I decided to take my daughter to see "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1." This chapter of the story focuses on Edward and Bella's marriage and subsequent pregnancy.
Early on, I started second-guessing my decision. There are a few bloody scenes, more intense than in past films. And, of course, there's that sex scene now that the main characters are on their honeymoon. It's definitely iffy for Twilight-smitten tweens, who will beg you to see it. Mine did and I gave in. I don't regret it, but we have a very open communication line.
We talked about the scenes. My daughter said she thought they could have cut out some of the bedroom scene and blood. She's at that age where I know she's curious, but still embarrassed. She then started asking how Hollywood decides to film scenes and how covered the actors are in sexy situation. Oh my!
The overall movie is weak. But I doubt that will keep tweens, teens or moms who love the story away. This movie made me laugh out loud when I'm sure it wasn't intended. All I'll say is a wolf scene is quite silly. I've not been a fan of the films, though I think the acting and production value has improved. My grade is a D+. I think I may have given it a C- if I had a martini in hand. Is that bad? My daughter gave it a C. She thinks it would have been better if the bedroom scene was cut a bit more (she was ready to cover her eyes but didn't) and if there was less blood.
I personally wouldn't take anyone younger than 11 to this film, and that's only if you regularly talk about love, sex and Hollywood fantasy. Maturity is a must. I really think this is a PG-13 movie, but only you can decide what is best for your kids.
Here's what you need to know:
-Early on a main character has a disturbing dream where friends and family are in a bloody pile.
-The film has more skin than all others. Yes, Jake takes his shirt off. But you see a lot of Bella and Edward. I didn't notice any private parts, but the parts you see (backs, legs, stomach) are in sexy situations. There's a lot of romantic kissing.
-Bella gets very ill when pregnant, looking quite emaciated and gaunt. She's scary. She decides, despite warnings to end the pregnancy, that it's best to keep it.
-Tons of blood is shown. Bella sips on it to appease the baby. The birth scene is gory.
-Some violence, but there isn't so much fighting/biting in this one as in Eclipse. Some flashbacks show characters hurting others.
-Language was minimal. I've heard worse from kids at parks.
The movie is PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality/partial nudity and some thematic elements.
Enjoy!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Am I ready for my tween to see final Twilight chapter?
My daughter LOVES, LOVES, LOVES the Twilight series. She's not read the books, well, except the first half of book one. She's in love with the idea of true love. So she loves cheering on the romance between regular girl Bella and vampire Edward. I get it. I remember dreaming of how beautiful and romantic true love would be. Reality is another story.
She is 11 1/2 and in sixth grade. I know she likes boys but won't admit it exactly. We've had many chats about boys, everyone with at least one eye roll from my daughter. She knows that I find Bella to be quite a weak female character. I think she felt I was lecturing too much about "New Moon." I was seriously disappointed in Bella's character, proclaiming each time I could, "Don't ever think it's the end of the world if a boy leaves you!" and "Few people end up with their high school sweetheart." But I do like one thing about Bella. She remains chaste until she marries, largely because Edward is old school.
I've read all the books, and I know the series isn't graphic. There is sexual tension and release, but it's far, far from explicit. Still, the final Twilight book is filled with mature content. And I'm curious how Hollywood will feature this unusual couple's marriage consummation, pregnancy and life together.
My daughter knows that I prefer to preview "Breaking Dawn Part 1" without her. She's pleading to see it together and talk about it after. At least she expects a talk!
I'm trying to figure out how to have that talk and whether I give in to her request. She has seen plenty of PG-13 movies, which have lead to healthy discussions. Why does she have to grow up so fast?
She is 11 1/2 and in sixth grade. I know she likes boys but won't admit it exactly. We've had many chats about boys, everyone with at least one eye roll from my daughter. She knows that I find Bella to be quite a weak female character. I think she felt I was lecturing too much about "New Moon." I was seriously disappointed in Bella's character, proclaiming each time I could, "Don't ever think it's the end of the world if a boy leaves you!" and "Few people end up with their high school sweetheart." But I do like one thing about Bella. She remains chaste until she marries, largely because Edward is old school.
