Reel Life with Jane -- July 2011
by Jane Louise Boursaw
A mish-mash of characters are flocking onto the big screen, including those loveable Smurfs, the Hundred Acre Wood gang, and Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s new in theaters and on DVD/Blu-ray in July.
HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS PART 2
Reel Rating: 5 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some intense fight/action sequences and frightening images
Released in Theaters: July 15, 2011 (2D, 3D and IMAX 3D)
Genre: Fantasy, Family, Sequel, Action, Adventure, Drama
Runtime: 130 minutes
Directed by: David Yates
Cast: Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Alan Rickman, Helena Bonham Carter, Warwick Davis, Evanna Lynch
Official Site: http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com
SYNOPSIS: The final chapter in the Harry Potter story finds Harry, Ron and Hermione continuing their quest to find and destroy Lord Voldemort’s three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. As the Dark Lord learns about their mission, an epic battle begins, and life as they know it will never be the same.
Sex/Nudity: Ron and Hermione kiss, hold hands, and hug each other. Harry and Ginny share a brief kiss.
Violence/Gore: As Voldemort’s army descends on Hogwarts, the body count is high and bodies are strewn about, including several beloved characters. Many goblins die as Gringotts Wizarding Bank is destroyed. An evil snake kills a major character, though most of it is shown off-camera. Another major character appears to die and is shown in an “afterlife” area. A frightening fire puts several characters in peril, and Hogwarts is reduced to an apocalyptic shambles. Harry and Voldemort come together in an epic battle of wands, wizardry and magic.
Profanity: A supporting character says, “Not my daughter, you bitch!” British slang such as “bloody hell” and “prat.”
Drugs/Alcohol: None.
Which Kids Will Like It?: Kids 12 and older who like the Harry Potter films or books, or fantasy movies with lots of magic, action, and fantastical creatures.
Will Parents Like It?: Yes—it’s a great ending to the franchise, but also the deadliest of the Harry Potter films. The PG-13 rating is spot-on, although 12-year-olds who’ve read the books and are familiar with the story should be all right with the intensity.
REVIEW: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2 picks up where Part 1 left off, with Harry (Daniel Radcliffe), Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson) gathering themselves at Shell Cottage after the death of beloved house elf Dobby.
Still on their quest to destroy the remaining Horcruxes that keep evil Lord Voldemort immortal, the trio enlists the injured goblin Griphook (Warwick Davis) to help them break into Bellatrix Lestrange’s (Helena Bonham Carter) vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank.
Director David Yates wastes no time getting right into the action. Harry, Ron and Hermione encounter danger in the vault, and after a thrilling, death-defying escape, they return to Hogwarts to find the final Horcruxes. But Hogwarts is now run by Voldemort’s Death Eaters, and it’s only with the aid of Dumbledore’s brother Aberforth (Ciaran Hinds) and Neville Longbottom (Matthew Lewis) that they’re able to gain entrance and be reunited with all of their friends, now held hostage in the school.
Severus Snape (Alan Rickman) is Headmaster now, and Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) declares all-out war on Harry, whom he’s desperate to kill before Harry can destroy the remaining Horcruxes and turn the Dark Lord mortal again.
While Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1 was sparse, laid-back and all about the camping, Part 2 brings the action and special effects in a big way. With lots of intense fighting, the deaths of a few beloved characters, and a final showdown between Harry and Voldemort, the film earns its PG-13 rating.
Many of the characters we’ve grown to love over the previous seven films return—even those who’ve already departed, like Sirius Black, Albus Dumbledore, and Harry’s parents, Lily and James Potter. You sense a fine line between the living and deceased, and frankly, that’s how I prefer to think of friends and family who’ve departed this earth—they’re still there, you just can’t see them.
Amidst the life-and-death scenes, there’s some levity with the budding Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny romances. Neville takes his place in the hero spotlight, and Professor McGonagall (Maggie Smith) and Molly Weasley (Julie Walters) are in full female warrior mode, protecting Hogwarts and the children from evil villains.
