July 6, 2007 3:48 PM
Summer movies for kids
Okay, let's switch channels - back to the fun part of being a mom. Some time ago Suzanne asked me:
Summer movies for kids... What are your thoughts on theatre movies for kids? I believe kids movies are now for the most part, all PG rated to increase the potential consumer viewing audience. An 8 year old doesnt want to see a G ( kiddie) movie, but a PG is cool.I was surprised to see that Shaggy Dog for instance was rated PG, due to a scene where the dog engaged in a "posterior sniffing episode". Other than that, the film was very " G" like.
So how does a moral mom make the right decision on movie going for kids? Any suggestions-
There are quite a few interesting summer flicks out for kids- all, PG of course...
I would love to hear your input and that of your readers also,
Best- Suzanne
I have not gotten to see all the movies I want to see yet. I have heard from reviewers I respect and from my children that Ratatouille is excellent. And it's G-rated - no potty humor, just the rich and rewarding type theme we've come to expect from Pixar.
I did unfortunately see Evan Almighty, in spite of bad reviews - just in case the revie3ws were biased against the biblical undertones. They weren't. Though I wanted very much to like the movie - I mean, how many movies with decent production values do you see where a Bible is pictured onscreen and scripture is quoted?
However, I' ll take my fanciful modern takes on Noah without endless humor built around defecation (birds, dogs, and well - whatever) and dogs biting the hero in the crotch (not once but twice).
It just wasn't worth it at all - not even on video, folks.
For more information on how and where to check movies in advance (so you don't waste your miney like I did) see my Movies Matter.
How about you all. What have you seen and liked so far?
Comments
I have to disagree with you on Evan Almighty ... which is odd, because I usually agree with your reviews of movies and books. :) I also could have done without the crotch biting and defecation jokes, but all in all it was sweet, and funny, and I think perfectly appropriate for my kids(8 & almost 5). I even managed to get my 26yr old brother to go see it, and he said the paraphrased Noah story was excellent.
Posted by: Briana | July 6, 2007 5:07 PM
Briana -
I agree with you - the movie had everything going for it. I just have a extremely low tolerance for that kind of humor.
That's why I wanted to discuss the movies here too - so we can read a lot of different takes about each one.
Posted by: barbara | July 6, 2007 5:20 PM
We saw "Transformers". Very loud, LOADS of special effects, alluding to sex acts, outright talk of masturbation in one scene (which my almost-7 year old asked about later) and violent effects. Overall, it was not really a kids' movie. It was interesting and a feast for the senses. But I probably should not have taken the kids to it. The bright side is this: the theater had problems with the audio so they gave us free tickets to another show. So I think we'll go see the Rat movie....
Posted by: suzanne | July 6, 2007 5:32 PM
We saw "RATATOUILLE" the other day, and we enjoyed it. There were a few things I didn't care for (can't remember specifics), but all in all, it was a cute movie.
We were not fortunate to have "MISS POTTER" come to the theatre here, so I bought the dvd and we watched that...OH, MY! What a WONDERFUL movie! Simply beautiful. I'm so glad I went ahead an bought it. We all thoroughly enjoyed it.
Hope this helps!
Beth
Posted by: Beth | July 7, 2007 9:48 AM
I haven't seen this, but I read a good review at movieguide.org on the Nancy Drew movie that is recently out. I plan to rent it when it's available.
The rat movie got great reviews at movieguide, as did Evan Almighty, although I probably won't rent that one.
With five kids we rarely go to the movies-too expensive. Once in awhile we make an exception.
So far this summer I've let my older kids, ages 11, 13 and 14 see the new Spiderman and the new Pirates movies. Spiderman especially received excellent reviews at movieguide-can you tell I visit that site alot? :) Ted said it was very Christ-like and I can't wait to rent it.
Blessings everyone.
Posted by: Joanna | July 7, 2007 7:43 PM
I took my daughter and her friend to Ratatouille on Saturday morning. The story was completely fresh and surprising. The animation was fabulous. It was a sweet story with strong moral messages regarding stealing, honesty, and working hard.
There were a few scenes some might find offensive. One scene featured coerced wine drinking. Another featured gunfire. I didn't find these scenes troublesome, but others could.
Posted by: mopsy | July 9, 2007 9:57 AM
Ratatouille was just as mopsy said. Completely fresh and surprising. we loved it. I would add that another very strong message comes at the end and it moved my husband and I to spontaneous tears and later conversation. Kind of went over the kids' heads.
Funny, I didn't even register the gunfire as potentially troublesome. There is romantic kissing between 2 unmarried (heterosexual) characters which is a cultural norm our family has discussed in detail and is more troublesome to me than the gunfire. : )
Posted by: floorplan | July 9, 2007 2:56 PM
