The Cobbler features a shy Adam Sandler

Movie:    The Cobbler

PG-13, 1 hour 38 minutes

Grade:    D

In a Nutshell:    The Cobbler is a curious little film that hit the big screen in March 2015 and then landed on DVD 2 months later.  If you blinked, you missed it.  Guess how much money it made....$4 million?  $2 million?  Try $24,000.  Yikes.

While considered a complete dud, it's still a refreshing departure from Adam Sandler’s usual mix of crass and stupid; however, what could have been a charming fairy-tale gets muddled along the way.  

The premise is interesting: what would you do if you could transform yourself into other people’s lives?  Unfortunately, co-writers Thomas McCarthy and Paul Sado fail to dig deeper and we never get to really know the people whose shoes Adam Sandler’s character wears.

Uplifting Theme:

·         Sometimes walking in another man’s shoes is the only way to discover who you really are.

·         “It is a privilege to walk in another man’s shoes.” – Abraham

Things I liked:

·         The delightful Dustin Hoffman makes a welcome appearance.

·         “Method Man” gets a lot of screen time, and you’ll recognize Melonie Diaz from that sweet and quirky film Be Kind Rewind .

·         It’s always a pleasure to see Steve Buscemi.

·         Ellen Barkin is always at her best when she plays hardball.

·         Orange Is the New Black: Season 1 fans will get to see Dascha Polanco for about 3 minutes.

·         The ending is fun, but completely nonsensical.  Don't even try to figure it out.

Things I didn’t like:

·         It’s odd that a successful director like McCarthy could create such an uneven mess.

·         So many of the scenes are shot from boring, non-creative angles.

·         Droopy Jewish chords play in the background throughout the entire first half of the movie.

·         Max continues to make such dumb mistakes.  That’s super frustrating for me to watch.

Interesting lines:

·         “Who do we have to worry about? – Max

“Dry cleaners.  They’re not nice fellows and they’re very powerful.” - Abraham

Tips for Parents:

·         Kids will be curious about this film because it has Adam Sandler Sandler in it.  They might be entertained by it, but it’s definitely not what they’re expecting.

·         Some mild profanity and someone flips the bird.

How are movies rated in YOUR country?

Thank you for reading Movie Review Maven every week!

I love watching movies and hope you love reading my reviews!

You may have noticed that I don't review any Rated R movies, unless I've seen an edited, cleaned-up version.  My goal is give families a better of idea of which movies to watch.  Here in the United States, a Rated R movie means you're going to hear more than 1 F-bomb, and probably see nudity and extreme violence.  As a mother of 4 sons, I don't find that to be family-friendly viewing!

Here is how movie ratings work in the USA:

A friend of mine, Vanessa Alfaia in Brazil, explained how movie ratings work in her country:

L     (appropriate for all ages)

10   (not recommended for kids below 10 years old)

12   (not recommended for kids below age 12)

14   (not recommended for kids below age 14)

16   (not recommended for kids below age 16)

18   (not recommended for kids below age 18 - mostly for adults)

I've noticed that a lot of international readers follow my movie review blog, so I'd love to hear how movies are rated in YOUR country!  Please share in the comment box below!

Tourists in England

Hi Movie Review Maven fans!

I was just looking at some statistics for this site and noticed that I have thousands of readers who live in the United Kingdom.  That's awesome!

I'm especially excited because I'm going to be traveling with my family in England, Scotland, and Wales this summer! 

I would love to hear your tips on where I should go, what I should eat, and all the fun things I should do in your beautiful land!

Please put your tourist advice in the comment box below!

Thanks! 

Trina Boice

Expendables 3 more of the same macho mahem

Movie Title:    The Expendables 3

PG-13, 1 hour 43 minutes

In theaters August 15, 2014

Grade: B-

In a Nutshell:   

There is no shortage of testosterone, nor bad guys to fight here, folks.  If you’ve seen the first two movies in the Expendables franchise, then you already know that the muscles, weapons and egos are all very, very large.

What makes this movie notable is that it’s rated PG-13, quite a feat since the first two installments were rated R.  The cast of macho men includes Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Terry Crews, Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Kelsey Grammer, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Dolph Lundren…what’s not to like?  Yeah, most of them are getting pretty old now, but they still know how to blow things up and kick you-know-what like nobody else.

Of course, the film isn’t complete without a few “Yeehaw”s and “That’s gotta hurt” lines during fight scenes.  Not heavy on a plot, this is all about the action, fight scenes, and seeing all of our favorite tough guys together.