I've read all the books, and I know the series isn't graphic. There is sexual tension and release, but it's far, far from explicit. Still, the final Twilight book is filled with mature content. And I'm curious how Hollywood will feature this unusual couple's marriage consummation, pregnancy and life together.
My daughter knows that I prefer to preview "Breaking Dawn Part 1" without her. She's pleading to see it together and talk about it after. At least she expects a talk!
I'm trying to figure out how to have that talk and whether I give in to her request. She has seen plenty of PG-13 movies, which have lead to healthy discussions. Why does she have to grow up so fast?
Friday, November 11, 2011
What you should know about "Jack and Jill"
If you like Adam Sandler, you'll likely find his new family comedy "Jack and Jill" out today (11/11) amusing. There are a few laughs, but it's far from comic genius in my opinion.
Overall, it's a mediocre comedy about twins with very different personalities. The story starts with Jill coming over for Thanksgiving dinner, but ends up staying weeks and going on the long-planned family cruise, making Jack miserable. Happens, though, that Jack needs Jill to help him land a commercial deal with Al Pacino. Yes, Al falls for Jill, as shown in the movie trailer. She's not interested. The story is absurd. But it's expected in Adam Sandler comedies. And of course, everything wraps up nicely in the end.
My tween daughter really wanted to check it out after seeing the trailer, which had her and a friend laughing pretty much nonstop. My son opted to pass, saying he only likes action movies. Okay. So we went with another tween and her mom. The girls were laughing during much of the movie, even at the fart jokes. Seriously! My daughter's grade B. Mine was a D.
The acting isn't great; it's like watching a LONG comedy skit with LOTS of product placements. But I busted a laugh at the Al Pacino commercial bit near the end. It's absurd. And I couldn't believe Johnny Depp made a cameo. Check out his shirt. It's aimed at tweens who will likely go to see this movie.
Should you take little kids? It's rated PG for some crude material, comic violence, suggestive references and brief smoking. The mom who went with me said she thought 8 and up will be fine. I'm inclined to agree, but each family has their standards for appropriate content. Here's what you should know:
-Lots of "gross out" jokes about farts. weight and appearances. One character looks up another's dress to make sure she's a woman. Another hides in an unusual place to escape a bad date.
-Mild language and insults.
-One character makes many unwanted advances to another with some suggested dialogue. Dating jokes are abundant.
-Tons of product placement - you can play a game out of how many companies you recognize.
-Stereotypes of Mexicans (landscaper and crazy grandma) and food.
The movie does offer you a chance to talk about differences in people and how we can learn to accept each other's qualities. You can also talk about the overwhelming product placements and whether that influences movie watchers.
Cheers.
Overall, it's a mediocre comedy about twins with very different personalities. The story starts with Jill coming over for Thanksgiving dinner, but ends up staying weeks and going on the long-planned family cruise, making Jack miserable. Happens, though, that Jack needs Jill to help him land a commercial deal with Al Pacino. Yes, Al falls for Jill, as shown in the movie trailer. She's not interested. The story is absurd. But it's expected in Adam Sandler comedies. And of course, everything wraps up nicely in the end.
My tween daughter really wanted to check it out after seeing the trailer, which had her and a friend laughing pretty much nonstop. My son opted to pass, saying he only likes action movies. Okay. So we went with another tween and her mom. The girls were laughing during much of the movie, even at the fart jokes. Seriously! My daughter's grade B. Mine was a D.
The acting isn't great; it's like watching a LONG comedy skit with LOTS of product placements. But I busted a laugh at the Al Pacino commercial bit near the end. It's absurd. And I couldn't believe Johnny Depp made a cameo. Check out his shirt. It's aimed at tweens who will likely go to see this movie.
Should you take little kids? It's rated PG for some crude material, comic violence, suggestive references and brief smoking. The mom who went with me said she thought 8 and up will be fine. I'm inclined to agree, but each family has their standards for appropriate content. Here's what you should know:
-Lots of "gross out" jokes about farts. weight and appearances. One character looks up another's dress to make sure she's a woman. Another hides in an unusual place to escape a bad date.
-Mild language and insults.
-One character makes many unwanted advances to another with some suggested dialogue. Dating jokes are abundant.
