Change Your Image
bobbyd61074
When I read a review that is bad and ultimately watch the movie and like it I wonder how two adults can be so far off in their assessment. That said, I believe age, education, socioeconomic status play a large role in how one interprets a movie. Below I'll briefly detail my background which may help understand how my points of view are shaped.
Male
Married
Age- mid-40's
Children - yes
Education- Graduate Degree
Live in a suburban north eastern town
Financially secure
Religion - Catholic but not a bible thumper
Reviews
The Good Witch of Christmas (2022)
I Took One For The Team
Your intuition was correct. I don't want to be rude but it's really bad. Like, embarrassingly bad. The children in the movie do a fine job. But all the adults did not. From the actors, to the writers, and the entire amateurish production staff.
More believable would be that this was a high school drama club production with just one week to write/act in/produce a short film. Oh, how I wish it was short film. It's only 114 minutes...but believe me...it's a very long 114 minutes. Oh, and the Santa suit...Amazon $39...MAX!
Unfortunately, there were no reviews here when I checked prior to watching...so my 12 yr old son and I watched it blind. You're welcome, fine moms and dads. Find another for tonight's movie night. Merry Christmas!!
Star Kid (1997)
Surprisingly Fun Movie
What a fun movie! I was hesitant due to it looking dated, but my son (10 Years Old) and I loved it. It's funny, cheesy, with age appropriate action. Think, Big Hero 6 meets Power Rangers meets Terminator. Give it a try. It's better than much of what's out there. Not better fx better story/acting/humor.
We Can Be Heroes (2020)
Good KIDS Superhero Movie If You Can Stand...
This is a good movie to watch with KIDS. My 10 year old is loving it. Superheroes, aliens, kids with powers...is kind of a no-brainer. I like this movie but it's a little nauseating listening to kids compliment each other even when they fail. All the females are superior to their male counterparts. And the characters ethnicities are so diverse it's almost offensive. When Hollywood wags it's finger, I can't help but scoff.
This is a good movie for kids. This 46 year old sees it as a Goonies for the participation trophy generation...but it's a kids movie and mine is loving it so i'll like it, if I must.
Animal Crackers (2017)
Really Good...Not Great..But Good Enough
If you're a parent checking reviews for "Family Movie Night", and you go in to this with moderate expectations, you're family will be entertained. The animation is on par with Abominable or Madagascar so rest assured it's not a cheaply made production. Harmless plot with no agenda. My 9 year old son loved it and I wasn't glued to my phone out of boredom (my own rating system). If I reach for the phone in the first 10 minutes I'm in for a rough 90 mins of kid, cinema, torture. This one's absolutely good enough for a family movie night. No phone required, so go for it!
Glitch Techs (2020)
OK...This Is What's Good Now...OK
This review is for the parents so kids you can stop reading now and click thumbs down, you're probably not going to agree.
Mom, Dad....Your kids are going to love this show. Maybe that's a good thing....maybe. It clearly has a video game theme, targeting the same audience. Quick dialogue, fast cuts, bright colors you get it. Shockingly, I view my son watching tv as a welcome break from him playing video games. TV has a lot to offer kids developing mind...this, coming from a career educator/administrator. Sure I'd prefer him read the many books we buy from book fairs but I'm being real here.
The description from Netflix tells you everything you need to know. No surprises here. Does not come close to Netflix's Last Kids On Earth show. I was hoping it did. It should be put in a time capsule with a note stating ADHD PROGRAMMING EXAMPLE FROM 2020. My son is loving it. What does that say about him? Or me? Maybe it's my generation that needs to adjust because his ADHD way of doing things will be necessary for multitasking vocations of tomorrow. Or maybe, that's what I tell myself so I don't feel guilty for not having the energy to fight the READING vs. VIDEO GAME battle everyday.
Kudos to the creators for knowing the pulse of their audience. But I'll take Scooby Doo any day over this. Your child won't be any brighter for watching...They may even lose some brain cells. But, it's our jobs to replace them. Just be sure to take them somewhere cultural or watch a foreign film with them afterwards ...I'm kidding, one episode of Jeopardy will suffice...Wheel of Fortune if you're from West Virginia;)
I'm from NJ - we get made fun of all the time so settle down!
My 9 yr old would give this an A
I'd give it a C-
Hope tomorrow is a good one!
Racetime (2018)
Brains Vs. Cheats - Set Somewhere I Wish I Grew Up
Brains Beats Cheats...As It Should
A really good by the book kids flick that's safe for any of your shorties (age 2-10). A bunch of snowy tikes spend their days sleigh racing each other with zero adult supervision. Just like I remember it. There's good kids who are brainy and some not so good kids who cheat. Tremendous race scenes. A few good songs performed by one of the racerss...dancing, a cute dog, a couple of tears, and one awesome barn/clubhouse that they're all competing for.
