Parents Television Council Movie Reviews
Reviews
for Parents
While the movie industry produced nearly
12 times more R-rated films than G-rated films from 1989-2003, the average
G-rated film produced 11 times greater profit than its R-rated counterpart."
- Dick Rolfe, The Dove foundation's
founder and chairman discussing their
new profitability study.
Featured Movies (for a full list of
movie reviews click
here) |
NEW IN THEATRES:
American Dreamz
Release Date:
April
21, 2006
MPAA
RATING:
PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual references
Starring: Hugh Grant, Mandy Moore, Jennifer Coolidge, Willem Dafoe,
Dennis Quaid, Chris Klein
Genre:
Comedic Satire
Recommended Age:
16+
Imagine a place
where more people vote for the next pop music star than the next president. Not
so difficult, is it? This is the premise of American Dreamz, a comedic
satire that owes its premise to the immensely popular television phenomenon
American Idol. Overall, American Dreamz is a
movie that parents should be cautious to let their children, even their older
ones, to see.
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The
Wild
Release Date:
May
5, 2006
MPAA
RATING:
PG for mild bullying and brief language
Starring: Kiefer Sutherland, James Belushi, Eddie Izzard, Janeane
Garofalo, Greg Cipes
Genre:
Family Drama/Comedy
Recommended Age:
6+
Disney's newest
feature film, The Wild, is an enjoyable journey that is fun for families
with children six and up. Combining elements of The Lion King and
Madagascar, this movie follows the adventure of a group of animals who set
out into "the wild" to find Samson's (Kiefer Sutherland) son, Ryan (Greg Cipes).
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Take the Lead
Release Date:
April 7, 2006
MPAA Rating:
PG-13,
for thematic material, language and some violence
Staring:
Antonio Banderas, Alfre Woodard, Rob Brown
Genre:
Drama
Recommended Age:
13+
Take the Lead,
starring Antonio Banderas, is a wonderful movie that children ages 13 and up
can enjoy with their parents. The film tells the story of a group of
inner-city high school students who learn to ballroom dance. Although the
film teaches the value of team work and perseverance through hard times,
there is also some questionable content that parents should be made aware
of.
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The
Benchwarmers
Release Date:
April 7th, 2006
Starring:
Rob Schneider, David Spade, Jon Heder, Jon Lovitz, Craig Kilborn
Genre:
Comedy
MPAA Rating:
PG-13 for crude and suggestive humor, and for language
Saturday Night Live
alumni Rob Schneider, David Spade, Tim Meadows and Jon Lovitz re-unite to
star in what is easily one of the most disgusting movies of the year and a
poor choice for young viewers. The
Benchwarmers could have been a funny, sweet tale of a group of
awkward misfits coming together to try and defy stereotype and stand up for
kids who are picked on for looking, thinking and acting a little differently
than everyone else. Instead, The
Benchwarmers is a puerile movie replete with vulgar language, bad
behavior and scatological humor.
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Ice Age: The
Meltdown
Release Date: March 31, 2006
MPAA RATING: PG for some mild language and innuendo
Voices of: Ray Romano, Denis Leary, John Leguizamo, Queen Latifah
Genre: Animated comedy
Recommended Age: 7+
Ice
Age: The Meltdown is a hilarious and original film which children seven and
older can enjoy with their parents. It continues the adventures of Diego (Denis
Leary), Manny (Ray Romano), and Sid (John Leguizamo), three mammalian friends
who audiences came to love in the original hit Ice Age.
Ice
Age: The Meltdown is mostly family friendly, however some mild offensive
content is included. There are many positive themes in this movie as well:
Friends stick together no matter what and characters better themselves by
learning to overcome their weaknesses and personal insecurities. ►
more
Aquamarine
Release Date: March 3, 2006
MPAA RATING: PG
for frightening images and brief mild language
Starring: Emma Roberts, Joanna ‘JoJo’ Levesque, Sara Paxton, and
Jake McDorman
Genre: Fantastical drama/comedy
Recommended Age: 9+
Aquamarine is an engaging and heartfelt story about best
friends, Hailey (Joanna Levesque) and Claire (Emma Roberts), who discover a
mermaid in their resort pool following a fierce storm. Aquamarine (Sara Paxton)
is the daughter of a powerful merman who has arranged a marriage for her. She
cannot stand the merman her father has picked out for her and runs away from
home, ending up washed up in the pool of a beachfront Florida resort. When she
is discovered by Hailey and Claire, Aquamarine makes a deal with her father—she
has three days to prove love exists while in human form, or she will forever be
banished to the sea. Hailey and Claire agree to help with this quest in return
for one wish.
With minimal offensive content, Aquamarine contains
important lessons. It focuses on the importance of friendship and family, and
the struggles that one must deal with when moving far away from home. It also
treats the concept of teenage love quite responsibly as Aquamarine learns love
doesn’t come in a matter of days and that the love of friends is very
important. Overall, Aquamarine is a movie appropriate for children, aged
nine and up. Girls especially will enjoy it. ►
more
The
Shaggy Dog
Release Date: March 10, 2006
Starring: Tim Allen, Rebecca Douglas, Danny Glover,
and Robert Downey Jr.
Genre: Comedy
MPAA rating: PG for some mild rude humor.
Recommended Age:
10+
The Shaggy Dog, Disney’s latest remake from its
library of classic family films, stars comedian Tim Allen in the title role.
The film contains some mild rude humor, and therefore is recommended for viewers
10 and older.
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The Pink Panther
Release Date:
February 10, 2006
Starring:
Kevin Kline,
Steve Martin,
Jean Reno,
Emily Mortimer,
Beyoncé Knowles
Genre:
Comedy
MPAA Rating:
PG for occasional crude and suggestive humor and language.
The 2006 remake of
The Pink Panther missed being family-friendly due to several sexual
innuendos, both visual and verbal, two murder scenes, and numerous scenes of
slapstick violence against innocent bystanders. Starring Steve Martin, Beyonce
Knowles, Jean Reno, and Kevin Kline, Panther follows the bumbling
Inspector Clouseau as he tries to solve the murder of a soccer coach and theft
of a valuable pink diamond. It is loosely based on the 1964 film of the same
name, and the original theme of a completely ridiculous klutz accidentally
solving a crime remains intact.
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Curious
George
Released:
February 10, 2006
MPAA RATING:
G
Genre: Animated/Comedy/Family
Studio: Universal Pictures
Official site: www.curiousgeorgemovie.com
A film for the entire family!
Curious George is delightful and refreshingly funny with wonderful
animation that pays tribute to the original art of the classic books by H.A. Rey
(published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children in 1941).
George's adventures begin when Ted, the Man in the Yellow
Hat (voiced by Will Ferrell), meets him in the jungles of Africa while on an
expedition for an obscure monkey statue for the museum where Ted works. The
excitement continues when the little primate stows away on Ted’s ship so that he
can be with him. What a surprise Ted gets when he finds George in his
apartment! ►
more
Nanny
McPhee
Release Date:
January 27, 2006
Starring:
Emma Thompson, Colin Firth, Angela Lansbury
Genre:
Family Fantasy
MPAA Rating:
PG for mild thematic elements,
some rude humor, and brief language
Recommended for
Ages 7+
Nanny McPhee
is a whimsical family film which follows in the footsteps of Mary Poppins.
Set in England, Cedric Brown (Colin Firth) is a widower with seven very naughty
children. Just when things are looking bleak, Nanny McPhee (Emma Thompson)
appears on the doorstep and gets straight to work. This film is full of
positive values. The Brown children who ran wild in the beginning learn
“to do exactly as they are told.” They learn to use their brains and
hearts instead of making mischief, and support each other unconditionally.
Overall, this magical film is appropriate for children seven and older.
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Hoodwinked
Release Date: January 13, 2006
MPAA RATING: PG for mild
action and some thematic elements
Genre: Animated family
comedy/fairy tale
Recommended Age: 7+
Hoodwinked
is a crazy and creative take on the classic tale of "Little Red Riding Hood."
Red (Anne Hathaway), as she is known around the forest, wants to explore the
world. Instead, she is stuck delivering baked goods for her grandmother,
the famous Granny Puckett (Glenn Close). One day, everything changes.
A treacherous villain known only as the Goody Bandit is forcing all the local
bakeries to close by stealing their most precious possessions—their recipes.
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Glory
Road
Release Date: January 13, 2006
MPAA RATING:
PG for racial issues including violence and epithets, and momentary language
Starring: Josh Lucas
Genre: Historical Sports Drama
Recommended
Age: 11+
Glory Road
is based upon the true story of the 1966 Texas Western Miners basketball
team led by the inspirational Coach Don Haskins (Josh Lucas). Newly
hired as the head coach of the Miners, he is given no recruiting budget and
no hope. For years they have been a hopeless team, but that is about
to change. Coach Haskins is determined to bring together the best
group of basketball players out there.
Glory Road
contains items that many viewers may find offensive. Racism is a huge
issue, and it comes up time and again, however it is an accurate reflection
of the South during the 1960s. With these warnings in mind,
Glory Road is a positive film which inspires hope and courage in all.
Coach Haskins was able to overcome an impossible barrier, and brought the
first interracial Division 1 NCAA basketball team to glory. This
wonderful and inspiring film is recommended for families with children
eleven and older, however with some discussion about the themes younger ones
may also enjoy it.
