Apr
16

Family Movies – U-571

By GardenGirl Posted in Action Movies, War Movies | No Comments »
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U-571

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

2000
Rated:  PG-13
Running Time:  117 minutes

Matthew McConaughey, Bill Paxton, Harvey Keitel, Jake Weber, David Keith, Jon Bon Jovi, Jack Noseworthy,  Will Estes, Tom Guiry, Thomas Kretschmann

My Family Movie Rating:

While not a true story, it is a tribute to the soldiers who took on similar actions, to help prevent even more losses.   The preface to this tale, is that early in the allied engagement in WWII, the German forces were very successful in sinking our naval vessels.  They’d developed a sophisticated cypher system and machine, and the allies had not been able to break the coding.  In an effort to help turn the tide,  Allied sub-teams were tasked with posing as the enemy, and capturing the cypher machine and codes.

I’m not a big fan of war movies (my hubby is though). When he first put it in, I thought, “Oh, not another sub movie.”   But, I found this one interesting and well done.  I like that it mixed in bits of general history.  And the story was engaging.

Birds and Bees:  None.

Language:  Minimal.

Violence: Enough violence to earn the PG-13 rating.  Some soldiers are blown up when a sub goes down.  And, some are shot in battle scenes.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Apr
16

Family Movies – The Pink Panther 2

By GardenGirl Posted in Comedy Movies | No Comments »
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The Pink Panther 2

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

2009
Rated PG
Running Time;  92 Minutes

Steve Martin, Jean Reno, Andy Garcia, Alfred Molina, Lily Tomlin, John Cleese

Jacket Description:  Steve Martin returns to the scene of the fun as the brilliant bumbling Inspector Jacques Clouseau in this side-splitting slapstick comedy for the whole family!  When legendary treasures from around the world are stolen, including the priceless Pink Panther diamond, Clouseau is assigned to a dream team of international detectives who are under pressure to bring the master thief to justice before he strikes again.

My Family Movie Rating:

We weren’t disappointed by this sequel.  It has a great cast, and does a wonderful job of teasing us a bit about today’s crazy world and rules.  A fun evening’s entertainment… we enjoyed it.

Birds and Bees:  No.

Language:  Minimal.

Violence: Minimal, and mostly in a 3-stooges type of fashion.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Apr
16

Family Movies – The Pink Panther (PG)

By GardenGirl Posted in Comedy Movies | No Comments »
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The Pink Panther

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

2006
Rated: PG
Running Time:  93 minutes

Steve Martin, Kevin Kline, Beyonce Knowles

Jacket Description:  When a star soccer coach is murdered and his priceless Pink Panther diamond stolen, France is in an uproar.  Fortunately, Inspector Jacques Clouseau is on the case.  He doesn’t have a clue, but for Clouseau, that’s just a minor detail.  With his partner, Gilbert Ponton, he careens from one misadventure to the next, leaving mayhem in his wake from the boulevards of Paris to the streets of New York.  Will he seduce the pop diva, Xania?  Will he push Chief Inspector Dreyfus over the edge?  Will he catch the killer and recover the diamond?  With Inspector Clouseau, anything is possible.

My Family Movie Rating:

Definitely slapstick, but we got some great chuckles from it.  Enjoyable.   Not very similar to the original Pink Panther series though, so clear your mind a bit of that before watching this one.  However, Steve Martin’s Inspector Clouseau is an enjoyable, personable character, and well done.  I have to say though, we will never be able to say the word “Hhhamburger” without thinking of this film. ;)

Birds and Bees:  No, and yes.  Nothing shown.  Nothing done.  However, there are some “adult”  references… like Clouseau needing his over 50 “magic male pill” before attempting to seduce someone for information.

Language:  Minimal.

