the humor throughout the movie is aimed at a younger audience, but one that the entire family can enjoy.  There are scenes in the movie that only adults will really understand, including when Paul stumbles over his words and asks “Do you do men” when talking to the female lead who plays a hair stylist. The slapstick humor of this movie is typical of King of Queens star Kevin James. While the movie is well thought out with some twists and turns that are unexpected, the ending overall is disappointing. I won’t give away any spoilers for those of you who haven’t seen it, but let’s just say that Blart gives up on a dream he has in order to continue at the mall.


Overall, the content is not horrible, and parents will have to use their own discretion on the film, the film is rated PG, which means that there is some Parental guidance recommended. If the children in the household are over the age of eight or this film should be appropriate depending on the values of the parent. I would recommend if any children were under the age of eight that, the parents screen the film before allowing your children to view it. There is a minimal amount of language in the film, which kids sometimes notice and copy.