Uplifting theme: 

• Family isn’t just the people you’re born to.

Things I liked:

• The camera zooms in on the angry eyes of team leader Sylvester Stallone, announcing to the audience that the real battle has just begun.  Classic.
• Antonio Banderas’ character, Galgo, is hilarious.
• True to real life, Sylvester Stalone’s character says to Arnold Schwartzeneggar’s character “I thought you retired.”  Arnold’s character says “I lied.”

Things I didn’t like:

• SPOILER ALERT:  Terry Crews' character gets wounded early in the movie, so don’t count on any of his classic dance moves with bouncing pecs.  Dang it.  His dancing (and singing too!) was hilariously creepy in the recent movie Blended.  Check out my movie review of Blended here.
• Harrison Ford is given the honors of dropping the only F-bomb in the movie.  Dang it.  I don't want to hear that coming out of his mouth.  (Yeah, my delicate ears make me a real prude.) 

Funny lines:

• “Relax.  You’ll give yourself a stroke.” – Harrison Ford to Sylvester
• “I could do that.”  - Sylvester says…a lot.
• “Is that the Big Dipper?  Yeah, we gotta turn around.” – Kelsey Grammer
• “You’re only old when you surrender.”  - Antonio Banderas
• “I need a job.  All I know how to do is killing people…and I do that very well.”  -  Antonio Banderas
• “If you wanted to fight, why didn’t you just get married?”  - Sylvester
• “Hurry up.  It’s boring.”  - Arnold Schwarzenegger
• “They put their noses in business where they didn’t belong and now they’re The Deletables.” – Mel Gibson
• “It’s hard to beat an enemy that’s living inside your head.” – Mel Gibson
• “Would you like to hold my gun?  Vamanos, chica.” – Antonio Banderas

Tips for parents:   Lots of profanity and violence…what did you expect from a movie packed with macho men?

Guardians of the Galaxy is the Star Wars sequel you wanted to see

Movie Title:  Guardians of the Galaxy

Grade:  A

PG-13, 2 hours 1 minute

In a Nutshell:  FAN-Friggin-Tastic!  This movie is everything you want a summer popcorn blockbuster to be. 

By now, everyone has heard of Captain America: The First Avenger , Iron Man , and Thor , but not as many people are familiar with the characters in Guardians of the Galaxy , except maybe my cousin who owns a comic book store in Vegas.  I’m “hooked on a feeling”…..that you’ll be a fan now. 

The fun flick is FILLED with action, comedy, special effects, warmth, witty dialogue, and unexpected surprises that will tickle your insides that aren’t filled with popcorn.  There is so much to see in every scene that you’ll immediately want to get back in line at the theater and see it again. 

The audience I sat with cheered, laughed, clapped and remained seated until after the credits rolled….and was rewarded with one last surprise.  (SPOILER ALERT: Brush up on your Howard the Duck trivia.)  Fantastic fun for all ages.

Uplifting themes:  Never give up, believe in yourself, hold fast to good friends, stand up to evil.  

Things I liked:

• Rocket and Groot had the potential to become the Jar-Jar Binks death of this movie, but in fact, they enrich it and even steal the show in many scenes.
• Although the Guardians comic series came out in 1969, this movie feels fresh and modern.  It also feels like the Star Wars sequel movie lovers have been hoping for, complete with awesome air battle scenes, zany creatures, cool toys, and lovable misfits.
• Paying extra for 3D is worth it. 
• Chris Pratt was the perfect leading man, complimented by the acting and voice talents of Zoe Saldana (who goes from blue in the awesome Avatar movie to green in this film), David Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Benicio Del Toro, Glenn Close, and John C. Reilly.   
• Vin Diesel only has one line (“I am Groot”), but provides enough variety in the telling that communication is enhanced.  In fact, Rocket and Groot have a cute “Lassie” (“Timmy fell down the well!”) relationship, enabling Rocket to translate and carry on entire hilarious conversations with that single phrase.  Groot is full of delightful surprises and expressive facial movements.  He was the highlight in the movie for me, personally.  Groot’s got skills!  My husband is built like Groot..all legs, broad but thin, sculpted jaw line, interesting angular head.  Don't tell him I said that.
• Be sure to catch the Stan Lee cameo in the beginning when Peter Quill goes to Zandor.
• 1970’s and 80’s music plays a fun and meaningful part in the movie.  I had one of those Walkman’s like Peter Quill’s, complete with orange foam headphones.  No doubt, the movie soundtrack and character merchandising will be popular items on Ebay and Amazon.
• You’ll see tons of cool gadgets, space ships, and special effects.
• You actually care about the characters and their heart-tugging back stories.
• I liked that the stone-faced soldier bad guys were visually minimalistic, suggesting they were robotic followers without depth.  Am I reading too much into them?
• I loved Drax the Destroyer’s body art.  David Bautista joins the ranks of former WWE champion-turned-successful actor, along with The Rock, who kicked off his own summer blockbuster last weekend in Hercules.  (You can click here to read my movie review of Hercules.)
• The cool space pods that connect to form a glimmering protective net give new meaning to “star”ship.