Violence: Minimal, and mostly in a 3-stooges type of fashion.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Apr
16

Family Movie – A Bridge Too Far (PG)

By GardenGirl Posted in Real Life Stories Family Movies, War Movies | No Comments »
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A Bridge Too Far

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

1977
Rated: PG
Running Time:  175 minues

Michael Caine, Robert Redford, Sean Connery, James Caan, Anthony Hopkins, Elliot Gould, Gene Hackman, Laurence Olivier, Ryan O’Neal, Dirk Bogarde, Edward Fox, Hardy Kruger, Maximillian Schell

Jacket Description:  In September 1944, flush with success after the Normandy invasion, the Allies confidently launched Operation Market Garden, a wild scheme intended to put an early end to World War II by invading Germany and smashing the Reich’s war plants.  However, a combination of battlefield politics, faulty intelligence, bad luck, and worse weather led to disaster.

An epic retelling of World War II’s most tragic blunder, A Bridge Too Far meticulously depicts the ambitious plan which resulted in more Allied casualties than the entire Normandy landing.  Painstakingly re-created on actual battlefield locations and boasting a remarkable all-star cast, A Bridge Too Far accurately recaptures the monumental scope, excitement and danger behind one of the biggest military gambles in history.

My Family Movie Rating:

An important movie to watch.  So many of the war movies depict only the successful battles.  This is a true story, in which many tens of thousands of allied soldiers were lost in WWII.  Certainly not a happy ending story.  But, out of respect for those who sacrificed their lives, it’s a worthy watch, and has a great cast of actors.  And also, a good reminder, so that we don’t repeat it.

Birds and Bees:  None

Language:  I don’t remember any profanity.  There may have been some light usage.

Violence: Yes, fairly violent.  But not by today’s standards, I guess.  Plenty of people get shot, but only somewhat graphically depicted near the end of the movie.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Apr
02

Family Movies – Eight Below (PG)

By GardenGirl Posted in Adventure Movies, Disney Family Movies | No Comments »
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Eight Below

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

2006
Rated: PG
Running Time:  206 Minutes

Paul Walker, Moon Bloodgood, Bruce Greenwood, Jason Biggs

Jacket Description:  Walt Disney Pictures presents Eight Below, the thrilling tale of incredible friendship between eight amazing sled dogs and their guide Jerry.  Stranded in Antarctica during the most unforgiving winter on the planet, Jerry’s beloved sled dogs must learn to survive together until Jerry – who will stop at nothing – rescues them.  Driven by unwavering bonds of friendship, enormous belief in one another, and tremendous courage, Jerry and the dogs make an incredible journey to reunite in this triumphant and inspiring action-adventure the whole family will treasure.  Inspired by a true story.

My Family Movie Rating:

An interesting and entertaining story.  It drags a little in the middle, but is survivable.  Just thinking of the training and skill that was involved with the dogs, is impressive.

Birds and Bees:  N/A.

Language:  Some mild profanity.

Violence: Not from humans, but a little of nature’s violence (prey after the hunted).

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Apr
02

Family Movies – MASH (PG)

By GardenGirl Posted in Comedy Movies, Drama Movies | No Comments »
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M*A*S*H

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

1970
Rated: PG
Running Time: 116 minutes

Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Tom Skerritt, Elliott Gould, Sally Kellerman, Jo Ann Pflug, John Schuck

Jacket Description:  When  a wounded soldier is clumsily dropped off a stretcher onto the ground in the title sequence, it was actually an accident caused by an actor who tripped.  A perfect illustration of the film’s black humor, Robert Altman decided to use it with the song “Suicide is Painless” sung in the background.

This classic American war comedy received an Oscar nomination for Best Picture and spawned one of the most popular shows ever to run on television.  It focuses on three army surgeons who develop a lunatic lifestyle in order to handle the everyday horrors they encounter in the Korean War.

My Family Movie Rating:

After years of enjoying the tv series, I thought I’d enjoy the film.   I have to say, the TV series was pretty tame compared to the real thing.  I guess if you want to call this a comedy, it would be a black comedy.  There’s nothing in the humor that makes you feel good after the “humorous” episode.  But, I imagine that’s the point of it.   I’m surprised it’s only rated PG, given the subject matter.

Aside from what’s noted below, you should probably also consider that the theme song is about how painless suicide is, that adultery is the norm, bullying people is ok, they spend some footage on people smoking pot, and that they make Christians look like nincompoops.

Birds and Bees:  Yes.  Some nudity.  Audio of two people in the act.   Everybody having “relations” with everybody.

Language:  Some profanity.

