Movie Review: Alabama Moon

Alabama Moon
(Released 2011)

MOVIE SYNOPSIS

(Synopsis from http://www.alabamamoonthemovie.net)

 

Eleven-year-old Moon Blake has spent most of his life hiding out in the forests of Alabama with his father, an anti-government radical who clings to conspiracy theories and trusts no one. Moon's life suddenly changes when the land is sold and his father dies. 

 

Knowing only what he learned from his father, Moon decides to follow his last instructions; make your way to Alaska where "people could still make a living off trapping." In the path of civilization, Moon quickly lands himself in a reform school where he meets the mean-spirited Constable Sanders and learns what friendship is all about. 

 

Determined to get to Alaska, he and his new friends escape from the school outwitting Constable Sanders each step of the way. "Alabama Moon" is a classic kid's film (based on the novel by Watt Key), complete with adventure and survival that most kids only dream about.

Starring: Jimmy Bennett (No Ordinary Family), Uriah Shelton (The Glades), and John Goodman (Evan Almighty)

 

Directed by: Tim McCanlies 

MOVIE TRAILER 

MOVIE RATING - PG

(Movie Rating & Parental Info. from http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/alabama-moon)

What parents need to know:

Parents need to know that this family adventure movie, based on a bestselling 2006 novel by Watt Key, features some intense scenes of violence, including the death of a parent, and a shot of a broken leg with protruding bone and some gore. A second character also dies. There are knives and guns on view (no shots fired), as well as some threats and fighting. The movie features some gateway language ("d--n" and "h--l") and some offscreen kissing between teens. The 11-year-old hero makes some mistakes, but eventually learns some good lessons: he learns to trust others rather than hiding away.

Positive messages: The main character engages in some bad (and illegal) behavior, but there are consequences for his actions, and it's all in an attempt to undo his father's wrongheaded teachings: rather than living alone, hiding in the woods, it's more fulfilling to trust and love others. 

 

Positive role models: The main character, Moon, is resourceful and kindhearted. Despite being raised in the woods and taught to mistrust others, he's quick to sympathize and care about the people he meets. However, he is learning, and he makes several dangerous and unlawful mistakes along the way. The lawyer character (played by John Goodman) is also big-hearted and helpful toward a kid he doesn't even know. 

 

Violence: The movie begins with its most intense sequence: an 11-year-old boy buries the body of his dead father. In flashback, we see the father breaking his leg while crossing a fast-moving river. The broken, protruding bone and some gore are visible in one shot. A supporting character also dies (offscreen). Otherwise, the movie features knives and guns (no shots fired), plus threats and shouting, and some manhandling. There's also a brief fight between the boy hero and a slightly older bully. (The hero punches the bully in his crotch.) 

 

Sex: In one scene, an older girl kisses the 11-year-old hero offscreen, and he emerges visibly shaken. 

 

Language: "D--n" and "h--l" are heard at least twice each (from adults). Otherwise, we hear things like "crap," "shoot," and "shut up" from the kids. 

 

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One boy apparently requires various medical "pills" each day, though it's not clear what these pills are or what they do.

 

Talk to your kids

• Families can talk about the movie's violence. Was it necessary to show the father's gory broken leg? Was it necessary for two characters to die? How does the hero react to, or learn from, these events?
• At what point does Moon start to realize that his father's lessons may have been a bit wrongheaded? What parts of his father's teachings come in handy?
• How does Moon handle the bully, and what happens afterward? is the bully scary? How would this attempt work in real life?

MOVIE REVIEW

I liked this movie, however, I think as a parent you will need to be sure to review the rating information above to see if you feel it appropriate for your family and children.  It does deal with some issues that could definitely be misleading or confusing to small children, and the presence of profanity, while not as bad as many movies presently made, is still disappointing to say the least.  

 

Their are serious issues mixed in with this seemingly light-hearted adventure, such as the serious injury and death a parent, paranoid behavior, death of a childhood friend, child abandonment, and constant law breaking.

 

I believe that some of the issues regarding the boys' disobedience to authority are glorified under the idea that they are brave and adventurous, but these are things that may be very good for discussing with your child afterwards.

Overall I enjoyed the movie, however I would not recommend it for younger children at all and would suggest watching it and discussing with your older children.

 

Happy Movie Watching,

 

Jessica

Movie Review: A Shine Of Rainbows

A Shine Of Rainbows
(Released in 2010)

 MOVIE SYNOPSIS

This is a touching story about a childless couple Alec and Maire O’Donnell.  The O’Donnell’s live on Corrie Island, a remote island off the coast of Ireland.  Maire is a gentle, fun loving, and nurturing woman who longs to have a child.  This desire takes her to an orphanage where she discovers a boy named Tomas.  Maire adopts Tomas and quickly takes him back to her colorful home with Alec.  Maire begins Tomas’ journey to his new home by sharing with him the fanciful stories of local folklore, she tells Tomas of the ‘secret of the seals’ which allows them to carry messages to loved ones who have passed on.

Tomas likes Maire but is very shy and does not speak much at all, which Alec does not understand and disapproves of.  Tomas sees Alec’s disappointment which only makes his reluctance to open up greater. Tomas wonders if he will ever fit in.

