Ready to settle in on a crisp September evening with a good movie? Here are a few suggestions from the Wellman-Scofield Library’s DVD shelves. We have so many great family movies in our library with new releases arriving almost every week! Come visit us and check one out today!
WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
“Parents need to know that Beauty and the Beast is Disney’s live-action remake of the classic 1991 animated musical, with Emma Watson as book-loving, independent Belle and Dan Stevens as the Beast. Although the movie will appeal to even very young viewers, especially those familiar with the original, the remake’s violent sequences can be very intense, with a few jump-worthy and upsetting moments (several involving snarling wolves, others guns) that leave characters bloodied, injured, and, in one case, dead. As always, the story encourages viewers to look beyond the superficial and to be compassionate, curious, humble, and generous. Director Bill Condon took care to make sure that this version had diverse supporting characters, including a gay LeFou (Josh Gad) — Gaston’s sidekick, who briefly dances with a man — and people of color not represented in the animated version.” Common Sense Media
WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
Parents need to know that The Secret Life of Pets is a clever, engaging adventure about what our dogs, cats, birds, and other domesticated creatures get up to when we’re not around. In the movie’s case, it involves quite a bit of danger and peril — which isn’t what was showcased in the movie’s promotional campaign. Main characters Max (voiced by Louis C.K.) and Duke (Eric Stonestreet) are frequently chased, sometimes on foot and sometimes in cars/vans/buses, which bang into things, crash, and catch on fire. They also dodge Animal Control officers; navigate dank, gloomy sewers; face off against an enormous viper and other predators/angry animals; and confront each other via barking, growling, yelling, and more. Animals discuss killing people (one anti-human animal character is impressed when others claim to have offed their former owners and detail how they did it). At one point it looks like a main character may not survive, and one bad guy dies in an altercation. There’s some bodily function humor (a Chihuahua pees on the floor in excitement, dogs sniff each other’s rear ends, etc.), a fair bit of insult language (“dumb,” “stupid,” “weirdo,” “idiots,” “cry baby,” etc.), and one use of swear stand-in “holy schnitzel.” But underlying all this are positive messages about friendship, teamwork, perseverance, and empathy — as well as the futility of revenge and the importance of being open to new friends and the experiences that life brings. Max and Duke’s relationship could particularly resonate with blended families and/or those dealing with sibling issues
WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
Parents need to know that, although younger kids will enjoy the cute cat’s antics, the movie is way too long to hold their complete attention. The kidnapping plot — though treated humorously — might frighten very young or sensitive kids. There is some scuffling and the appearance of guns, though no one is hurt. Otherwise, the movie is squeaky clean.
Wellman Scofield Public Library 