movie review

Is Avengers Endgame Kid Friendly?

We finally made it to the Endgame with the Avengers. After the cliffhanger of an ending with Avengers: Infinity War we’ve all been on edge and waiting for the film to pick back up with Avengers: Endgame after the two filler films: Ant Man 2 and Captain Marvel left us all waiting for more. With that infamous Thanos snap we as viewers know that the three hour film is going to be action packed and may or may not be okay for our smaller viewers. Now, I have to say, that my children are exposed to more and are wiser than their years. I took Brayden to see Avengers: Infinity War and Captain Marvel. While it might have moved fast at times for him I knew he understood most of the film. For this screening I decided not to take him so I could make sure we’re all kosher before his seven-year-old eyes and ears witness what could be the third and final phase of MCU. Because, let’s be real, even one of your three assumptions about the film will come true. It’s hard to go into too much detail without spoiling any parts of the film. So here are a few of my tips on whether or not Avengers: Endgame is kid friendly.

Avengers: Endgame is rated PG-13 and it earns that for it’s language and violence. If your child is familiar with most Marvel films then they should be okay. But for super small kiddos it might be too overwhelming. Heck, even for me, I am still in shock of what happens and feel like I cannot move on. If your child watched Avengers: Infinity War and handled it okay then he or she will probably be okay with this film.

Violence in Avengers: Endgame

Violence in Endgame is just like it is with Infinity War but there is one scene in particular with Hawkeye that is disturbing and ends with a head being cut off. There’s sword fighting, gunfire, stabbings, etc.

The mature themes that arise might be unsettling as well. There’s death, grief and suffering. If you or your child have recently lost someone there are some scenes that may be too difficult to process. There is also a cliff hanging heroic suicide that is tough to swallow.

Marvel Studios’ AVENGERS: ENDGAME..Tony Stark/Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.)..Photo: Film Frame..©Marvel Studios 2019

Sexual Content in Avengers: Endgame

There is almost zero sexual content. There are a few kisses but that is about it. Even for us lusty Thor lovers out there it is all zero’d out with his PTSD post soul world war bod.

Foul Language in Avengers: Endgame

There are roughly thirty obscenities and fifteen profanities (including a strong GD, OMG, Jesus’ name is used as a curse word, and a few of the profanities are borderline).

Is Avengers: Endgame Kid Friendly?

I am going to say that for kids over the age of ten they will be okay. However, if they are familiar with the films then just be cautious of the violence and mature situations that do arise and be prepared to discuss them afterwards. I am happy that I screened the movie first so I know what’s to come and to anticipate what questions they might have.

Avengers: Endgame is worth the hype. The film is legit and I enjoyed the entire three hours and one minute. Not including the last ten minutes of the longest credit reel of my life. But that’s because I decided to drink 3/4 of a Cherry Coke and was doing the pee-pee dance for the last 45 minutes of the film. The friend I took kept yelling at me to go but…people! There is really no good exit to use the bathroom. Something is constantly happening. Each character has their story, their timeline is being intertwined into this film. It’s basically three films put into one epic Endgame. You will laugh a lot, you will be holding onto the edge your seat, you will cry, yes, you will cry. Even if your the manliest of men you will cry. Be prepared. Your heart will be full one minute then completely yanked out the next. This film is intense, it may not be perfect but overlook some things and just enjoy it. It’s entertaining and it’s satisfying. If you have not watched any Marvel movies I suggest at least watching Avengers: Infinity War, Ant Man and the Wasp and Captain Marvel. But if you want to binge watch some films I suggest to watch in this order not in order of release because just like Star Wars they are all intertwined and unless you want to try and piece the puzzle together it might be easier to just watch them in this order:

Captain America: The First Avenger – This movie essentially introduces the concept of superheroes and takes place decades before any other movie. Watch this first.
Captain Marvel: Although this movie just came out in 2019, it starts early on in Marvel history.
Iron Man
Iron Man 2
The Incredible Hulk: Not my fav, one of the weaker films and not necessary to watch.
Thor
The Avengers
Iron Man 3
Thor: The Dark World: This film pieced a lot together for me. I did not watch these in this order and I think it would make a lot of sense as a new viewer. I had many ahhh-haaa moments in this film.
Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Guardians of the Galaxy: These films are what sparked my love for Marvel. Up until they came out I wasn’t hooked, they were entertaining but now I am hooked and maybe I love Chris Pratt just a lil.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Ant-Man
Doctor Strange: I still have not seen this. It’s the only time I am lost. Watch it. It’s important!
Captain America: Civil War
Spider-Man: Homecoming
Thor: Ragnarok
Black Panther: So well done and probably my fav film. Wakanda forever!
Avengers: Infinity War
Ant-Man and the Wasp (my review here)

Take your time. Trust the hype. Watch the films. Iron Man is the hand of hope and you must watch Avengers: Endgame which hits theaters Friday, April 26th!