My 9 yr old son loved it! Me...not so much. That's ok. Thank God for Steve Jobs so I can inconspicuously read the news while we watch.
A brief comment to a reviewer referencing their southern neighbors. Let's assume we're talking about Canada and the US. Please allow me to make this analogy. Our (The US) relationship with Canada is very similar to co-parenting. Just like we both want prosperity and happiness for our nations...we want equal and more for our children. To achieve this amazing outcome one of the parents (can be either) must be an enforcer to some degree. Not talking corporal punishment rather when the parent says it's time to do X....child does X. This is usually reserved for one parent and the other parent (also extremely necessary in achieving said parenting goal) should be more of the softie type. The one who a child may lean on more at times. The one who says yes not no. The one who buys that toy even though their kid doesn't deserve it..... I'd love for my country to be that parent but the reality is one of us must stand guard if all is to be right in the world tomorrow morning. It's the price you and I pay so we can watch cute little movies like this on cold winter nights in our comfy living rooms with our children who sometimes deserve the toy...sometimes not. Being a parent would be so easy if I always said "yes" not "no". My country feels the same.
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made (2020)
A Different Kind Of Family Comedy That Different Kids Will Relate To
This movie is no failure. But I'm not sure it's a complete success either. I laughed more than my nine year old son did. Additionally, I found myself pausing the movie frequently to explain how much of what was being seen on screen was in the young boys head. And that he was the only one playing along with his imagination/fantasy. The rest of the cast were his foils...not really in on his schemes.
For no other reason, it's worth seeing for the imaginative script. The lead actor kind of wore on me. The monotone thing was only cute for so long. He needed a little bit more range. May not be the youngsters fault rather the director's box that he was put in. Either way prepare for a mini Joe Friday..."Just the Facts Mam" from credits to credits.
This is an odd one. Funny while tip toeing in the pediatric learning disability/mental illness waters. This is a good thing. My son actually asked me to pause the movie during a scene where the protagonist found himself in trouble in school due to his wild imagination. My son proceeds to share how difficult concentrating in class is for him. This was so interesting because lately I've noticed some things that made me wonder about ADHD. I'm not going to diagnose him but I will now look into this. The fact that he initiated this conversation came across like he was asking for help so help it will be. I love him! This wasn't my favorite movie but it may have helped my family and possibly help others too. Well done!
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
Don't Be Like Me And Wait...It's That Good
I'm late to this party. My son kept asking me to watch and I just wasn't feeling it based on the description. I get it. The Spiderman franchise was getting a little stale and looking for a younger more diverse audience. Enter our teenage hero Miles who admittedly I was wrong to think was miscast.
Now stay with me here because I'm admitting I was wrong but when I first heard/read Spider-Man would now be an African American teenager I kind of eye rolled. Why? Well, what would you think if Black Panthers sequel was recast as a white teen from the suburbs? I'm sure it would illicit eye rolls plus. Well, sometimes you have to eat crow and admit you're wrong. This reimagining is done terrifically. After two minutes I forgot I was watching an animated movie. The writing is hilarious and relatable. The action scenes are unlike any I have ever witnessed in an animated movie. And Miles (Spider-Man) is amazing as he comes into his own. I loved the storyline between him and his uncle. As well as the welcome addition of a more traditional Spidey from far, far away...here to mentor young Miles as he navigates his new-found powers and teenager angst.
This movie begs for s sequel or a Netflix series. I enjoyed it more than any of the big box office blockbusters and my son has watched it dozens of times. We even got my wife to watch...trust me, that's an accomplishment. So, c'mon Netflix/Sony.....Get on it.....we're waiting.
The Muppets. (2015)
A Mind #### Down Memory Lane
I should state right up front that this is a different Muppets than you remember. Consider this when deciding to watch with your little ones. But that's not to say you shouldn't.
Our lovable Muppets all look the same. But they are no longer child-like in nature. This group is a bit jaded. They've loved, lost. Facing the problems that many who grew up with the original are currently coping with. You'll certainly identify with one or more storylines.
The show centers around a late night talk show similar to The Tonight Show/Kimmel/Colbert but hosted by a self centered Miss Piggy. Kermit serves as the executive producer and the rest of the crew are pretty much that...crew.
The funniest material is a tiny bit blue however, fortunately it goes right over my 9 yr olds head. I almost aborted before episode 1 ended. I'm glad I didn't. Very interesting reimagining of a tired franchise. Would love more episodes but think they need to re-market this. I'm sure many parents who grew up in the 70's and 80's excitedly tuned in with their children but never stuck around past episode 1.