Violence: No violence, but plenty of blood from the perspective of the operating tables.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Apr
02

Family Movies – The Green Hornet (PG-13)

By GardenGirl Posted in Action Movies | No Comments »
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The Green Hornet

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

2011
Rated: PG-13
Running Time:  119 minutes

Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz, Cameron Diaz

Jacket Description:  Britt Reid is a slacker by day, party animal by night… until he finds a serious career that’s seriously cool:  crime-fighting action hero.  As the Green Hornet, he teams up with gadget wiz and martial arts master Kato to take down L.A.’s underworld.

My Family Movie Rating:

Well, we opted to only watch the first 20 minutes of this movie, if that gives you any indication.   Scene 1:  Success newspaper owner bullies his little boy.  Scene 2:  Nasty underworld guy blows away some other underworld people.  Scene 3:  grown up little boy is laying on the floor trunk at a party, with a bunch of girls waving their rear ends in his face.  Scene 4:  same drunk guy is impressing drunk girl by showing her his dad’s cars.  Scene 5:  same drunk guy wakes up in bed with drunk girl in the morning, but can’t remember her name.   A little later… drunk guy vandalizes the statue of his father.   As he starts to do his crime-fighting work, he does very little, but takes all the credit (not giving credit to his partner who is always saving his bacon).   Maybe (hopefully) it gets better, but we just weren’t enjoying it.  Certainly not honorable behavior to hold up as heroic, and the main character can barely hold a coherent thought.

Birds and Bees:  Implications.  For example, the “hero” is found in bed with a girl in her underwear the morning after a party.

Language:  Some profanity.

Violence: Very violent.  Gangsters with knives threatening to kill people,  people getting shot, blown up, etc.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Mar
31

Family Movies – The Astronaut Farmer

By GardenGirl Posted in Drama Movies | No Comments »
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The Astronaut Farmer

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

2007
Rated: PG
Running Time:  104 Mintues

Billy Bob Thornton, Virginia Madsen, Max Thieriot, Jasper Polish, Logan Polish, Bruce Willis (uncredited), Bruce Dern

Jacket Description:  All systems are “go” for Charles Farmer.  He’s faced bank foreclosure, neighborhood naysayers and a government alarmed by his huge purchase of high-grade fuel.  But now, he’s ready to blast into space inside the homemade rocket he built in his barn.  Just be home in time for dinner, Charlie.

Billy Bob Thornton portrays Charlie in this charmer about chasing dreams… and about what it means to be a family.  10,000 pounds of rocket fuel along can’t lift Charlie into the heavens.  He needs a launch/recovery crew, and he has one of the best: his wife and children, dreamers all.  They have liftoff.  Our spirits have uplift.  Gravity cannot hold down our dreams.  The Astronaut Farmer is that kind of movie.

My Family Movie Rating:

An interesting story.  I didn’t find it as charming and uplifting as the reviews said, but it was interesting and the story has value.  I think most people would believe the depiction of how the government would treat such an occurrence, were it real.   Basically, Charlie in his youth was a pilot in the astronaut program.  When his Dad committed suicide, he left to attend to the funeral and tend to family affairs, and wasn’t able to return to the program.  Never having satisfied that dream, he spends his life, and his family’s welfare on trying to accomplish it on his own.  It consumes him so much that he uses the food money, the mortgage money, etc. for materials he needs for the project, and puts his family in jeopardy and nearly loses their home.

The film is very much about family, love, support, dreams,  and hints at a theme of forgiveness.

Birds and Bees:  The only hint of it is between the husband and wife, but it’s only a very brief hint, with nothing graphic or improper.  And since it’s between husband and wife,  it seems a healthy way to show how a physical relationship should be.

Language:  A little mild cussing… mostly SOB that’s used.

Violence: The only violence would be the crash that happens, and it isn’t graphic… just startling.  He’s pretty beat up from it, but survives.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Mar
27

Family Movies – King David

By GardenGirl Posted in Drama Movies, Real Life Stories Family Movies, Religious | No Comments »
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King David

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

1985
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 12 Minutes

Richard Gere, Edward Woodward, Alice Krige, Denis Quilley

Jacket Description:  Actor Richard Gere gives a bravura performance as the lowly shepherd boy who ascends to the throne of ancient Israel in this compelling, thrilling Biblical saga directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bruce Beresford (Tender Mercies, Driving Miss Daisy).  This panoramic drama brings David and his legendary Old Testament adventures to life, from  his confrontation with Goliath to his self-destructive desire for Bathsheba.  An exceptional supporting cast includes Edward Woodward as Saul, whose complex relationship with David is the catalyst for strife and conflict that threatens both kingdom and crown in this sweeping, exciting screen epic!

My Family Movie Rating:

An interesting movie.  I’ve not done a strict comparison, but it seems to be fairly true to the story of King David as presented in the Bible.  The movie was almost more of a documentary, actually, in that they didn’t really go into a lot of character development in the roles.  I liked it that way though.  They seemed to keep it to the story as recounted in the Bible, without too many flourishes.

However, the ending was disappointing.  I feel like hollywood pulled a fast one there.  I’m pretty sure they’ve misrepresented King David’s last words to his son Solomon.  In fact, as presented, they contradicted the lessons of David’s life struggle with God.

Birds and Bees:  Two scenes with female nudity.  The first, is David with his new wife on their wedding bed.  There’s no affection shown, just the two of them laying there talking.  The camera focus isn’t on her nudity, but on their conversation, so wasn’t too bad.  The second scene is later when King David observes Bathsheba bathing off in the distance.  She’s standing in a tub with an attendant washing her.  So, there’s a full frontal shot, but it’s from pretty far away.

Language: N/A

Violence: Fairly violent,  with plenty of battle scenes, people getting skewered with spears, etc.  But, the violence wasn’t presented graphically by today’s standards.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

 If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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Mar
24

Family Movies – Doc Hollywood

By GardenGirl Posted in Comedy Movies | No Comments »
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Doc Hollywood

Note:  The purpose of this blog is not to tell you what to watch with your family, only to inform you of potentially sensitive issues in the movie (so that you can decide yourself if it is appropriate for your family’s entertainment)

1991
Rated: PG-13
Running Time:  103 Minutes

Michael J Fox, Julie Warner, Woody Harrelson, Bridget Fonda, David Ogden Stiers, Barnard Hughes, Frances Sternhagen

Jacket Description:  Beverly Hills.  The most beautiful women in the world.  Plastic surgery.  What do these three things have in common?  Dr. Ben Stone asks.  “Me, in less than a week!”  It turns out to be an eye-opening week.  And Doc Hollywood turns out to be a charmingly funny film.  Part Alex Keaton of Family Ties and part Marty McFly of Back to the Future, Fox’s Stone is a brand, newly-minted MD whose cruise toward the medical fast lane takes a small-town detour.

The town is Grady, South Carolina, Squash Capital of the South and home of salt-of-the-earth folks who give the West Coast-bound hotshot the seasoning he lacks.  Newcomer Julie Warner is Lou, the ambulance driver who sends Stone’s heart racing.  Woody Harrelson (Cheers) is affable insurance agent Hank.  Briget Fonda is Nancy Lee, who hopes Stone is her ticket out of town.  David Ogden Stiers, Barnard Hughes and Frances Sternhagen are Gradyites who know it’s better to follow your heart than your wallet.  The wisdom is warm.  The laughs are abundant.  Doc Hollywood is a surefire prescription for comedy cheer!

My Family Movie Rating:

We enjoyed this movie.  A fun, light-hearted movie with an entire town filled with interesting characters.  The young Dr. gets stuck in the small country town, doing social work, as a result of a car accident he caused.  And, the town spends most of the movie trying to win-him over, into staying permanently.

Birds and Bees:  There’s one scene with a naked girl exiting a lake from an early morning swim (partial frontal nudity).  And, the main character later makes a bet with the mayor that he can “get” the girl before he leaves town.  That’s it though.

Language: Some mild cussing

Violence: N/A.

Note: This is not to be considered an endorsement of (or lack of) this movie by Family Safe Movies .Net.  It is only my opinion, hoping to help you in your family’s movie entertainment selection.

If you’ve seen this movie, please share your feedback on its family “friendliness,” by adding a comment.

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