-Tons of product placement - you can play a game out of how many companies you recognize.
-Stereotypes of Mexicans (landscaper and crazy grandma) and food.
The movie does offer you a chance to talk about differences in people and how we can learn to accept each other's qualities. You can also talk about the overwhelming product placements and whether that influences movie watchers.
Cheers.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Studio Movie Grill opens Nov. 11 - Get your free movie coupon!
Dinner and a movie at the theater is getting quite trendy in Phoenix. The newest Valley entry is Studio Movie Grill at 15515 N. Hayden Road (Hayden & Frank Lloyd Wright), Scottsdale. It's scheduled to open Nov. 11. Movie ticket prices vary.
The menu is filled with drinks, appetizers, burgers, chicken, quesadillas, tacos, desserts and even salads. Entrees are generally $6.25-$12.50. There's a kid's menu, too, as well as specials, such as Margarita Mondays ($2 off deal).
I'm a fan of this concept because it saves time. I am a time-starved mom. :) Prices are fairly close to fast-casual dining options. But you don't have to wait for a table and then rush to the movie. That to me is worth a few bucks.
While I know this benefits me, I sell it to my kids as a big treat to have dinner brought to their seat as they watch a new movie. This gets my angels to clean their rooms or be nice to each other. Maybe yours aren't as easily influenced. But mine get giddy with excitement when I mention going to a "fancy" theater. Why? They just think it's cool ordering burgers and chicken, and having someone refill their drinks. They're easy to impress.
To celebrate Studio Movie Grill's first location in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, free tickets are being given away. Just click on this link to print out the coupon and enjoy a movie with a friend! The passes are good from Nov 11th through Dec 8th. Enjoy!
I've not checked out Studio Movie Grill yet. I'll post my thoughts on it once I go.
BTW, I noticed these items on theater's Web site. Check with theater for more info:
- Every weekend @ 11:00am showing @ ALL SMG Theaters.
$2.00 Admission
- Special Needs Screenings: "Auditoriums are adjusted with lights a little brighter, sound a little softer and no one minds if audience members dance, sing, shout or walk about during the movie and families can feel relaxed and comfortable enjoying the movie experience together."
Cheers!
The menu is filled with drinks, appetizers, burgers, chicken, quesadillas, tacos, desserts and even salads. Entrees are generally $6.25-$12.50. There's a kid's menu, too, as well as specials, such as Margarita Mondays ($2 off deal).
I'm a fan of this concept because it saves time. I am a time-starved mom. :) Prices are fairly close to fast-casual dining options. But you don't have to wait for a table and then rush to the movie. That to me is worth a few bucks.
While I know this benefits me, I sell it to my kids as a big treat to have dinner brought to their seat as they watch a new movie. This gets my angels to clean their rooms or be nice to each other. Maybe yours aren't as easily influenced. But mine get giddy with excitement when I mention going to a "fancy" theater. Why? They just think it's cool ordering burgers and chicken, and having someone refill their drinks. They're easy to impress.
To celebrate Studio Movie Grill's first location in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area, free tickets are being given away. Just click on this link to print out the coupon and enjoy a movie with a friend! The passes are good from Nov 11th through Dec 8th. Enjoy!
I've not checked out Studio Movie Grill yet. I'll post my thoughts on it once I go.
BTW, I noticed these items on theater's Web site. Check with theater for more info:
- Every weekend @ 11:00am showing @ ALL SMG Theaters.
$2.00 Admission
- Special Needs Screenings: "Auditoriums are adjusted with lights a little brighter, sound a little softer and no one minds if audience members dance, sing, shout or walk about during the movie and families can feel relaxed and comfortable enjoying the movie experience together."
Cheers!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
"Footloose" remake gets you tapping your toes
I have fond memories of dancing and singing along to "Footloose" (PG, 1984) in junior high. I don't remember seeing it in a theater, but rather at a friend's house after it was on one of the premium movie channels. All of us crushed on Kevin Bacon and secretly wanted to be a bit wild like Lori Singer's Ariel character. So I knew I'd have to see the remake.