They need to tone it back a notch so parents don't have to pre-watch, fearing one of their subtle but sexual innuendos is embarrassingly decoded on my living room floor. Almost a great show.
The Christmas Chronicles (2018)
Top Two Christmas Movie
This is a great movie! For context, Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life is in my opinion, the best Christmas movie ever! It's a must once a year. I watch on the 23rd of December as I wrap gifts late into the night. Christmas Chronicles has become a must see in our house as well. This marks the second Christmas season (day after a Thanksgiving) we've watched. It has everything you'd want in any film let alone a Christmas movie. Touching family drama, hysterical comedy, action sequences, big budget effects, and stellar A list acting.
Kurt Russell has always been one of my favorite actors. But it appears to me, Hollywood and the viewing public have always pegged him as a B+/A- actor. He never got the roles, fame, or fortune that many of his lesser talented peers received. Who'd thought playing Santa Clause would dispel that myth. After seeing this movie....rack your brain for one of his contemporaries who could have played the part better? His take on Old St. Nick is brilliant!
Christmas Chronicles thoughtfully takes your emotions on a cinematic but relatable roller coaster. Belly-Ache laughs to "get me the tissues". So ready yourself....because you're about to be knee deep in everything that's right about Santa.
**. In the movie there's an ongoing storyline between the older brother and younger sister as to whether the man in red is real or not.
I wish Christmas movies for children came with a warning that Santa's authenticity is questioned in it.
Hope this helps. Merry Christmas
Puppy Star Christmas (2018)
Last Resort Holiday Flick
This is not a good movie. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't watch. If you've exhausted the classics and already seen this years crop of streamable Christmas flicks then it may be worth a view. It's a talking dog movie. You know the drill. No surprises here. Pretty cool special effects depicting Iceland's Northern Lights, a train, Santa's Sled as well as a "Best Christmas " song/dance scene. Would have been really good at 45 minutes. Dragged. But if your family's getting desperate for a "Christmas" movie, it may be worth a shot.
Spookley the Square Pumpkin (2005)
REALLY REALLY MEDIOCRE BUT THAT'S OK
Short and sweet review just like the movie. Misfit pumpkin whose not accepted by other more traditionally shaped pumpkins in the patch has to overcome bla bla bla. It's a poor man's Rudolph the Red-Nose Reindeer. But it's message of acceptance is one that you'd appreciate your child hearing. Definitely a tad juvenile....I'd say 2-7 years old would be the best audience. Animation had a cheap feel to it but my son watched this multiple times over the years and tonight I'm watching it in its entirety with him. Yet he still seems entertained at age 9, so how bad could it be? Sometimes OK....is OK I guess.
The Last Kids on Earth (2019)
It Has Everything a Kid (boy?) Could Want
If you're wondering should you watch this with you kid....Easy answer. YES!! Zombie/Monster Apocalypse strikes small town USA, and it's up to a handful of kids (I'm guessing 11-12 years old) to stop them. I'd put the horror on a scale of Scooby Doo or Ben 10 if that helps. I'm only one episode in but my 8 yr old son is absolutely loving it. Movies that work for him have this common theme....kids saving the day doing grown up things like driving cars (remember it's an apocalypse...light traffic), awesome action and animation with the proper amount of jokes (there's a sentence I never thought I'd wright;) Harmless horror/action cartoon perfect for the upcoming Halloween season approaching. Hope this helps.
The Lion King (2019)
Tremendous Film Ignore the Hate...Minor Flaws
Not only was this an outstanding movie, it's an experience. Seeing it is truly believing it. You will be wondering if certain scenes are CGI or did they use real animals? The script is true to the original (as far as I can remember) but the visuals are unparalleled.
My only complaints were the casting. Sorry guys....Beyoncé is a generational talent but that talent ain't acting. Her performance felt wooden. Like it was being read not performed. And I get that Danny Glover seems to be the flavor of the month but he too seemed disinterested with the role. I'd have preferred two nobodies who were gifted voice actors. Let's be honest. NOBODY should see this because Beyoncé or Glover are in it. I'm not even an Elton John fan but when movie's signature song plays I couldn't help but feel let down with Beyoncé's lesser rendition. That said, at no time did this ruin the film.
My son was not happy when he learned he was seeing this movie. He never connected with the original but he along with myself and wife loved this one. Great family entertainment.
I hope those writing/reading these reviews keep in mind that this is a child's movie and in my opinion the ideal kind. One where the parents are entertained as well. If you're a non-parent and reviewing this and think it was bad or not as good as the animated original ....do me a favor...come back in ten or fifteen years and update your review. Bet when you watch it with your little one you'll understand the greatness of the movie. Appreciating the significance of the movie's message which every parent experiences as they face their mortality, while praying they've prepared their children to take the reigns in our own circle of life. It definitely had a powerful effect on me. Not sure I'd make that claim if I didn't see this with my son.