Things I didn’t like:

• Some of the outfits worn by The Collector’s peeps were just silly.
• I thought Ronan the Accuser’s make-up was messy and not as cool as it could be. 

Funny lines:

• “We’re just like Kevin Bacon.” – Gamora
• “What are you doing?”  - Ronan the Accuser

“I’m distracting you, you turd blossom!”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord

• “You’ve got the best eyebrows in the business.”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “I come from a planet of outlaws: Billie the Kid, Bonnie & Clyde, John Stamos…” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “No one’s blowing up moons.”  - Drax the Destroyer

“You suck the joy out of everything.”  - Rocket

• “Dance-off, bro.  Me and you.”  - Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “I can’t believe I’m taking orders from a hamster.” – Denarian Saal
• “I wasn’t listening.  I was thinking about something else.” – Drax the Destroyer
• “I found something inside myself, incredibly heroic…not to brag.” – Peter Quill/Star-Lord
• “You are a disappointment, Sister.  Out of all our siblings, I hated you least.” – Nebula
• “You’re making me beat up grass!” - Rocket

Tips for parents:   There is some profanity, but it flies past so quickly that you might miss it.  There is a lot of violence (mostly bloodless), and a huge body-count.  The characters are admittedly flawed…in fact, are wanted criminals, as opposed to Marvel’s heroic and squeaky-clean Captain America.  Gamers in your family will get their daily fix.  There is some sexual innuendo that should mostly, hopefully, go over the heads of little ones (as well as some adults), such as a funny mention of a black light and a Jackson Pollock painting…

Let the fun merchandising begin!

Lucy combines bang bang with Big Bang

Movie Title:  Lucy

Grade:  B+

PG-13 in the U.S.A. or R in Europe

In a Nutshell:   The evolutionary Big Bang theory meets Bang Bang.  As long as you remember that this is a summer popcorn movie and not a documentary, you’ll be fine.  Audiences proved they were more interested in brains than brawn, as Lucy outsold Hercules in box offices around the U.S.A. on opening night.   

Surprisingly, this action thriller is filled with comedic moments.  There are also a lot of bloody, violent ones.  Fans of this spring’s Transcendence movie will enjoy this flick in similar fashion, as both combine elements of science, philosophy, and flying bullets.

Uplifting theme: 

The lights fade and you hear Lucy explain “Life was given to us a billion years ago.  What have we done with it?”  At the end she says “Life was given to us a billion years ago.  Now you know what to do with it.”  (You have to watch the movie to find out and even then, it's not exactly clear…)

Things I liked:

• Scarlett Johansson does a great job effortlessly serving up bullets to the head with cold sass.  Scarlett is great at releasing tears without her voice breaking up or her nose turning red like when I cry.  Not a pretty site (me, not Scarlett).
• I love little details like Lucy’s chipped fingernail polish in the beginning to show how her life was messy and trashy. 
• With a glass of Champagne, Lucy toasts “to knowledge!”  I feel the same way, except with a Virgin Pina Colada in my hand.
• I loved it when Lucy’s eyes changed colors and shimmered.
• 2 Michelangelo/finger of God moments.  You’ll see.
• Who doesn’t love Morgan Freeman?  A friend of mine recently pointed out how President Obama has gone from a Denzel Washington hero to a Morgan Freeman character during his two terms in office.  Interpret that however you want.

Things I didn’t like:

• It’s never explained why the other “mules” went straight to the airport, but Lucy was beat up and thrown in jail in Taipei.  Did I miss something?
• I thought it was interesting that the more knowledge Lucy gains, the more robotic and less human she becomes.  I’d like to think that with greater wisdom comes greater compassion and understanding for others…
• Suspend your disbelief and don’t think too logically.   
• Many viewers were surprised by the turn the movie makes in the end.  

Did you know?