Before long, Tomas makes friends with local children who stretch him to break out of his shell by going on adventures to a secret cave.

Alec and Tomas begin to bond when they save a stranded seal together on the beach.   But soon tragedy strikes and Tomas is faced with his greatest challenge yet.  He risks everything and embarks on a treacherous journey that requires him to believe in himself and to remember the things that Maire has taught him in order to succeed.

A Shine Of Rainbows is a tale about the power of love, learning to be accepting of differences, finding courage, and finding joy in the colors that are all around us.

Starring: Connie Nielsen (Gladiator), Aidan Quinn (Benny & Joon), and introducing John Bell

 

Produced by: Tina Pehme, Kim C. Roberts, & James Flynn

Directed by: Vic Sarin

MOVIE TRAILER 

MOVIE RATING - PG

(Rating and Parental Info. from http://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/shine-rainbows)

What parents need to know: *spoiler warning*

Parents need to know that this poignant coming-of-age story set in the beautiful Irish countryside includes the death of a parental figure. Themes of bullying, loss, and abandonment are throughout this heartrending film, and while such topics may be difficult for younger or less mature children, A Shine of Rainbows should spark interesting discussions within families about these issues. 

Expect some strong positive lessons about compassion and the value of parental love mixed in with the hard stuff.

Positive messages: The movie expresses how valuable the love of a parent is to a child. A child learns to overcome his timidity, his stuttering, and his past experiences of being bullied at the orphanage with the help of a loving mother figure. The positives of adopting older children are shown. Characters show compassion for suffering animals. 

 

Positive role models: Maire is a patient, kind, and loving adoptive mother. Tomas learns to be more confident in himself and his place in the world, and his deep sensitivity, initially treated as a weakness, is shown to be one of his great strengths. As someone who grew up an orphan herself, Maire shows great compassion for the orphan boy. Tomas also takes care of an abandoned baby seal he names Smudge. 

 

Violence: Early in the film, a character is bullied by having a stool kicked out from under him, getting slapped in the head, and having his pencils broken in half by other boys. One character gets attacked by a bird while trying to steal its eggs. Another is tossed out of a boat while trying to row through choppy waters. A main character dies of an illness. 

 

Sex: Brief kissing between a husband and wife, who are also seen in bed together talking. 

 

Language: Not applicable.

 

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: One character smokes a pipe, and he later drinks whiskey to cope with grief, and is found passed out at the kitchen table with a bottle in his hands. 

 

Talk to your kids

• Families can talk about the effects of bullying. Does this movie depict bullying in a realistic way? What are the long-term effects of bullying? What can kinds and parents do when confronted with bullying?
  
• How is this movie different from those produced in Hollywood? How would this movie have been different, do you think, if it was made specifically for an American audience?
  
• How does this film depict grief? Does it seem accurate? How can kids and adults cope with grief in a healthy way?
  

 

MOVIE REVIEW

I think I have found a well made 'family friendly' movie (available instantly on Netflix).  I feel that I should give the disclaimer that this movie does portray Irish folklore in such a way as to lead the watcher to wonder if it's true.  (Likely to be obvious to older children)  Younger children may need some parental explanations for the folklore told in this movie.

Outside of that, this is a story of love and acceptance, of finding courage in spite of tragedy, and of the power of family love.

I like the movies tagline "The Greatest Journey, is the One that Brings You Home."

Warning: You may want to have some tissue handy...

Happy Movie Watching,

Jessica

Movie Review: Princess Ka'iulani

Princess Ka'iulani

STARRING:  Q'orianka Kilcher ('The New World' as Pocahontas), Barry Pepper ('True Grit' as Lucky Ned Pepper), Will Patton ('Remember the Titans' as Coach Bill Yoast)

MPAA RATING: PG - Some violence and thematic material, and for brief language, sensuality and smoking.

ADDITIONAL RATING INFO: The sensuality in this movie involves a couple of scenes where 2 of the main characters kiss, they are not married.  It says there is brief language and although I may have missed something because I wasn't specifically looking out for it, the one item I recall a school girl calling the Princess a 'negro'.

MOVIE SYNOPSIS

synopsis provided by 'Netflix'

Lush scenery and gorgeous photography highlight this bio of Princess Ka'iulani (Q'Orianka Kilcher), a 19th-century Hawaiian princess raised in England but determined to maintain her people's independence from aggressive American businessmen. After being sent to England as a child by her Scottish father, Ka'iulani returns to Hawaii and becomes a political activist who fights to retain her throne, even though she must leave her English paramour.

MOVIE REVIEW

I love to find new family friendly movies.  I believe this to be one.  The subject matter of this movie would not likely make it a fit for younger children.  I say this not so much for violent content but because I doubt it would keep their attention.  

The movie opens with life being very good for Princess Ka'iulani as she is playing with her Mother on the Beach and her family is still in power as the Royal Monarchy.

Ka'iulani has a Hawaiian Mother and a Scottish Father and the Royal bloodline is from her Mother's side. (Sorry to state the obvious) Ka'iulani's Mother dies when she is 11 years old.