Alan Rickman gets some of his best scenes, as we explore his true nature via flashbacks that fill in a good part of the story. Also, Kelly Macdonald plays a ghost named Helena Ravenclaw, who—thanks to Luna Lovegood’s (Evanna Lynch) quick thinking—proves helpful in finding the remaining items necessary to bring down Voldemort.
Everything is carefully crafted in this movie—excellent dialogue, a soundtrack that weaves in John Williams’s familiar “Hedwig’s Theme,” the treatment of the film’s epic storyline, and, of course, the character of Harry Potter himself, who gets to step up and fulfill his destiny once and for all. It’s a fitting end to the gorgeous story that’s been a big part of our culture these past ten years. My kids were just little sprouts when the first film was released in 2001, and I’m sure many of you can identify.
While author J.K. Rowling has said there will be no more Harry Potter films, I’m taking an optimistic wait-and-see attitude on that. The ending of this movie sets things up nicely for the next generation, after all. We’ll see…
Meanwhile, Rowling is launching a site called Pottermore.com in October 2011 to satisfy everyone’s Potter cravings. Rowling and Sony Corp. promise that the site will be “an online reading experience built around the world of Harry Potter, created for a new digital generation of readers who can share and participate in the stories, showcase their Potter-related creativity, and discover new information about the world of Harry Potter from the author herself.”
ZOOKEEPER
Reel Rating: 3 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: PG for some rude and suggestive humor, and language
Released in Theaters: July 8, 2011
Genre: Comedy, Family, Romance
Runtime: 104 minutes
Directed by: Frank Coraci
Cast: Kevin James, Rosario Dawson, Leslie Bibb, Ken Jeong, Donnie Wahlberg, Joe Rogan, Nick Nolte, Sylvester Stallone, Cher, Maya Rudolph, Judd Apatow, Jon Favreau, Faizon Love
Official Site: http://www.zookeeper-movie.net/
SYNOPSIS: When a zookeeper (Kevin James) is dumped by his girlfriend (Leslie Bibb), he decides to quit his beloved job and work at a car dealership in order to woo her back. All of this prompts the zoo animals to break their code of silence in order to help him find love again and get him back to the zoo.
Sex/Nudity: Griffin’s ex-girlfriend wears skin-hugging dresses and outfits. The animals make double-entendre jokes about showing a girl “the goods,” “thrusting out your loins,” and “taking her down.” One reference that goes “she had an extra claw and knew how to use it.” A man boasts how he “made out, hard” with his girlfriend. Jokes about a woman’s flexibility. A ballroom dance gets sexy. Griffin kisses two women at various times. He also “marks” his territory by peeing, both at the zoo and at a fancy party (by peeing into the plants!).
Violence/Gore: Lots of pratfalls and physical comedy. Griffin gets poked by a porcupine quill. People fall into pits with animals at the zoo (but no one is harmed). A bicycle race between Griffin and his nemesis gets heated as they ride into busy traffic and the nemesis wipes out. A gorilla tells Griffin that another zookeeper was cruel to him. Griffin seeks out the other zookeeper and hits him hard enough to break the wall plaster.
Profanity: Insults like “puppy breath,” “freckle chest,” “idiot,” and “hammer thumbs.” Also “hell,” “shut up,” “crap,” and “oh my God.”
Drugs/Alcohol: Adults drink at several events, including an engagement party, rehearsal dinner, and wedding reception. Also a scene where people drink at TGI Friday’s.
Which Kids Will Like It?: Kids 9 and older who like physical comedy, movies with talking animals, or Kevin James’s brand of comedy.
Will Parents Like It?: It’s a clichéd story about being true to yourself and not changing to please someone else. There’s also the requisite amount of poop and pee jokes, ramped up a notch because we’re dealing with zoo animals. That being said, it’s also a sweet story with characters who really care about each other.
REVIEW: Great family movies are tough to make. You have to come up with a premise that appeals to both kids and their parents, embed a nice takeaway message, include smart jokes that are also funny, and not dumb it down because “family movies aren’t supposed to be smart, for heaven’s sake!” Of course, we know that’s not true. Some of the best family movies are really smart and funny and all those things I just mentioned.