• Ever wonder how old Morgan Freeman is?  He’s 77!  A recent video went viral of Morgan Freeman sucking helium with Jimmy Fallon on the Tonight Show.  Hilarious.   
• The only living being that uses its brain better than us is the dolphin:  20%.
• The drug featured in the film is called CPH4.  They say that pregnant women create it in their 6^th week of pregnancy, but in very tiny amounts.
• The first thing Lucy does when her brain capacity is enhanced is get free of her captors, eat a bunch of food, and then stock up on weapons.  Hmmm….is there a message there?

Interesting lines:

• “With movement, interesting things begin to happen.”  - Professor Norman
• “Humans are more concerned with having than being.”  - Professor Norman
• “For primitive beings like us, the soul purpose is time.” – Professor Norman explains that when the conditions are good, man is in a state of reproduction, but when conditions are not good, self-sufficiency is the key objective.  Later he says, “It’s up to us to take action to go from evolution to revolution.”
• “We never really die.”  - Lucy says as she nears 100% brain capacity. 
• “Time gives legitimacy its existence.”  - Lucy
• “Ignorance brings chaos, not knowledge.”  - Lucy

Funny lines:

• “Did you know that the first woman’s name was Lucy?”  - Richard    (The camera then zooms in on a pre-historic ape trying to drink water out of a pond.)
• “Hablo poco espanol.”  - Lucy
• “If you lost the key, you don’t have to chop off my hand; you can just cut the chain.” – Lucy
• “It’s not dangerous.”  - a bad guy says to Lucy while the tough body guards all around him crouch in fear behind bomb shields.

Tips for parents:  There are images of animals mating and giving birth, as well as some sexual innuendo.  There is a lot of violence with a variety of weapons, blood spurts and puddles, and destructive car crashes.

Interesting facts about your brain:

1. The belief that humans only use 10% of their brains is incorrect. Each part of the brain has a specific function and the average person uses all the various parts of the brain.

2. The brain is the fattiest part of your body by about 60%. 

3. We think about 70,000 thoughts a day.  

4. Most people dream about 4-7 dreams a night. Fifty percent of those dreams are forgotten in the first minutes after waking.  

5. The brain creates 23 watt of electricity while awake, enough to light a light bulb. 

6. The human brain has more 'wrinkles' and crevices than those of other animals. In this way, the brain gets more surface space, while staying at around the same size, and it is part of the reason for our increased intelligence.

Other brainy movies you might like:

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes provides action and drama

Movie Title:  Dawn of the Planet of the Apes

PG-13, 2 hours 10 minutes

Grade:  B+/A-

In a Nutshell:   

When I was young I went to a Planet Of The Apes Movie Marathon with my friends.  We got a kick out of the furry franchise, featuring the talents of Charlton Heston and Roddy McDowell.  We knew the apes looked cheesy, but we still liked it.  Well, the apes sure don't look cheesy in this newest edition.  In fact, they're pretty doggone amazing.

This action-packed edition is a sequel to the successful 2011 reboot Rise Of The Planet of the Apes and showcases some truly amazing CGI.  Planet of the Apes purists will get to see some of their favorite parts: apes riding horses while toting AR15s, explosions, and plenty of human-ape conflict.

The dystopian genre has been extremely popular these past few years and, I must admit, it was interesting to imagine what my old stopping grounds, San Francisco, would look like after a deadly pandemic hits the area, wiping out most of the human race.  The setting and mood in this film are exceptional.

Uplifting theme: 

• Trust.
• Power.  The humans were trying to get power…electricity to run their colony of survivors.  The apes were also trying to get power…control over humans.
• Both sides, apes and humans, include those who see a future built on respect for the other, as well as those who are filled with hatred and prejudice. You’ll find yourself cheering for both sides.

Things I liked:

• Those eyes!  Those penetrating eyes!  Outstanding CGI showcases super detailed facial expressions on the apes.  The monkeys were extremely realistic, although some of their movements were a little too human.  There were a couple of times when some apes fought each other and it looked more like a professional wrestling match in the WWE.   
• The tears and subtle expressions on the apes' faces were so impressive.  In fact, those who shed tears in the movie (apes AND humans) do so in such a genuine way that it's not overdone.
• You get to see an adorable baby chimpanzee.  Adorable.
• I thought the “head hug” between (NO SPOILER ALERT) the ape and the man was very sweet.  It reminded me of the movie 10,000 B.C.
• I’ve always thought Keri Russell was so lovely.  I want a pair of her boots to tromp around in the woods.
• Gary Oldman and Jason Clarke do a good job and the uber-talented Andy Serkis supplies the meaningful voice behind Caesar, the leader of the apes.
• In the Mark Walberg edition of Planet Of The Apes , the apes almost had magical powers that enabled them to fly and jump to an absurd degree.  This film's apes are more realistic and believable. 