We are all Mufasa. We are all Simba. And we all know and battled a Scar. I suspect your opinion of the movie will coincide with your current placement within the circle of life. Happy Viewing
A-X-L (2018)
Best Movie Of Our Summer
My son and I have been watching a movie a night this summer. And A-X-L was our favorite. It's as action packed as a kids movie can be. Mine is eight. I'd say no younger than 7-8....but you know yours best.
Plot: Loner teen boy meets/finds a robo-dog created by the US government for battlefield purposes. There are other storylines but it's the relationship between A-X-L and the teen that's the crux of the movie.
The themes of ET, King Kong, and the Karate Kid ran through my mind on a few instances while watching. Awesome camera work and effects. My son...and I kept saying, "Did you see that", in amazement while watching. Frequently pausing to breakdown what we just saw. There's lots of talking dog movies. I've seen most of them. This was a welcome break but that's unfair because it was good enough that I'd have watched it if I was alone. My son had me checking for a sequel the second it ended. I don't believe there is one in the works (yet) but I did stumble upon a petition from an an organization known for change. I signed it!
Go for it. It's the best movie of our summer...maybe yours too.
Sammy's avonturen: De geheime doorgang (2010)
THIS ONE's REALLY 4 THE LITTLE ONES AND YOU
Tremendous animation, compelling story, with educational value. There's a heavy focus on the harms humans cause to the environment both consciously and unconsciously. I'm a republican and did not feel it was liberal Hollywood wagging its finger in the faces of the ugly American. All people have blood on their hands when it comes to polluting the planet...(25 years ago I picked up Bobby Kennedy Jr. from an airport where he exited a private plane than gave a speech to a university about what Americans need to do to protect the planet than promptly back to said private plane....Republican's and Dem's are the problem so if you can get pass this it's a great movie with a killer soundtrack. Pour yourself a drink, snuggle up with your kids and make this a must see.
Father of the Year (2018)
Hope They Were Paid Well...May Be Their Last Check
The first five minutes of this movie cracked me up. So definitely watch it then shut it off immediately because the next hour and change is painfully bad. Spade's a terrible dad who looks like Joe Dirt's brother and sounds like a poor mans Adam Sandler (must be an inside joke or wink to the crowd) regardless it was annoying. Here's the plot: Think fourth grade cafeteria table taunting classmates with the "my dad can beat your dad up" line. Only it's 20 somethings and both dad's couldn't fight to save their lives. Seriously, what were they thinking?
It's unfathomable that Sandler's Happy Madison production couldn't find comedic writers in need of a break, who could churn out something passable, which this film is not. And shame on you Netflix. Have you no standards?! This is a Netflix original. There must have been some suit who green-lit this dumpster fire. They need to be replaced ASAP.
Like you, I saw this on Netflix and went to IMDB to see what people were saying. Being a new movie, there weren't many reviews but the few I saw were consistent...BAD! I should have taken their advice. Take mine and watch Spade's funny performance in a "red neck jacuzzi", then ABORT. The next and last joke is on us for watching.
Cats & Dogs (2001)
Perfect for Family Movie Night
Really fun animal movie in the vein of the Air Bud/Buddies movies with elements of the Toystory franchise to boot. Technologically speaking for a 2001 movie they did a tremendous job. Doesn't feel dated and if my son is any indicator your kids will love this movie.
Cats and Dogs may be better explained if the title was Cats Vs Dogs. Evil Genius cats trying to foil a scientist's invention. A syrum which would irradicate dog allergies thus making pet dogs a staple in every household in America. While dog populations grow cats would ultimately become extinct due to the lack of interest from families. Who will prevail?
Harmless fun and a nice way to spend 90 minutes with my son. You'll recognize the faces as well as the voices. This one is DAD APPROVED!
Treasure Hounds (2017)
Dear Parents...this one is bad...but here's why you should watch.
Single mother and son about 11-12 years old move into Grandpa's house after he passes away. Son meets nerdy group of kids who are actually a lot cooler than the cool girl. They discover a secret treasure that could save the town. A couple of bumbling bad guys are also on the trail of the treasure. Think a very poor mans Home Alone with a dog.
This movie is terrible. But it's also cracking my seven year old son up and I'm getting a kick out of his reaction. So if you're always looking for a "family" movie for the adults and kids, this could be a a winner in your home. That is, if you don't take your self too serious of a person. I recommend if:
A- You're the cool parent (my wife would hate it)
B- You're not already planning what med school your kid will attend.
C- You're not a millennial.
D- Not offended by the word "nerd" and the like.
E- Your kids are under 10.
This one's bad but somehow it's working.
Cheers