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Movie Review: "Fame"
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Even though "Fame" is rated PG, some of what happens -- underage drinking, swearing, things like that -- isn't appropriate for younger tweens (those younger than, say, 11). It really made us think about why pre-teens often flock to movies that aren't truly right for them.
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Here's our nutshell review of "Fame": it's fluffy but fun to watch, with some great messages about diversity and working hard to achieve your dreams. We enjoyed the musical numbers, especially the new version of "Out Here On My Own." If you're into the performing arts at all, you'll have a great time. But that's not what we found so intriguing about it.
Are you going to see "Fame"? Is that because ads for it are everywhere -- on TV, online, outdoors, in movie trailers? Is it because you loved "High School Musical" and are hoping it's got the same magic? Or maybe all your friends are buzzing about it and it seems like the flick to see right now.
These are things we'd love to hear about, because it's interesting to look at how we respond to media marketing campaigns, especially when it comes to TV and film. Advertisers know that tweens are a huge audience and have a lot of money to spend on entertainment and products, so they target the 9-13 age group pretty heavily. But pre-teens are tough to pin down, because most of what you're into has to walk a fine line between being too "babyish" and too "grown up."
Some other ideas to ponder: What goes into your decision to see something? Do you try to find out whether there's anything in it that's too mature, scary, or just not up your alley? Do your parents automatically let you see any movie that's rated PG, or do they do some research first? And are you more likely to buy your ticket because it's got some "questionable" moments? Hmmmm...
IML's Rating: B-
Movie Review: "Shorts"
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How many times a day do you make wishes? Once or twice? Half a dozen or more? Maybe you're not constantly saying, "I wish I had a million dollars!"...but you might wish to yourself that your crush would notice you, or that your parents would stop arguing, or that you hadn't just eaten that Pigout Deluxe Burrito at the mall. Most of us wish constantly, quietly, for one thing or another. And we don't really expect or try to make them come true.
The new movie "Shorts," written and directed by Robert Rodriguez ("The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl" and the "Spy Kids" movies), takes a look at what might happen if anyone's wishes could be granted -- literally and instantly. When a mysterious "wishing rock" appears in narrator Toby Thompson's neighborhood, chaos ensues. The chaos is funny, wacky, and gross, yet also hits close to home; it's the kind that even your mom or dad will chuckle at.
In addition to the comedy, cool visuals, and great cast, we like how the story touches on some bigger issues such as family relationships, bullying, and the role of technology in our lives. Most of the characters make their first wishing rock request by expressing their deepest desire. Lonely Toby wishes for friends as unique as he is; meanie Helvetica (whose name we love so much, we almost wrote this in the Helvetica font) wishes her dad would listen to her; Nose wishes his frustrated father's inventions would work; and Toby's mom wishes she and her husband were closer (instead of texting each other while they're in the same room!). It's through these wishes that the heart of "Shorts" comes through. If we could, we'd grab the wishing rock and wish this heart came through a little stronger and didn't feel quite so tacked-on.
But it sure is fun to come out of this movie and talk to a friend, a parent, or whoever about what you would do with the wishing rock. Would you go for the instant gratification? Would you wish for something for yourself, or for others? How would you phrase a wish so it wouldn't backfire? Tell us!
IML's Rating: B+
Movie Review: "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
We knew this Harry Potter movie was going to be a little different about five minutes in. Harry, when faced with the possibility of meeting up with a pretty waitress after she gets off work, does a quick breath-spray/breath-check combo. Hey Harry! Planning on doing some snogging?
We knew this Harry Potter movie was going to be a little different about five minutes in. Harry, when faced with the possibility of meeting up with a pretty waitress after she gets off work, does a quick breath-spray/breath-check combo. Hey Harry! Planning on doing some snogging?Moments like that are what help make "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" possibly the most honest of all the HP flicks so far...and the most giggle-tastic. Part of the magic of the series is how J.K. Rowling brings her main characters through all the ups and downs of growing up -- fighting with friends, crazy mood swings, crushes, bullies, figuring out who they are as people -- at the same time that they're battling evil to save the world. And while it's always amazing to see the books' magical marvels come alive on the big screen, it's sometimes even more fun to see Harry, Ron, and Hermione be, well, just plain teens. The movie version of "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" was the first to really get this, and this installment, aka HP6, takes it even further...to the point where you may find yourself laughing and nudging your friends more than you thought you would. We love it for that.
HP6 also kicks the visuals up a notch and does not disappoint with suspense, mystery, and action. Daniel Radcliffe's Harry is strong and stoic and just really cool now, although we kinda miss his moments of weakness and doubt. Emma Watson's Hermione is more real than she's ever been, speaking for every girl who doesn't understand her own heart. It's great to see Ginny (Bonnie Wright) come into her own as a bigger character, and the moments between her and Harry as they find their way to each other are so lovely. And Rupert Grint. What can we say? In the past, IML'ers have crushed on him pretty hard and we didn't see it...until now. Yes, Ron is definitely hot. And hilarious. And amazing on the Quidditch pitch.
One thing we felt the HP6 movie is missing: the tale of how Tom Riddle became Voldemort. In the book, Harry (and readers) learn about Tom's family, childhood, and growing obsession with dark magic. There was something fascinating about Harry comparing his life to Tom's, and seeing how they were alike and different. Most of that has been cut from the film, and that's a shame. The ending also feels less devastating and ominous and scary than it does in the book, almost as if they needed to get the movie wrapped up quickly so it didn't run too long.
So much of HP6 is a setup for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," but you can also look at it as a semi-finale to the previous five books and movies. J.K. Rowling's world is familiar yet still wondrous, the characters are near the end of their journeys, and Harry has slowly gained the knowledge, strength, and love he needs to fulfill his destiny. If you're an HP fan you will eat up every minute of this movie. If you're not so much...well, maybe then you'll just nibble it.
IML's Rating: A-