Things I didn’t like:

• I know they have to make distinctions between the apes so that we can tell them apart, but I thought the hippie, beaded headband that Caesar’s wife wore was just silly.  There was also some other ape that always hung out with the wife who wore a completely bizarre face mask with dangles covering almost the entire face.
• Why do they always put the dumb Bubbas in charge of the guns?
• There were some inconsistencies in the story.  For example, Malcolm said about the apes, “They don’t need power; that’s their strength.”  However, when we go into the apes’ headquarter camp at night, they have hanging lamps.  It made for a pretty lighting effect, but was illogical.  Why would the apes need lamps?
• The movie takes itself a little too seriously.  There were a few, mildly humorous moments, but it could have used a few more.

Did you notice?

• The symbol on the big rock in the apes’ headquarters.
• The muscle serving as the guard patrol at the apes’ headquarters were a bunch of beefy gorillas.
• I thought the sounds the orangutan made were really interesting and wondered if they were close to the real thing.  Click here to hear what a real orangutan sounds like.  It’s known as the “longcall.”
• Did you know that the talented actor who voices Caesar also created the fantastic sounds and movement for Gollum in The Complete Lord of the Rings Trilogy , as well as the duo films for The Hobbit ?
• It was a female actress who voices the ape, Maurice.

Interesting lines:

• “Fear makes others follow.”  - Caesar’s son
• “Trust.”  - Caesar
• “I see how much like them we are.” – Caesar
• “Ape not kill ape.” – Caesar
• “He saw things no kid should ever see and I’m not letting us go back to that.”  - Malcom 
• “What are you doing?”  

“Saving the human race.”  - Dreyfus

• “Home.  Family.  Future.”  - Caesar

Tips for parents:  Some profanity, 1 F-bomb, and lots of violence.  If you have kids who are learning sign language at school, they may enjoy watching the apes “talk.”  There are a lot of captions throughout the entire movie to help you understand what the apes are saying.  

If you haven’t seen earlier versions of the Planet of the Apes franchise, check out some of these:

America: Imagine a World Without Her movie review

Movie Title:    America: Imagine a World without Her

PG-13, 1 hour 43 minutes

Grade:  B+

In a Nutshell:   Timed perfectly for the 4^th of July weekend, this documentary-style film asks the question: “What would the world look like if America did not exist?”   As the movie begins, you see a blacksmith hammering steel letters to spell out the word “America”.  The movie then goes on to illustrate how America was literally forged out of fire to become the great nation it is today.

Worried about the future where this country is headed, polarizing director and writer Dinesh D’Souza picks up where 2016 Obama's America left off, explaining that “Seeing these predictions come true makes me scared for America.”  D’Souza presents several indictments that are currently being made against America and then offers evidence that disproves the false claims.

Liberals have already declared this movie to be full of idiotic jingoism and D’Souza’s attempt at payback for being indicted in New York on charges that he violated campaign finance laws (he pled not guilty and was released on bail).  Conservatives believe D'Souza was targeted for his attack on Obama and praise both films for their thoughtful presentation of ideas.  Towards the end of the movie, D’Souza is seen in handcuffs, issuing a warning to all Americans to fight for the freedoms and liberty that have made this country great.

If you’re interested in learning more about it, go to www.AmericaTheMovie.com

Uplifting theme:  The movie starts out with a quote by famous French statesman, Alexis de Tocqueville who toured colonial America to find out why it was such a success: “America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.”  The questions hang in the air: "Are we still good?  Are we still great?"

Things I liked:

• D’Souza tries to present both sides of each issue fairly, giving equal time for both.
• There are some powerful images that should leave you in awe of the miracle that America was ever created. A single sniper's shot to George Washington during the Revolutionary War could have ended everything before it even started.  George Washington is one of my biggest heroes ever and is featured in the beginning of the film.  He was willing to put his life on the line for an America that didn’t exist yet. He could have easily been king of this new country and establish his own royal lineage, but instead, he insisted on a new government that would make his descendents as socially equal as anyone.  Where ARE his descendents?  Great question, right? 
• D’Souza also tries to present the important question “What would the world be like if America recedes in importance?” Is she now? How can we prevent it?
• It’s not a sequel to 2016 Obama's America where Obama is painted as a villain who hates capitalist America, but a film with a hero, not D’Souza, but America itself.
• D’Souza tries to show that the principles of 1776 which founded this country still work.

