movie reviews

2 Comments Posted on January 19, 2015January 19, 2015 movie reviews, parenting, Uncategorized

Paddington: Family Friendly Movie Review

If I remember correctly, our family has been waiting to see Paddington since last summer when we first saw the trailer for it, before Planes: Fire and Rescue.

I was so excited to take my family to see it the weekend of Christmas, as the posters advertised, only to learn that was the premiere in England, not the United States.

But finally, Saturday morning at 10:30, we saw Paddington on opening weekend here in America!

I went into it knowing it was going to be good (it currently has a 98% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes!), as all the reviews have been extremely positive, and knowing Paddington was made by the producers of Harry Potter.

This made my son’s first movie in a theatre that wasn’t a cartoon. I didn’t think about that until near the end of the movie as I noticed him getting a little antsy.

Here’s what that tells me: While I definitely would recommend Paddington to anyone, I would be cautious to take a child younger than 4 years old, which is how old my son is.

I noticed that the kids sitting in the theatre that were younger than him couldn’t handle sitting through the movie so easily.

However, the kids older than him were glued to the screen.

If your child 4 years old or older, I say definitely take them to see Paddington!

My wife and I teach a 5^th grade Sunday School class and I mentioned to some of the students that we had just seen Paddington the morning before.

They immediately responded in excitement as they all told me how much they loved the movie.

The goal of me writing these “Family Friendly Movie Reviews” is help other parents know if a particular movie is age appropriate for their child.

For Paddington, other than making sure your child truly has the attention span to sit through a 90 minute movie with “real people” and a well animated CGI bear, I have no other concerns.

Please know that I am a detective when it comes to find inappropriate language in movies. There is not word a single “cuss word”, nor any sexual innuendoes, in Paddington.

It is rated PG, but for what I call the Disney reason: It contains themes of death, along with mildly intense action sequences.

If you were paying me to just really nitpick the language, in the beginning of the movie when the English explorer finds Paddington’s family in Peru and realizes they are a strange breed of bears who can talk, the man’s response is, “Good Lord!”

I just recently wrote a post (Why “The D-Word” Is Considered A Cuss Word , Or, Why I Think “OMG” Is Just As Bad As “G.D.”) talking about how using God’s name in a non-religious context is overlooked these days.

Instead, mainstream America is more concerned with “cuss words” they deem more offensive than breaking one of the Ten Commandments, which is to not take the Lord’s name in vain.

So there.

If that’s the worst I can come up with in regards to perceivable inappropriateness, then you can clearly see Paddington is not a PG rated movie that you have to worry about taking your kids to…

As long as you believe they can handle sitting through 90 minutes of a well-produced, beautifully shot, well-acted and written movie with a loveable, innocent, English gentlemen of a bear.

It’s a solid, heartwarming, fun, family movie. I’m so glad we went to see it!

2 Comments Posted on December 9, 2014 movie reviews, parenting, Uncategorized

Dolphin Tale 2 (and Dolphin Tale): Family Friendly Movie Review

Our family had been planning for months to go see Dolphin Tale 2 when it came out in theatres, but then we started building a new house…

To my surprise though, Warner Bros. reached out to me a few weeks ago and asked if I’d review Dolphin Tale 2… How convenient!

My son Jack just turned 4 and had never seen a movie that wasn’t a “kids’ movie.” That changed with Dolphin Tale 2; it’s not a kids’ movie, it’s a family movie.

What I mean by that is that there are no talking animals. This movie, in my opinion, like Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971) which I just reviewed this past weekend, isn’t necessarily aimed at kids.

Dolphin Tale 2 is aimed for the whole family. It is a completely clean movie; it contains no words that I would imagine would be particularly inappropriate for young children. “Heck” and “darn” are about as intense as it gets there.

The movie is rated PG, as opposed to G. My guess is because the movie begins with one of the older dolphins, Panama, dying of old age. Several shots are shown of the dolphin’s body lying at the bottom of the pool; though nothing graphic.

And thus begins the movie’s plot line: A companion must be found for Winter, the dolphin with the prosthetic tale, in order for her to stay at the facility; according to state regulations.

Dolphin Tale 2 is actually the first movie I’ve ever seen in Blu Ray. Definitely a step up from what I’m used to.

My son Jack obviously loved the movie; he’s never seen so much footage of dolphins before.

Our family felt good about watching this movie together; it was very appropriate and entertaining for all of us; but not in a cheesy “Hallmark movie” kind of way.

If you’re looking for stocking stuffers for children, I think Dolphin Tale 2 would make a much appreciated choice.

Our family also sat down together and watched the first Dolphin Tale movie as well. It contains the same clean, family-friendly kind of content along with the same cast of actors revisited.

In the first movie, Winter the dolphin is discovered caught up in a fisherman’s trap which ultimately causes her to loose her tale, so people come together to create one for her in order for her survive.

I have a feeling there will be a Dolphin Tale 3, and I hope there is!

Dolphin Tale 2 Photo Gallery

https://www.flickr.com//photos/warnerbrosentertainment/sets/72157649447139751/show/

Official Press Release Info:

“Dolphin Tale 2” reunites the entire main cast, led by Harry Connick, Jr. as Dr. Clay Haskett; Nathan Gamble as Sawyer Nelson; Ashley Judd as Sawyer’s mom, Lorraine; Kris Kristofferson as Clay’s father, Reed; Cozi Zuehlsdorff as Clay’s teenage daughter, Hazel; Austin Stowell as Sawyer’s cousin, Kyle; Austin Highsmith as Winter’s lead trainer, Phoebe; and Oscar® winner Morgan Freeman (“Million Dollar Baby”) as Dr. Cameron McCarthy. The film also features Bethany Hamilton as herself.

“Dolphin Tale 2” is produced by Oscar® nominees Andrew A. Kosove and Broderick Johnson (“The Blind Side”), together with Alcon President of Worldwide Marketing, Richard Ingber, and Steven P. Wegner. David Yates and Robert Engelman served as executive producers.

“Dolphin Tale 2” will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack for $35.99 and includes the film in high definition on Blu-ray disc, a DVD, and a digital version of the movie in Digital HD with UltraViolet. Fans can also own “Dolphin Tale 2” via purchase from digital retailers.

SYNOPSIS

The inspiring true story of Winter isn’t over. Several years after receiving a prosthetic tail, Winter loses her surrogate mother, leaving her alone, grieving and unwilling to engage with anyone, even her best human friend, Sawyer. Worse, she may have to be moved from her home at the aquarium due to regulations requiring dolphins to be paired. When Dr. Clay Haskett and his dedicated team can’t find her a companion, it looks like they may lose their beloved Winter…until an unexpected turn of events brings them Hope.

BLU-RAY AND DVD ELEMENTS

“Dolphin Tale 2” Blu-ray Combo Pack contains the following special features:

· Dolphin Tale 2: Underwater Magic Dolphin Tale 2: True Story

· Look Who’s Running The Show

· Bethany Hamilton Meets Winter

· Dolphin Tale 2: The Mission

· Cozi Zuehlsdorff – “Brave Souls”

· Gavin DeGraw – “You Got Me”

· Blooper Reel

“Dolphin Tale 2” Standard Definition DVD contains the following special features:

· Dolphin Tale 2: True Story

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION ELEMENTS

On December 9, “Dolphin Tale 2” will be available for streaming and download to watch anywhere in high definition and standard definition on their favorite devices from select digital retailers including Amazon, CinemaNow, Flixster, iTunes, PlayStation, Target Ticket, Vudu, Xbox and others. “Dolphin Tale 2” will also be available digitally on Video On Demand services from cable and satellite providers, and on select gaming consoles.

ABOUT DIGITAL HD WITH ULTRAVIOLET

*Digital HD with UltraViolet allows fans to watch a digital version of their movie or TV show anywhere, on their favorite devices. Digital HD with UltraViolet is included with the purchase of specially marked Blu-ray discs. Digital HD with UltraViolet allows consumers to instantly stream and download movies and TV shows to TVs, computers, tablets and smartphones through UltraViolet retail services like CinemaNow, Flixster, Target Ticket, VUDU and more. For more information on compatible devices go to wb.com/ultravioletdevices. Consult an UltraViolet Retailer for details and requirements and for a list of HD-compatible devices.

BASICS

PRODUCT SRP

Blu-ray Combo Pack $35.99

DVD Amaray (WS) $28.98

Standard Street Date: December 9, 2014

DVD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French

BD Languages: English, Latin Spanish, Canadian French

DVD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French

BD Subtitles: English SDH, Latin Spanish, Parisian French

Running Time: 107 minutes

Rating: Rated PG for some mild thematic elements

DLBY/SURR DLBY/DGTL [CC]

2 Comments Posted on December 2, 2014December 2, 2014 funny, movie reviews, People, Storytelling, Uncategorized

Is Facebook Itself Technically A Social Video Game?

I think it will be difficult for me to ever look at Facebook the same way again…

Back in February while researching for Rock Music Used To Be Rebellious, Now It’s Rap Music Instead, my friend Sam Royalty simply stated this to me in a side conversation about social media:

“People use Facebook status updates and pictures to find validation in their ideas and life choices.”

The more I’ve thought about it, the more it makes sense.

When I consider the selfie alone, it only makes sense that the “selfie taker” is looking for some kind of validation from their corner of society that their appearance is… relevant.

I say “relevant” because that could mean a lot of things depending on what the person is needing slight reassurance of:

Am I pretty enough? Do I look cool? Can people tell I’ve gotten in shape? Am I still funny? Am I even interesting?

With that being said, it goes beyond just the pictures we post. It transcends to our status updates and shared as well:

Am I doing a good job of being informative in society? Am I an influencer? Is the world aware I am part of it?

I would never want to be seen as the kind of person who is known for “needing attention” all the time, yet there’s this subtle paradox that says if you don’t post enough on Facebook, you’re sort of a Facebook snob who only looks at other people’s info and pictures without contributing or getting involved aside from “liking” other people’s post or very generically wishing them happy birthday after being prompted to by Facebook itself.

My theory is that those people who apparently don’t need confirmation or validation are at least looking for inspiration or, for a few minutes, to live vicariously as someone else.

Of course, I believe if you’re too inspirational, you may appear as a show-off. You don’t want your Facebook friends thinking you trying you’re, in essence, “trying too hard to win” at this unofficial game of Facebook.

Despite the daily overdose of negativity on Facebook, there is a fraction of my news feed that is actually positive; or at least neutrally interesting or fun. Like the pictures of my friends’ families: those are the posts I scroll my feed for.

More importantly, I try to be the person who is contributing those pictures, links, and status updates; just like Gandhi famously said:

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

I really don’t think there’s truly a way to “win at Facebook,” sort of like the game Animal Crossings that I loved so much in college on Nintendo GameCube. Ultimately, to someone out there on Facebook, you’re going to contribute too much or too little; seem too showy or too aloof.

You can’t necessarily win or lose at the game of Facebook, but it’s a video game that millions of people play all day long, all over the world.

In theory, it’s the most popular and relevant video game of all time; that’s an idea proposed in the Netflix documentary, Video Games: The Movie.

But for this modern tower of Babel we have built and participate in, I say this is ultimately why we show up to it:

To give and/or receive legitimate validation, confirmation, and/or inspiration.

The reason I say legitimate is because not all ideas on Facebook should merit reinforcement. Plus, as I recognized earlier, Facebook has its fair share of negative people who would rather attempt to hurt instead of edify others.

Overall though, Facebook is a place (and/or social video game) where essentially anyone can give or receive confirmation on one’s beauty, worth, and relevance.

I can even post an “extreme close-up selfie” and I will get what I want out of it: for people to recognize the humor in it.

And no, I’m not writing this to get more “likes” on my Facebook page, or to try to prove I am a decent writer, or to simply feel validated by my Facebook friends so that I can essentially score more points in this video game we’re all playing.

Or am I?

Leave a comment Posted on December 2, 2014December 3, 2014 movie reviews, parenting, Uncategorized

What’s in the Bible? Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News DVD- Family Friendly Review

Last night I stayed up late (which means 9:23 PM) to finish watching the What’s in the Bible? Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News DVD. Yes, as a grown man of age 33, I found myself intrigued by the words of the puppets on the TV screen as they explained the miracles it took to lead up the birth of Jesus to fulfill the prophecy of the Old Testament.

This DVD does a great job of explaining the importance of the New Testament, and its relevance to the Old Testament, to a family audience.

While young children may only understand certain parts of what’s going on, this DVD serves as a great invitation to who Jesus is; not simply to church goers, but just as naturally to those who are skeptical or unfamiliar with the real life man, Jesus of Nazareth.

And now I get to give away a copy of this DVD to one of my readers…

Just be the first person to post on the Facebook wall for Family Friendly Daddy Blog (not a private message), asking me, “Did I just win the What’s in the Bible? Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News DVD?

If you’re the first person to do so, I will respond by saying yes… After that, I will follow up by getting your family’s name and address to get you all set up with DVD!

Update: There is a winner so the giveaway is complete!

Matt Wright

Today at 11:08pm

Did I just win the What’s in the Bible? Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News DVD?

1Like ·

Write a comment…
Family Friendly Daddy Blog Yes you did! Just message me your address and I’ll have it shipped to you!

About the movie:

Volume 10: Jesus Is the Good News! / Run time: Approx 66 min

What's in the Bible? Volume 10: Jesus is the Good News DVD

Includes two 25 minute episodes: God’s Perfect Timing – Buck Denver and crew learn about the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments and how Jesus arrives at just the perfect time & The Messiah Has Come! – Learn about the life and ministry of Jesus-how He died for us and rose again to launch the kingdom of God in the world and in us.

“Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

1 Comment Posted on November 25, 2014 movie reviews, parenting, Uncategorized

Disney’s Big Hero 6: Family Friendly Review (Please Take Your Son To See It!)