I was unable to make any of the screenings, so I barely got to see it this weekend with my daughter, one of her BFFs (both in sixth grade) and her mom. Both of us had our daughters watch the original first. And interestingly, they liked the original better. My daughter said it's because it was funnier. Guess she liked Chris Penn's version of Willard better.
Still, they laughed and danced in their seats watching the remake (featuring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough), which follows the original storyline closely: new kid comes to town, can't understand why dancing is outlawed and tried to get the town to agree to put on a senior prom. Some changes include showing the deathly crash that lead the small town to outlaw dancing. They changed the circumstance for Ren's arrival. This time around, he's from Boston and his mother has died of leukemia. His uncle is an ally in Ren's push to change the town's dancing laws. You don't see Ariel's crazy highway stunt from the original, but she does show a wild side. My grade is a C+.
The remake is PG-13, for teen drug and alcohol use, language, sexual content and violence.
What you should know should you take your kids:
-A fiery crash is shown, resulting in the death of several teens.
-A character loses her virginity. Some kissing/touching is shown before she begins to unbutton her top and asks for the door to be closed.
-Other sexual situations include some close, sexy dancing; joking about a hookup with two women; a character making advances on another.
-A character is given marijuana, which is refused. Several underage characters are shown drinking and smoking.
-Characters play a game of chicken that leads to several vehicle crashing.
-Several characters get into fist fights. One character beats his girlfriend.
Some things to discuss:
-If you come across a law you feel is unfair, what can you do about it? Would you do something about it?
-Willard finally learns to dance. Is there something you've been afraid to try because you thought you couldn't do it? Share your story.
-What would you do if your friends wanted to do something (such as the chicken game) where someone could get hurt? Do you feel there is a lot of pressure to do crazy things even when you know they are wrong?
-Do you feel that the movie accurately relationships between teen guys and girls? Explain.
-A character makes up a story about a sexual encounter and jokes about it later. Can you tell when someone is exaggerating a story? Why do you think they do it? How does it make you feel?
-Why do you think teens and parents think so differently? Do you ever wonder what your parents/rulemakers were like as teens?
Cheers!
I was unable to make any of the screenings, so I barely got to see it this weekend with my daughter, one of her BFFs (both in sixth grade) and her mom. Both of us had our daughters watch the original first. And interestingly, they liked the original better. My daughter said it's because it was funnier. Guess she liked Chris Penn's version of Willard better.
Still, they laughed and danced in their seats watching the remake (featuring Kenny Wormald and Julianne Hough), which follows the original storyline closely: new kid comes to town, can't understand why dancing is outlawed and tried to get the town to agree to put on a senior prom. Some changes include showing the deathly crash that lead the small town to outlaw dancing. They changed the circumstance for Ren's arrival. This time around, he's from Boston and his mother has died of leukemia. His uncle is an ally in Ren's push to change the town's dancing laws. You don't see Ariel's crazy highway stunt from the original, but she does show a wild side. My grade is a C+.
The remake is PG-13, for teen drug and alcohol use, language, sexual content and violence.
What you should know should you take your kids:
-A fiery crash is shown, resulting in the death of several teens.
-A character loses her virginity. Some kissing/touching is shown before she begins to unbutton her top and asks for the door to be closed.
-Other sexual situations include some close, sexy dancing; joking about a hookup with two women; a character making advances on another.
-A character is given marijuana, which is refused. Several underage characters are shown drinking and smoking.
-Characters play a game of chicken that leads to several vehicle crashing.
-Several characters get into fist fights. One character beats his girlfriend.
Some things to discuss:
-If you come across a law you feel is unfair, what can you do about it? Would you do something about it?
-Willard finally learns to dance. Is there something you've been afraid to try because you thought you couldn't do it? Share your story.
-What would you do if your friends wanted to do something (such as the chicken game) where someone could get hurt? Do you feel there is a lot of pressure to do crazy things even when you know they are wrong?
-Do you feel that the movie accurately relationships between teen guys and girls? Explain.
-A character makes up a story about a sexual encounter and jokes about it later. Can you tell when someone is exaggerating a story? Why do you think they do it? How does it make you feel?
-Why do you think teens and parents think so differently? Do you ever wonder what your parents/rulemakers were like as teens?
Cheers!
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