Kidnap showcases every parent's fear

Movie Title:  Kidnap

Grade:  C

Rating:   R

In a Nutshell:  Having your child kidnapped is every parent’s fear.  You don’t mess with a mother and her son.  (I have 4 sons.)

Uplifting theme: 

• “I will never let you go.” – (Karla McCoy) Halle Berry   That's the fierce attitude of protection every parent of a young child needs to have.  
•  Think smart. 

Things I liked:

• The opening music tells you that you’re in for an intense ride that rips your heart out.
• Halle Berry is as beautiful as always.  How is it that she doesn’t age, but I do?
• What a miracle it was to watch the little boy grow up in the opening sequences. My babies grew up way too fast.
• Lots of interesting drone views from above and other different camera angles.
• I was impressed that she spoke nicely about her ex-husband’s new girlfriend for their son's sake.  Wow, I don't think I would be that composed.
• She does a lot of things right, but she also makes some dumb mistakes.
• I can’t blame her for not wanting to wait for the police to take care of matters.  Good for her for taking action.
• It’s somewhat suspenseful as you wonder what the scumbag abductors are going to do next and what you would do as a parent in that situation.

Things I didn’t like:

• It's just not that good of a movie.  Halle Berry is fierce, but the script lets her down.
• The custody battle that begins in the movie is left unresolved.
• SPOILER: That was pretty bold and dumb of the kidnappers since they didn’t know she wouldn’t have a cell phone on her. For all they knew, she could have easily called the cops or anyone for help within seconds.
• Lots of driving around, watching Halle Berry look worried and upset.
• There should have been some kind of informational graphic at the end, telling audiences about how many children are kidnapped each year, and providing a web site for more information on how to keep your kids safe. 

Tough lines yelled by an angry mother:

• “You took the wrong kid!” - Karla 

Funny lines:

• “Hey God, I know I never pray to you unless somebody is sick or dying or in an airplane…” - Karla 

Tips for parents: 

• Some profanity, including an F-bomb.
• Body count.
• Lots of crashes and destruction.

MOVIE REVIEW MOM

@trinaboice 

Mother's Day movie filled with cliches and estrogen

Movie Title:      Mother’s Day

  

Grade:   C

Rating:   PG-13, 1 hour 58 minutes

In a Nutshell:    Full of sappy clichés, but if you have estrogen, you might still cry. The movie showcases all kinds of mothers.  

Mother’s Day can be a very difficult day for many mothers and this film shows that very well.

Is director Garry Marshall going to make a Father's Day movie?  Would anyone see it?

Uplifting theme: 

• You better do something nice for your mother on Mother’s Day!  Just kidding…the film didn’t really preach that.  I’m just sayin…
• Mothers come in all forms.  Whatever shape or size, season or situation, motherhood is a sacrifice and act of love like no other.

Things I liked:

• The cast is full of big names: Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, Julia Roberts, Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Garner, Jon Lovitz, Britt  Robertson, and more.
• Kate Hudson is gorgeous and in amazing shape.   Have you seen her newest business venture?  She co-founded Fabletics, a lifestyle athletic wear brand and store.  One of her stores just opened up near me.  I'd buy everything in the store if it would make me look like her.
• Sandy and Bradley meet in Sprouts Farmers Market store.  Have you ever been there? 
• The movie features a cute song by Meghan Trainer appropriately entitled “Mom”.
• There are some cute outtakes during the rolling credits at the end.

Things I didn’t like:

• What town on earth has a Mother’s Day parade?
• It’s hard to feel sorry for these beautiful women with hard bodies and beautiful houses.
• Margo Martindale is always delightful, but in this movie she plays a truly insensitive, judgmental mother.
• The situations and lines are painfully contrived and predictable.

Funny lines:

•  “There’s no texting in soccer.” – Bradley (Jason Sudeikis)
• “You don’t go into marriage thinking you’ll get a divorce, but life happens, and when it does…you get more closet space.” – Sandy (Jennifer Aniston)
• “A pox on your whistle!” – Bradley's daughter
• “His eyes have cataracts.  Mine have hope.” – comedienne in bar 
• “And I put on a bra for this?” – Flo (Margo Martindale)
• “I don’t get that joke, but it sounds racist…and funny.” – Sonia (Anoush Nevart)
• “You look just like me…in the summer time.” -  Flo to her little brown grandson.

• Tips for parents:   
• 1 F-bomb.
• Most kids will be fairly bored.
• Pre-marital sex, two lesbians, some racist jokes.

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!