Things I didn’t like:

• A lot of issues were unaddressed, but then again, the film would have been much longer.
• Some of the reenactments could have been better.  A few were used over and over again, but from different angles.
• I thought some of the people D’Souza chose to interview were odd choices, but it was still interesting to hear their view points on various issues.
• The film could have been much grander and greater, but feels like a TV Special.

Interesting lines:

• “America is an idea.  It was the first country to claw itself out of darkness and put it on paper.”  - Bono
• “The Revolutionary War was the struggle for the creation of America.  The Civil War was the struggle for the preservation of America.  WWII was the struggle for the protection of America.”  - D’Souza
• “Capitalism works through the consent of the people.”  - D’Souza
• “The wealth of America isn’t stolen; it’s created.” – D’Souza
• “America isn’t the problem; it’s the answer.”  - D’Souza
• “I chose this country. This country does something truly unique – it allows you to write the script of your life.”  - D’Souza
• “Obama didn’t create this movement; it created him.”  D’Souza

Tips for parents:  Young children will be very bored.  It plays like a History Channel documentary.  Some violence.  If you have older children who are interested in some of the material presented, check out the following books and videos which were mentioned in the movie:

Earth to Echo doesn't quite repeat the charm of E.T.

Movie Title:  Earth To Echo

PG, 1 hour 29 minutes

Grade:  C

In a Nutshell:  This tween flick feels like an attempt at remaking E.T., The Extra-Terrestrial or even Super 8 with The Goonies (1985) , but not as magical and charming as any of those.  Relativity producers could learn a lesson from Spielberg.  Even the ad imitates the beloved E.T. movie poster.

The film takes some misfit kids on a scavenger hunt to help an extraterrestrial find the pieces he needs to rebuild his spaceship and return home.  While that’s not exactly an original script, it’ll feel fresh to little ones who haven’t yet experienced the better movies I just mentioned.

The movie is shot from the homemade perspective of one of the boys who is using his camcorder, so much of it is shaky and may cause motion sickness.   Remember Cloverfield ?  (That made me so dizzy I thought I was going to throw up.)  Sony HD cams get the spotlight on product placement in this flick.

Uplifting theme:  

• “Having a friend light years away taught us that distance is just a state of mind.” – Tuck
• Kids can do anything.  In the beginning of the movie, Tuck shakes his head in dismay and says “you have no power to stop ‘cuz you’re just a kid.” By the end, he and his friends feel empowered to do anything.

Things I liked:

• They did a good job using technology to address how kids today spend their lives.  They follow a map that appears on their combined smartphones, and then they do Google searches for things like “weird barf shapes on my phone.”   
• Echo is pretty doggone cute. 
• There are some cool special effects, like when Echo makes an oncoming truck disassemble in air so that the kids aren't hurt.

Things I didn’t like:

• The acting was really terrible.  I really wanted to fall in love with the kids, but it just felt like they were auditioning for a school play.
• How convenient that the alien understands English.
• The kids steal their older brother’s car and take it for a joy ride without a license or training.  Thanks for putting that idea into millions of pre-teens’ heads.
• Of course, the kids in the movie are smarter than the bumbling, idiot adults. 
• The kids are unhappy because they’re being forced out of their homes so that a freeway could be built in the area.  They rant and rave as if that’s completely inhumane, but in reality, their parents are being paid for their properties.
• Tuck states “Our whole lives we’ve been invisible…the good kids.  Not anymore.”  Again, thanks for putting that great idea out there for kids to emulate.
• The kids cheer wildly in the predictable ending “We did that!”  Um no, Echo did.

Interesting lines:

• Tuck tells his bros that he kissed a cute girl.  When they find out he really didn’t, he explains “It’s aspirational thinking…you’re thinking one thing and living it the next.”  Hmmm…has he been reading the book The Secret ?

Funny lines:

• “I need an Advil.”  - Mudge
• “Did your phone barf?” – Tuck
• “I think mannequins are hot.”  - Mudge
• Why don’t you just play with your super rich friends and eat steak or something.”  - Alex
• The kids go into a bar and one of them says “Look old!”

Tips for parents:   Young kids will probably enjoy this movie, especially if they’ve never seen E.T.  They love to watch other kids become heroes and do things adults think they can’t do….or defy them to do.  The language is clean and the script is mostly harmless.

Now, if you want to introduce your kids to some classics, help them discover the following: