The Amazing Spider-man

Directed by Marc Webb

Rating: 6/10

2 hr. 17 min

reviewed by Lily Williams

Finally, another Spider-man movie. Because no one could wait more than ten years for the reboot. At least Andrew Garfield (as Peter Parker) is this film's saving grace. After being mysteriously abandoned by his parents at a young age, Parker is raised by his aunt and uncle. As he grows older, he begins asking more questions about his parents, finally resorting to Bing to find answers. (Oh, and may I just say - who uses Bing?) He sets out to find his father's former partner, Dr. Curt Connors, at science giant Oscorp. After being bitten by a radioactive spider there and accidentally creating a serum that turns Connors into a super-villain known as 'The Lizard,' he must save New York City while keeping his relationship alive with Gwen Stacy, an Oscorp intern played by Emma Stone. 

Confession time: this was the first superhero movie I've ever seen. I know, I know. Please don't judge me. I know as a teen girl that I should be watching superhero movies everyday. And even though I have no experience with this genre, I really enjoyed this movie. Not just because Andrew Garfield was in it, either.

The CGI was breathtaking, though at times not the smoothest. Almost every fight scene had some comic relief, proving the movie is witty and not just action-packed.  Stone and Garfield aren't the only shining stars in this movie - Denis Leary plays Gwen Stacy's father, and Martin Sheen plays Peter Parker's Uncle Ben. My largest complaint for this movie would have to be the fact that too many unnecessary details were added. At times, it would drag down the story and make big moments less meaningful and small details seem important. It was hard to follow when so many meaningless ideas were being presented. 

It comes as no surprise that this movie has violent scenes, blood and gore, and onscreen shootings that are not for the faint of heart. Swearing is infrequent, but there is some implied cursing. Keep the younger kids at home - the little boy sitting next to me at the theater was spooked more often than not. But if an action-packed joyride of a film is what you're looking for, take a swing!

The Amazing Spider-man is rated PG-13. 

Beasts of the Southern Wild

Directed by Benh Zeitlin

8.5/10

1 hr. 32 min.

Reviewed by Lily Williams

Create a movie in your head, if you will. First, imagine a young child named Hushpuppy. Now put her in a Hurricane Katrina-esque storm. And add a few wild oxen while you’re at it. You may think that you have created Beasts of the Southern Wild, but you have barely scratched the surface.

Hushpuppy (played by Quvenzhane Wallis) is a six-year-old girl living on an island off the coast of Louisiana, nicknamed ‘The Bathtub.’ She and her single alcoholic father, Wink (Dwight Henry) live in poverty in this isolated community. When a horrible flood hits the island, and Wink’s health begins to dwindle, Hushpuppy must protect the home she loves, as well as her father’s life.

Quvenzhane Wallis may be only eight years old, but she is already an outstanding actor. While Beasts of the Southern Wild may be her first film, there is no doubt in my mind that she will appear in many movies to come. She convincingly brings Hushpuppy to life, and strikes your heart with the character’s fierce love of her father. Though at times you may want to hate Wink for his neglectful and occasionally abusive attitude, Hushpuppy’s relationship with him will win you over. Beasts of the Southern Wild teaches a lesson; you should protect the things you love. While this has been taught by many films before, the lesson is definitely mastered here. Never preachy, always leaving you close to tears, Beasts of the Southern Wild is an emotional rollercoaster and a modern folk tale.

Beasts of the Southern Wild contains frequent mild language, a lot of alcohol consumption, and occasional violence that may scare younger viewers, most likely those 10 and under. Be sure to bring tissues – I cried three times, even with my tear ducts of steel.

Beasts of the Southern Wild is rated PG-13.

DVD: The Lorax

reviewed by Cat Jacobs

The Lorax is one of my favorite books by Dr. Suess, so my expectations were very high for the movie. All of my expectations were exceeded with this movie! It is super cute and teaches a lesson that if you set your mind to anything, you can achieve and succeed it.

The movie is almost like a Broadway play, where they have musical numbers with the whole town. There is a ton of super funny cute singing and the Truffula Forest animals are so hilarious! Taylor Swift and Zac Efron were super cute!

I did not get to see it in theaters, so I was excited to see this on DVD. I really liked that on the DVD, you get three mini films, deleted scenes, and so much more.  I was very impressed with the Blu-Ray and all the extra features. My favorite extra video was called “Serenade," a music video with the Truffula Forest animals.

I would say that it would be appropriate for ages 6 and up

Moonrise Kingdom

reviwed by Lily Williams

Wes Anderson's newest flick, Moonrise Kingdom,  is a hilarious - and sometimes off-putting -  look at first love. Set on the fictional island of New Penzance in 1965, an unpopular Khaki Scout, Sam Shakusky, and a 'troubled child' by the name of Suzy Bishop formulate a plan to run away together. As they follow the harvest path of the native Chickchaw Indians, their crush turns into innocent love, just as the one-man police force of the island is on their trail. 

Though Moonrise Kingdom may not make you laugh out loud, you're sure to chuckle at the awkward sweetness of Sam and Suzy's preteen relationship. The intertwining story lines involving Suzy's parents and the Khaki Scout troop provide an few more perspectives in the movie, including the origin of Sam and Suzy's runaway pact. And like any Wes Anderson movie, it's got that touch (well, maybe a few handfuls) of indie quirkiness and a vintage feel. Kara Hayward (as Suzy) and Jared Gilman (as Sam) will stun the audiences with their amazing professional film debut alongside Bill Murray (as Suzy's father) and Bruce Willis (as Captain Sharp). 

Mild language and some sexual references are used throughout the movie, so be sure to think before bringing preteen kids.  Of course, it may just fly over their heads. Occasionally, there is some blood and wounds are shown, but nothing too extreme. The PG-13 rating this romantic comedy is given is perfectly appropriate, but even if you're past your teenage years, you'll love it. 

And side note: does anyone else  think Jared Gilman is adorable? Or is it just me? 

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked

I thought that Chipwrecked was a very kid-friendly movie. It is about 6 chipmunks who are on a vacation on a cruise ship. Then they accidently fly away on a kite. I think this movie is appropriate for children age 5-11. One reason I really like this movie is because it is really up-beat and cute. The only reason why I didn't like this movie is because it was a little bit slow. I encourage you to take your child to see Alivin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!