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DVD & VIDEO:
The Electric Company
Created by the
Children's Television Workshop, The Electric Company is a wonderful show
that teaches literacy skills to children in elementary school. Originally
produced in the 1970s for children who had outgrown Sesame Street, it
remains an entertaining and educational show that promotes the importance of
reading in everyday life. ►
more
Howl’s Moving Castle is a
beautiful and moving journey through life and love set in an enchanted land,
which can be enjoyed by viewers eight and older. Refreshingly void of
offensive materials, this often humorous film interweaves messages such as
the importance of friendship and love into an amazingly original story.
Much in the vein of
Dreamwork's Shrek, Madagascar is an animated family comedy about
an unlikely foursome of zoo friends.
Madagascar is a family comedy that will leave you in stitches.
►
DVD -
Buy Now
► VHS -
Buy Now
Herbie
Fully Loaded
contains very little objectionable material. There is a little
violence, but it always involves the cars. Trip sideswipes Herbie more than once
(no one is injured), and whenever Herbie is angry or upset he wreaks minor havoc
such as squirting someone with oil or hitting them with his hubcaps. There are
also two romantic subplots, the first involving Maggie and Kevin, and the other
with Herbie and a New Beetle. These attractions are innocent; there is only one
short kiss in the movie, plus a warning from Maggie’s father for Herbie to not
come home late from his date with the New Beetle. Also, in the beginning, Maggie
lies to her father about racing Herbie. She tells him that Max, an imaginary
person, borrowed Herbie and raced it, but he eventually finds out and she looses
his trust. However, this is eventually resolved, giving the audience a positive
message about the power of telling the truth. Overall the infringements are
minor, making Herbie Fully Loaded appropriate for all children seven and
up.
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Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the
Were-Rabbit - G
Since their debut in the 1989 short film A Grand Day Out, Nick Park's
lovable claymation characters have been welcomed by audiences of all ages in
Europe and America. They make their major movie debut in Wallace and Gromit:
The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. This is the first full-length movie starring
the enterprising, if somewhat absent-minded Wallace and his wise and loyal dog,
Gromit.
Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit is a good-natured,
funny story of two best-friends trying to fulfill their commitment to the
townspeople while looking out for each other's well-being.
Questionable Content:
The words “idiot” and “stupid” are used once.
Includes some intense scenes during the pursuit of the Were-Rabbit
Victor Quartermaine's bare buttocks are visible in a shadow when his pants are
caught on a weathervane.
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The Greatest Game Ever Played
- PG for some brief mild language
A movie that is both rich in historical accuracy as well as enormous talent has
proven, yet again, that The Walt Disney Company is a master storyteller.
Unveiling a piece of America's sports history could have been a laborious task
but Disney makes it interesting and fun. One does not need to understand the
lingo of golf to fully enjoy this fine film.
With
lush turn-of-the-century sets and a close eye paid to detail, along with a
movingly beautiful soundtrack, the film guides us along smoothly and seamlessly.
We feel not only the excitement of the match but the pain of being poor in a
time when status was something that one was born into and guarded with
fierceness to keep the unworthy out and a young man’s struggle to do what he
loves the most and still keep peace with his father.
With only two swear words (damn and hell,
each said only once) and a brief bar fight (seen in the background and only for
a few seconds) the film has received a PG rating but is still suitable for
families. There is no sex in the film in any form.
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Oliver Twist
- PG-13 for disturbing images
Oliver Twist contains a wide array of actions and behaviors which
could be found offensive. First of all, the word "damn" is used five times,
generally in the context of "damn you" or "damn you all." Violence is a serious
issue in several ways. The most minor being the pickpocket habits of Fagin and
his group of boys. Several characters are beaten or attacked by others close to
them. Several times a gun is present, and used to threaten Oliver into
submission. Oliver is then shot in the arm by Bill for attempting to foil a
break-in at his kind guardian Mr. Brownlows' house. This climaxes into Bill's
death, an accidental hanging while trying to keep Oliver away from the police.
Overall, Oliver Twist is appropriate for children twelve and older; if
they can read the book, they can watch the movie.
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Corpse Bride
- PG for some scary images
and action, and brief mild language
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is a
beautiful yet macabre masterpiece which follows in the footsteps of The
Nightmare Before Christmas. Filmed completely in stop-animation, with
several musical numbers, it is the story of shy Victor Van Dort (Johnny Depp)
and his misadventures in love.
The Corpse Bride is exactly what the title says she is - a murdered woman buried
in her wedding dress. Her injuries are not shown; however she is in a state of
decomposition. There is a song about the Corpse Bride's life and death which is
reenacted in shadows upon the wall. Nothing graphic is shown, however her death
- murder - is explained.
Tim Burton's Corpse Bride is not a family movie, it is recommended for
children twelve and older (unless you want to be up all night.)
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Valiant
- G
Valiant is a welcome alternative to
the fluffier fare that is usually offered as children’s entertainment. While
young children won’t pick up on many of the historical references interspersed
throughout the film (such as one to Hitler’s vegetarianism) adults will, and it
will make it all the more enjoyable. Children will find themselves identifying
with plucky little Valiant and his quirky friends. Parents will
appreciate that even though he proves that he is just as strong and brave as the
biggest pigeon, Valiant still needs his mother and his friends, and
what’s more, they need him.
This film is recommended for children 9 years and older for
intense pursuit sequences and mild cartoon violence.
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PTC Seal of Approval Winner
The Year of Yao -
PG for mild language
In a world where professional basketball players are as likely to be in the news
for their bad behavior off the court as for their performance on the court, one
shining star stands apart. This is Yao Ming, the first Chinese athlete to play
for the NBA. His story is captured in the new documentary, The Year of Yao.
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The Dukes of Hazzard Rated
PG-13 for sexual content, crude and drug-related humor, language and comic
action violence.
The Dukes of Hazzard’s title says it
all: It’s a film hazard and should be avoided at all costs by family audiences.
Foul language is used frequently. Sexual content is implied throughout the film,
particularly with Daisy’s revealing outfits and flirtations. Violence is also an
issue in this movie, with countless brawls and car chases. We recommend
that The Dukes of Hazzard should be avoided by all ages and at all costs.
Sky High
Questionable content:
-
Some intense action and scary villains might be upsetting to
really young children
-
The use of a ray gun that turns all of the young superheroes as
well as Steve Stronghold and Josie Jetstream back into babies might be
frightening to young children
-
A scene where some boys shoot rays from their hands to touch the
buttocks of a girl in a short skirt might be considered inappropriate even
though the girl then turns around and freezes them.
-
Some mild language is used such as the word "butt" as well as
"idiot" and "shut up"
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Must Love Dogs
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sexual
content
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Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- PG for quirky situations, action, and mild language
Moments that may concern some parents involve the accidents that
happen to four of the five children when they stubbornly ignore Willy Wonka's
rules and advice. Though none of the children are actually harmed by the
events, and later return to their normal selves, the incidents may be disturbing
to some younger or more sensitive children. There are also scenes that
depict one child doing karate against adults and knocking out each of her
opponents (but there is no blood) as well as violent television and video games
as seen on the TV of one of the children. Both scenes are brief but the
audience is able to see clearly what the child is doing. In flash-backs,
we see how the adult Wonka became the quirky, but nice, man that he is by
finding out that his stern father moved (house and all) when little Willy
threatened to run away from home - leaving him on his own at about 10 or 11.
Language issues include a double entendre
when Wonka tells Veruca "Don't touch that squirrel's nuts!" when she enters
their work area to steal one for her own and Grandpa Joe begins to swear but
Charlie's father covers Charlie's ears and all we see is Grandpa's mouth moving
with no sound. Over all the film is pure fantasy
fun that could be enjoyed by children seven and up.
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Mr. & Mrs. Smith First, this
movie is violent in a way that even moves beyond the recent Star Wars
release and some other PG-13 action flics. In those films, armies are typically
battling one another -- usually under the premise of defending good over evil.
Even Elektra, another movie that pushed the violence limits of PG-13,
included person-to-person hostility -- often between males and females -- but
not within the context of a married relationship.
Throughout the film, literally dozens -- perhaps hundreds -- of
faceless people are shot, knifed, and killed with various implements of
destruction.
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PTC Seal of Approval Winner
Madagascar
Appropriate for children eight and up. There are a few instances of minor
language, the most serious being "well, this sucks" by the penguins who discover
Antarctica isn't all that it was made out to be. The word "hell" is spelled out
once - Alex had created a giant "help" sign with palm trees but the "p" fell
down and turned into an "l." "Shut up" is also used a few times, but there are
no other instances of objectionable language.
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Cinderella Man While this film is not
suitable for all family members , it is an accurate and honest account of a
historic period in both American and sports history, as well as in the lives of
those who struggled to survive what was called “the worst time in American
history.”
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PTC Seal of Approval Winner
Kicking and Screaming
Appropriate for children seven and up. Younger children may enjoy it, but the
language and themes may be too mature for them. One moment in particular may
unnerve younger or more sensitive children. Overall, this movie can be enjoyed
by athletes and benchwarmers alike, and is fun for the whole family.
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PTC Seal of Approval Winner
The Dust Factory This family-friendly film tells the
story of two teenagers who help each other through a difficult time in their
lives. After suffering from accidents, Ryan and Melanie meet in a fantasy world
called the Dust Factory, where amazing and wonderful things happen. People walk
on water, Ryan’s Alzheimer’s stricken grandfather is now lucid, forests dance...
but the teens must find the courage and strength to leave this sanctuary and
return home.
The Dust Factory has been rated PG
for thematic elements and some scary images.
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