The United States had previously sent Christian Missionaries to Hawaii but had now had a large number of U.S. statesmen who were interested in overthrowing the Monarchy. 

Princess Ka'iulani's Father wanted to remove her from the dangers of the islands and at the age of 13 he took her to England, where she lived with a family that is apparently friends with her Father.  She attends school there for several years.

The U.S. forces the King to sign an agreement that dissolves the Monarchy and denies the native Hawaiians the rite to vote.

While in England the Princess makes friends with the 2 children of the family she is staying with.  *spoiler warning* She eventually falls in love with the boy and they pursue a relationship.  The kissing mentioned in the rating section is between these two and happens on a couple of occasions. (In the little reading I've done on the true story of Ka'iulani, I did not see an indication of this relationship, so I am not sure if it was real or a Hollywood fabrication)

While in England Ka'iulani hears of the death of her Uncle, and her Aunt, who is childless, becomes Queen (although no longer recognized as Royalty by the U.S.), she appoints Ka'iulani heir to the throne.  Ka'iulani remains in England for some time after hearing this news and her Aunt makes every attempt to reinstate the Monarchy to it's rightful place.

Ka'iulani is soon torn and feels she must return to Hawaii to help her people.  Before she returns, she makes a trip to the United States in hopes to make the plight of her people known to President Cleveland as well as other U.S. citizens.  They are struck by her beauty, education, and fine dress as they were expecting to see something much different since she was after all a 'native'.  

After her time in the U.S. she returns to Hawaii to be with her people.  Despite her best efforts, and the compassion and support of President Cleveland, Hawaii's Monarchy was not reinstated.

All in all, I found this movie to be entertaining and informational.  I am not an expert on Hawaiian History by any stretch, but found myself reminded of what we as U.S. Citizens have taken from the peoples native to the lands on which we expanded.  In spite of my own feelings of sadness for this act, I was encouraged by the love of the native Hawaiians for their land and culture.  

I recommend this movie as I really enjoyed it, but if you do not have older children...Mom, you may be watching this one alone, unless you are blessed with a husband who is willing watch it with you. (However, I cannot guarantee you're husband will feel the same way I do. *wink*)

To watch the trailer of this movie, click on the video below:

If you have seen this movie or have any thoughts or questions, I'd love to hear your feedback by having you post a comment below!

Movie Review: What If....

What If....


Starring: Kevin Sorbo (“Hercules”), Kristy Swanson (Buffy, the Vampire Slayer), Debby Ryan (“Suite Life On Deck”), and John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”).


Produced by: Pure Flix Entertainment and Jenkins Entertainment
Directed by: Dallas Jenkins

MOVIE SYNOPSIS

synopsis provided by 'What If - Production Blog

Fifteen years ago, Ben Walker (Sorbo) made a decision to leave his college sweetheart Wendy (Swanson), and ultimately his faith, in order to pursue a lucrative business opportunity. Now on the verge of marriage to an equally materialistic fiancé, he is visited by an angelic mechanic (Ratzenberger) who tells him that he needs to see what his life would have been like had he followed God’s calling. Suddenly, Ben finds himself married to Wendy with two daughters, including a rebellious teen (Ryan), getting ready for church on a Sunday morning, where he’s scheduled to give his first sermon as the new pastor.


If Ben wants to get back to his old life, he must first learn to appreciate the value of  faith and family, and perhaps rediscover the love of his life. In the tradition of It’s a Wonderful Life and The Family Man, What If… tells the story of a man whose glimpse into what he’s missing reminds him of what he truly wants.

15 years ago, Ben Walker left his girlfriend and his ministry calling for a business opportunity. Now with a high-paying career and a trophy fiancé, he is visited by an angel, who gives him a glimpse into what his life would look like had he followed his calling.

MOVIE REVIEW

Tonight I was looking for something to watch on Netflix and came across this movie.  I have to say that I will probably watch it again.  This is one of the rare Movies that can truly be labeled 'family friendly' and has a great moral.  What If...reminds us that you can get success from the world by making worldly decisions, but true happiness comes from following the path that God has for you.  In the end it also shows that you can come to a point 1/2 way through life and realize you were on the wrong path and make a decision from that day forward to make new choices.


I must confess that I used to watch 'Hercules' and seeing Kevin Sorbo in another role took me a minute to adjust to, however I believe he did a great job in making this character believable.


My thought as a Mom is that this would be an excellent movie to watch with your older kids (8-10+ depending on maturity level) or with other adults and make a point of having some discussion after the film about the choices we make in life.


For me I found it encouraging as I was reminded once again not to look to the world's view of success for my happiness.  I am so grateful for all the blessings God has already given me in the form of my family and friends.  If they were my currency, I'd be a billionaire!


Next time you're in the mood for a good movie, I recommend 'What If...'!


To watch the trailer of this movie, scroll down to the bottom of this page, pause the music player and click play on the video below:



What If Theatrical Trailer from Pure Flix on Vimeo.



If you have seen this movie or have any thoughts or questions, I'd love to hear your feedback by having you post a comment below!


Thanks and God Bless.