Without making my message seem illegitimate by using too many exclamation points and phrases in italics, I would like to communicate that I feel very passionate about this movie. I very strongly advise you to take your young son to see this movie immediately.

Yes, immediately…

My fear is that this movie will fly under the radar. I’m not hearing enough people talk about it and that bothers me. No pictures of little boys proudly posing with their parents in front of the movie poster. That’s a problem.

Therefore, I am eager to do my part to urge parents of young boys to go see Big Hero 6 while it is still in theatres; not wait until it hits Redbox.

It’s absolutely worth paying money to see in a theatre; it’s like watching a mesmerizing video game that was turned into a cartoon movie.

And if you’re not as cheap as I am, I would say the 3D version would also be worth the while.

I especially ask you to take your young son to see this movie if, like mine, he is particularly mechanically-minded. If your son’s favorite Ninja Turtle is Donatello, the one who “does machines” according to the classic theme song, then Big Hero 6 is his movie.

If your son easily spends hours at a time crafting his own impressive Lego creations that you yourself could not even imitate, then Big Hero 6 is his movie.

If your son can transform his Transformers in less than half the time you could (and that’s with much practice on your end) then then Big Hero 6 is his movie.

This Disney/Marvel sci-fi/action/super hero/comedy film follows a 14 year-old protagonist named Hiro Hamada (a Japanese-American) living in a futuristic, more Japanese version of San Francisco, called San Fransokyo.

Like most Disney movies, Hiro’s parents both die when he is very young. He is left to live with his aunt; as well as his older brother, who creates a health care companion robot named Baymax, designed to restore the health of the human beings it encounters.

When Baymax realizes this his new young friend, the protagonist Hiro, has become withdrawn from society after, in addition to losing his parents, now loses his older brother, he tries to “heal” the boy.

The level of drama is this particularly high in Big Hero 6. However, the writers were able to seamlessly intertwine this intense theme of “love and loss” into a beautiful masterpiece.

In essence, Big Hero 6 is the Disney boys’ equivalent to Frozen. (It’s not a musical; though it does feature a really cool song by Fall Out Boy.)

I’ve mentioned before that I couldn’t get past the fact that the parents were the true villain in Frozen. Had the parents in Frozen, not being insane, essentially locking up their daughters in their bedrooms for all of their childhood, none of that mess would have ever happened.

However, the plotline of Big Hero 6, while a complete fantasy, is much more viable than Frozen was.

Regarding the “family friendliness” of Big Hero 6, it is ultimately rated PG for intense themes and mild violence.

Here are a few examples of what I mean.

As far as language, there are some phrases I wouldn’t want my 4 year-old son to say, like oh my gosh, what the…? (left unfinished, but implying a potential curse word), darn, and 2 uses of the phrase shut up, but in a sense of “I can’t believe that!”, not “be quiet!”.

You might assume this boy-targeted Disney movie relies on fart jokes for laughs, but that is definitely not the case. Much of the humor is based on the fact that Hiro and his self-proclaimed “nerdy” friends awkwardly transition into unlikely superheroes.

There are no sexually suggestive characters or costumes, nor sexual innuendos either.

However, there are a few references to Hiro (the 14 year-old boy who serves as the protagonist) going through changes as he begins puberty.

The robot tries to explain where hair will begin growing on this boy’s body, by showing him a diagram, but Hiro cuts him off right before he getsthat particular region.

Yet I have no reservations about my son being exposed to any of this.

I actually felt it added to the “family relevance” of this movie. I laughed more because of this, yet I wasn’t embarrassed to watch in front of my 4 year-old son, nor would it if it were 10 years from now; part of my role as his dad is to help usher him into the confusing world of puberty.

Yes, there is peril (danger and mild violence) but no guns are involved. It’s mainly martial arts.

There is only one human death near the beginning of the film, in which a major character (I won’t ruin it for you) is killed by walking into a building that soon explodes.

Other than that, hundreds of micro-robots are destroyed amidst the combat of the good guys and the bad guys… The tiny pellet-shaped robots can take on the form of anything to become a weapon.

My son, who wasn’t trying to be funny at the time when he said this, explained to his Mommy when we got home:

“The bad guy wears a mask and has poop that follows him around.” End quote.

On top of all this, Big Hero 6 contains undeniable Christian themes. I feel that even for me as a grown man, the movie helps answer the question, “Why does God let bad things happen to good people?”

The movie also teaches the importance actively choosing forgiveness over vengeance.

In closing, I strongly endorse Big Hero 6, and if it were up to me, you would take your son to see it this Thanksgiving weekend.

If you have any questions about this movie, I would be more than happy to respond. Thanks for reading my family friendly review of Disney’s Big Hero 6!

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