Zookeeper is a goofy little movie that falls somewhere in the middle of all that. You go into it thinking, “Oh no, a Kevin James movie with talking animals. Nothing good can come of this.” And yet, despite these obvious disadvantages, something good does come of it—a sweet story about staying true to yourself when the one person you think you’re in love with is asking you to be someone else.
James stars as Griffin Keyes, a loveable guy with a job that’s tailor-made for him—head zookeeper at the Franklin Park Zoo in Boston. The movie opens with him getting dumped by his girlfriend Stephanie (Leslie Bibb) just as he’s proposing to her on a romantic beach.
Jump ahead five years and Griffin’s still not over her, so decides to quit working at the zoo and take a job at a car dealership in the hopes that he’ll become the kind of guy she wants—rich, stylish, and materialistic.
In the process of wooing Stephanie, Griffin uses his sweet coworker Karen (Rosario Dawson) to make her jealous. One of the sweetest scenes takes place at a wedding reception where Griffin and Karen try to one-up Stephanie and her new man (Joe Rogan) on the dance floor. Except it turns into a lovely and graceful dance—well, until Griffin ends up knocking the bride over and smashing into the ice sculpture. Kind of saw that coming.
Most of the movie takes place at the zoo, where Griffin discovers that the animals he’s been taking care of for years can actually talk. Talking animals should be a really dumb premise, but the voice cast makes it all worthwhile: Cher (a lioness) and Sylvester Stallone (her mate); Maya Rudolph (a giraffe); Don Rickles (a frog); Faizon Love and Jon Favreau (bears); and Adam Sandler (a monkey).
But the best casting is Nick Nolte as a gruff old gorilla named Bernie. Every time he spoke, all I could think of was Nolte’s no-nonsense Jack Cates from 48 Hours. Of course, kids (hopefully) won’t have seen that movie, so his role as a lonely gorilla is a little insider joke for the rest of us. I’ve missed seeing Nolte on screen, so I’m happy to see he has a half-dozen films lined up in the next few years.
Ken Jeong, who plays Señor Chang on NBC’s Community, plays a goofy and slightly creepy zoo employee (because if you need a goofy and slightly creepy character, I guess you automatically turn to Ken Jeong). And Donnie Wahlberg plays Shane, a zookeeper who isn’t as nice to the animals as Griffin. I admit I was happy to see Shane get what’s coming to him; on the other hand, violence to counteract violence isn’t a good thing to teach kids.
Look, there’s nothing new here. You know how Zookeeper is going to end, and it’s pretty easy to guess how it gets there. I’m not going to tell you to rush out and see it, but here are still some sweet moments—and a soundtrack that includes T Pain’s “Low” and Rush’s “Carry on My Wayward Son”—that make it a cute flick for both kids and adults. Stay through the credits to hear Cher sing Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” with the rest of the cast.
CARS 2
Reel Rating: 4 out of 5 Reels
MPAA Rating: G
Released in Theaters: June 24, 2011 (2D, 3D and IMAX 3D)
Genre: Family, Comedy, Animated, Sequel
Runtime: 112 minutes
Directed by: John Lasseter
Cast: Larry the Cable Guy, Owen Wilson, Michael Caine, Emily Mortimer, Eddie Izzard, John Turturro, Tony Shalhoub, Jeff Garlin, Jeff Gordon
Official Site: http://www.disney.com/cars
SYNOPSIS: Star racecar Lightning McQueen and his pal Mater head to Europe to compete in the World Grand Prix race. But the road to the championship becomes rocky when Mater gets caught up in an intriguing adventure of his own: international espionage.
Sex/Nudity: Mater flirts with Holly and keeps mentioning their first date. Female cars (groupies!) swirl around the famous race cars. Lightning refers to Sally as his girl.
Violence/Gore: Somewhat violent for a G-rated movie. Professor Z and his henchmen use guns and weapons, chase cars until they crash, and even kill a couple of cars-–one by torturing him with a secret weapon and the other with a compactor. There are several high-speed chases, including one where a car leaps into the ocean. Several cars are dented and put in peril, once with a bomb set to detonate in minutes.
Profanity: Mild insults, including “idiot” and “stupid fool.”
Drugs/Alcohol: Cars drink “cocktails” at a fancy party.
Which Kids Will Like It?: Kids 6 and older who like Pixar movies, lots of fast action, and/or the first Cars movie.
Will Parents Like It?: Yes: despite the violence, it’s a good story about friendship that also includes an eco-friendly message about alternative fuel.
REVIEW: I loved the first Cars movie but must admit that parts of the storyline dragged a teensy bit in the sleepy town of Radiator Springs. Cars 2 takes the original concept and adds a fun spy caper into the mix. The result is a cute story with the characters we all know and love, but kicked up a notch with high-speed chases, suspenseful moments, and high-tech gadgets.
The story begins with Lightning McQueen (voiced by Owen Wilson) taking a much-needed break in Radiator Springs with his pals Mater (Larry the Cable Guy), Sally (Bonnie Hunt), Ramone (Cheech Marin), and the rest. But when egotistical Italian Formula One racecar Francesco Bernoulli (John Turturro) issues a challenge, Lightning agrees to join the World Grand Prix taking place in Japan, Italy, and England.
The purpose of the race is to show the world that alternative bio-fuel works just as well as regular gasoline. OK, so that particular storyline might go over the heads of little ones, but they’ll love the fast-paced action when Mater accidentally finds himself smack in the middle of a spy caper led by British intelligence agent Finn McMissile (Michael Caine—perfect casting!) and his assistant Holly Shiftwell (Emily Mortimer).
Mater has to act fast because his pal Lightning could be the next target if he doesn’t help stop the masterminds behind the evil plot, headed (or so we’re led to believe) by Professor Zundapp (Thomas Kretschmann). A sub-plot involves a rift between the friends, when Lightning gets embarrassed by Mater’s down-home personality among the high-profile race cars. The message for kids (and adults, for that matter): friends should stand by each other and accept each other as they are.
One thing I love about Pixar films—besides the gorgeous animation, spot-on voice casting, and crisp action sequences—is the little details and inside jokes. For example, Finn McMissile is a stylized Aston Martin DB5, James Bond’s trademark ride. Eddie Izzard’s character is named Miles Axlerod, taken from one of the comedian’s stand-up routines about the invention of the wheel and the axle.
The sports announcers at the racetrack include Brent Mustangburger (Brent Musburger) and David Hobbscap (David Hobbs), and real race car drivers Jeff Gordon (Jeff Gorvette) and Darrell Waltrip (Darrell Cartrip) also make an appearance.
The Queen (Vanessa Redgrave) and Prince Wheeliam attend a race, and other animated characters include boats, planes, and a double-decker bus named Topper Deckington III.
There are dozens of blink-and-you’ll-miss-it details: McQueen’s number is 95 (1995 is the year Toy Story was released) and his “Lightyear” tires are a reference to Buzz Lightyear. Mater’s license plate is A113, which is the CalArts classroom shared by John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter and Andrew Stanton. That number appears in every Pixar film.
I wouldn’t put Cars 2 in the same league as Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, or Toy Story, partly because the alternative fuel storyline is a little complicated, but it’s still a really fun movie with good takeaways for both kids and adults. There’s also a sweet homage to Paul Newman, who played Doc Hudson, Lightning’s mentor, in the original Cars movie.
Make sure you’re there at the beginning of the movie to watch the cute short called “Toy Story: Hawaiian Vacation,” which reunites our toy box pals.
LARRY CROWNE
PG-13 for brief strong language and some sexual content. In theaters 7/1. OK for kids 13+. Reel Preview: 4 out of 5 Reels. http://www.larrycrowne.com/
This ripped-from-the-headlines story finds Larry Crowne (Tom Hanks) downsized out of his job at a Big Box store. Suddenly adrift, he heads to community college to start over, becoming part of a colorful group of outcasts seeking a better future. He also meets a teacher named Mercedes (Julia Roberts) who’s having an identity crisis of her own. It will be great to see these two on the big screen together, and maybe the story will offer some hope to others during these trying times.
MONTE CARLO
PG for brief mild language. In theaters 7/1. OK for kids 8+. Reel Preview: 3 out of 5 Reels. http://www.montecarlothemovie.com/
Based on the Jules Bass book Headhunters, this cute movie follows the adventures of a girl and her best friend as they travel to Paris with her uptight future stepsister. When one of the girls is mistaken for a spoiled British heiress, they’re caught up in a whirlwind dream vacation to Monte Carlo. This movie will probably score big with fans of the Disney Channel. Directed by Tom Bezucha (The Family Stone), it stars Selena Gomez, Leighton Meester, Katie Cassidy, Cory Monteith, and Andie MacDowell.
WINNIE THE POOH
Rated G. In theaters 7/15. OK for kids 4+. Reel Preview: 5 out of 5 Reels. http://www.disney.com/pooh
This all-new movie reunites audiences with the philosophical “bear of very little brain” and his pals Tigger, Rabbit, Piglet, Owl, Kanga, Roo and the suddenly tail-less Eeyore. When Owl sends the whole gang on a wild quest to save Christopher Robin from an imaginary culprit, it turns out to be a very busy day for Pooh, who really just wants some honey. Inspired by three stories from A.A. Milne’s books and animated in classic hand-drawn style, this is a must-see for Pooh fans of all ages.
CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER
Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters 7/22 (3D/2D). OK for kids 13+. Reel Preview: 4 out of 5 Reels. http://www.captainamerica.com/
When Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) is deemed unfit for military service, he volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into the Super Soldier known as Captain America. Dedicated to defending America’s ideals, the story will no doubt resonate with folks across the country, especially Avengers fans. Directed by Joe Johnston (The Wolfman), this movie also stars Stanley Tucci, Tommy Lee Jones, Dominic Cooper, and Hugo Weaving as The Red Skull.
LIFE IN A DAY
Not rated yet; like G or PG. In theaters 7/24. OK for kids 8+. Reel Preview: 4.5 out of 5 Reels. http://youtube.com/lifeinaday
Need some joy in your life? On July 24, 2010, thousands of people around the globe uploaded videos of their lives to YouTube to participate in Life in a Day, a cinematic experiment to create a documentary film about a single day on Earth. Directed by Kevin Macdonald (The Last King of Scotland), this innovative movie wowed audiences at the Sundance, Berlin, and SXSW film festivals.
COWBOYS & ALIENS
Not yet rated; likely PG-13. In theaters 7/29. OK for kids 13+. Reel Preview: 4.5 out of 5 Reels. http://cowboysandaliensmovie.com/
Director Jon Favreau joins forces with Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci in this sci-fi/Western crossover about an alien invasion. It’s 1873 in the Arizona Territory, and a stranger (Daniel Craig) with no memory of his past and a mysterious shackle on his wrist stumbles into the desert town of Absolution, ruled with an iron fist by Colonel Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford). Everyone, including the elusive traveler Ella (Olivia Wilde), soon begins to realize that this stranger might hold the key to the town’s salvation. Because of the great cast and crew, genre-bending story, and quirky feel, I have high hopes for this movie.
CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE
PG-13 for coarse humor, sexual content and language. In theaters 7/29. OK for kids 14+. Reel Preview: 3.5 out of 5 Reels. http://www.crazystupidlovemovie.com/
Cal Weaver (Steve Carell) has a good job, a nice house, great kids, and a long marriage to his high school sweetheart Emily (Julianne Moore). But all that goes kaput when he discovers she’s been cheating on him and wants a divorce. Suddenly single, Cal becomes the protégé of Jacob Palmer (Ryan Gosling), who opens Cal’s eyes to the many options before him. Still, his heart keeps leading him back where he began. Love, indeed, can be crazy and stupid. Directed by Dan Fogelman (I Love You, Phillip Morris), this movie also stars Emma Stone, Kevin Bacon, and Marisa Tomei. With its blend of drama, comedy and romance, it reminds me of Carell’s 2007 film Dan in Real Life (which I loved).
THE SMURFS
Not rated yet; likely G or PG. In theaters 7/29 (3D/2D). OK for kids 7+. Reel Preview: 3.5 out of 5 Reels. http://www.smurfhappens.com/
Love those blue Smurfs from the 1980s TV series? You’re in luck, because now they’re on the big screen. When the evil wizard Gargamel (Hank Azaria) chases the tiny Smurfs out of their village, they tumble from their magical world smack into the middle of Central Park. The Smurfs must find their way back home before more trouble ensues. Neil Patrick Harris, Jayma Mays, and Sofia Vergara star, along with a voice cast that includes Anton Yelchin, Jonathan Winters, Katy Perry, Alan Cumming, and Fred Armisen.
NEW ON DVD/BLU-RAY
BARNEY: 123 LEARN
Not rated. On DVD 7/12. 30 Min. OK for kids 3+. 4.5 out of 5 Reels.
Barney and his pals go on a new adventure filled with shapes, numbers and letters. Join Baby Bop as she discovers that counting can lead to hidden treasures, including a carnival of shapes and colors. BJ uses the alphabet to help Riff get ready for his music concert in the park. And Barney can’t wait to show you that shapes, numbers and letters are the ticket to fun and friendship. Special Features: Count With Barney.
NARUTO SHIPPUDEN UNCUT, SEASON 7
Not rated. On DVD 7/12. 275 min. OK for kids 15+. 3.5 out of 5 Reels.
This set includes 11 episodes, which take the series to the end of a major storyline. Asuma and Shikamaru have to think on their feet as they face the mind-boggling jutsu of the Akatsuki pair Hidan and Kakuzu. At the last minute, the Akatsuki are called away, but not before dealing a fatal blow to a revered shinobi of the Leaf. The devastated ninja left behind can think only of revenge, but Tsunade is opposed to the scheme until an offer of help arrives from an unexpected source. Because of the fighting and violence, emotional moments, and dark ending, I don’t recommend it for kids younger than 15. Special Features: Production Sketches, Storyboards.
RANGO
Rated PG for rude humor, language, action, and smoking. On DVD/Blu-Ray 7/15. 107 min. OK for kids 12+. 4 out of 5 Reels.
This animated film from director Gore Verbinski stars Johnny Depp as a chameleon who aspires to be a swashbuckling hero and finds himself playing that very role in a Western town plagued by bandits. It’s a creative, colorful film with a stellar cast, including Bill Nighy, Timothy Olyphant, Isla Fisher, Abigail Breslin, and a host of others. Because of the grownup references and a few intense scenes, however, I don’t recommend it for kids younger than 12. Still, I wouldn’t be surprised if it scored a few awards during next year’s awards season. See March’s “Reel Life with Jane” column for a full review.
YOUNG JUSTICE: SEASON 1, VOL. 1
Not rated. On DVD 7/19. 91 min. OK for kids 6+. 4 out of 5 Reels.
Don’t call them sidekicks! This series follows the adventures of Robin, Superboy, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, Artemis, and Aqualad as they prepare to join the Justice League. When they realize the grownups have no plans to make them equal partners, the teens decide to battle crime in their own way. This is a great addition to the recent line of successful WB/DC Animated Series (Batman, Superman, Justice League, etc.). The characters are responsible and deal with problems in a way that appeals to kids’ sense of right and wrong. My only complaint? It’s a half-season with just four episodes: “Independence,” “Fireworks,” “Welcome to Happy Harbor,” and “Drop Zone.” I’m hoping the distributors realize that full seasons are what fans want.
JANE’S REEL RATING SYSTEM
One Reel – Even the Force can’t save it.
Two Reels – Coulda been a contender
Three Reels – Something to talk about.
Four Reels – You want the truth? Great flick!
Five Reels – Wow! The stuff dreams are made of.
Jane Boursaw is a family entertainment writer specializing in movies, TV and celebrities. Contact her at jboursaw@charter.net.
