Movie Review Monday - Penguins Anyone?

Movie Review # 5

This week I am reviewing 2 older movies - both animated movies, with penguins as the main characters. Both are available on DVD.

Surf's Up
Starring: Voices of: Shia LeBeouf, Jeff Bridges, Zooey Deschanel, Jon Heder, James Woods

Rated: PG for some mild launguage and rude humor

Type of Movie: Animated "mockumentary"

Description: "Surf's Up" is based on the groundbreaking revelation that surfing was actually invented by penguins. In the film, a documentary crew will take audiences behind the scenes and onto the waves during the most competitive, heartbreaking and dangerous display of surfing known to man, the Penguin World Surfing Championship.

OK for Kids? Yes. I let my kids see this movie and they enjoyed it. There was quite a bit of potty humor which some parents will object to. So far, my kids do not seem to have a problem repeating what they hear (at least in front of me), so I do allow them to see some movies where this is included. There were a couple of mild innuendo's that I wish weren't there. They went over the head of my younger 2, but I'm sure my 12 yr. old boy "got" them. It was milder than Shrek or Happy Feet.

See it in theater or rent? Available on DVD, so rent! Check out your local RED BOX to rent for $1 a night!

Opinion: The themes in this movie - of being loyal to your friends, persevering - even when others don't believe in you - and the importance of being a mentor/helping others - were all good themes. The movie is a "mockumentary" - done as an interview with one of the characters, and kids may find that slows down the movie. Overall, not the greatest movie, but my kids enjoyed it. I would pick it over Happy Feet anyday!

Rating: (out of 5)

Happy Feet

Starring: voices of: Robin Williams, Elijah Wood, Brittany Murphy, Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman

Rated: PG for some rude humor

Type of Movie: Animated Musical

Description: “Happy Feet” is basically a musical with a rather strong environmental message. It is also the story of a quest to find a place in this world, of love and forgiveness, of friends who hold you up and try not to let you down, of sacrifice, courage and fun.

OK for kids? OK, here, I know I will run into some controversy. My answer is "NO". I took some hits from friends when this was out in the theater for not taking my kids to see this. But, I am sticking by it, even after I have watched it.

See it in theater or rent? Old movie, out on DVD

Opinion: After having just rented and watched this movie, I am glad that I did not allow my kids to see it in the theater. We may have walked out at the beginning when they were singing the Prince song that says "You don't have to be beautiful to turn me on, I just need your body baby, from dusk to dawn", or at the song from Salt-n-Pepa "Let's talk about sex, baby." I mean, COME ON! WHY do you need to put those songs in a movie you are promoting to KIDS? Then, you have the spiritual guru guy who announces he is waiting to be "serviced" - who's gonna do it first? He is portrayed as some money seeking televangelist. The adults/grandparents are portrayed as holding them back, and fuddy-duddy's. I liked Mumble, and how he stayed true to himself, even though that was not the norm for his society. I teach my children that we all have different talents, given to us by God, and we should not compare ourselves to others. BUT, kids grow up fast enough, I try to limit the stuff I show them that pushes the envelope on what I think is appropriate. And don't even get me started on the environmentalism preached in this movie . . . . . . .

Rating: (out of 5)