Dumbo Review: A charming remake of a classic

EARS TO YOU – In Disney’s all-new, live-action feature film “Dumbo,” a newborn elephant with oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But Dumbo takes everyone by surprise when they discover he can fly. Directed by Tim Burton, “Dumbo” flies into theaters on March 29, 2019. ©2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

On Monday I took Payton out of school early so we could screen Tim Burton’s live-action remake of the 1941 animated classic, Dumbo. I had several mixed emotions heading into this film but as the movie opened it was like I was a kid again humming along to “Casey Junior”. The circus’ next stop was Joplin, MO. We are introduced to all the usual circus characters, and then two children race to the train station when they hear a new train coming. They find their dad, Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell), at the end of the walkway missing one arm as he returned from World War I. My emotions were overwhelming and pulled me out of my theatre chair into the film as we learn that their mother had just passed from influenza. Holt who is excited to get back to work, learns that Max Medici (Danny DeVito) has sold his horses and no longer has his #1 act in the circus. Holt’s PTSD is painful to watch because you just want him to snap out of it and let the focus get back to the film’s leading star. Max offers Holt a job with his new prize elephant, Mrs. Jumbo, who is expecting a baby any day. The storks fly through the night sky, leaving no baby animals behind like the original. The next morning while Mrs. Jumbo is being abused by the creepy animal handler, Milly & Joe Farrier see a pile of hay moving. Holt moves the hay and we are immediately emersed into Dumbo’s blue eyes; the fear, diffidence, love and ultimately the leap of faith that makes him the worlds only flying elephant. All of this quickly changes with Mrs. Jumbo being ripped away from her new baby once again pulled my emotional strings as I now had uncontrollable tears sliding down my cheek, (to be real it seemed like my tears were present for the first thirty minutes of the film). When the ukulele began the hum to “Baby Mine” I grabbed Payton’s hand. The mermaid began to softly sing the tune and it was like my first days of being a mom all over again. Max orders Holt to figure out a way to disguise the ears because the people of Joplin are awaiting a baby elephant. Milly and Joe sneak into Dumbo’s stall and discover that Dumbo can fly and encourage him to fly for his mama. The upcoming circus scenes are silly and typical. When Dumbo’s ears are revealed, hearing phrases like “freak” and “ugly” made me angry. This is where the mom in me wanted Dumbo to shine and prove to them how amazing and unique he is.

MOTHER AND SON – In Disney’s live-action reimagining of “Dumbo,” a circus owner purchases an expectant mother elephant in hopes that her adorable offspring will bring in the crowds. Directed by Tim Burton, “Dumbo” opens in U.S. theaters on March 29, 2019…© 2019 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved..

In addition to the heavy emotional impact, I was in awe of every scene in thanks to Tim Burton’s visually stunning affects, the art direction, the costumes, really every little detail is remarkable. The cinematic beauty was colorful and the CGI was seamless. To me there were many similarities between this and The Greatest Showman in terms of characters that I kept wanting it to stand up to the 2017 musical. Burton’s classic formula finally makes it’s way into the film as V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) is introduced and a reunion of role reversals from Batman Returns. The splendor that Vandevere offers Max to bring his circus to Coney Island is when the film takes a turn. It’s jaw dropping gorgeous, and what you would expect New York to be in the early 20’s but with modern day wealth and the endless imagination of Burton. Their first show in Dreamland was anything but perfect. I loved how they worked in the Dumbo plush display and I may be wrong but I thought I caught a glimpse of a stuffed Winnie the Pooh as they scanned through the audience. The performance of Dumbo and Collette (Eva Green) was beautiful. The anxiety of the danger that their act was about to encounter had me sitting on the edge of my seat.

DREAMING BIG — In Tim Burton’s all-new, live-action reimagining of “Dumbo,” persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton) decides that a young elephant from a struggling circus belongs in his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Directed by Burton and produced by Katterli Frauenfelder, Derek Frey, Ehren Kruger and Justin Springer, “Dumbo” flies into theaters on March 29, 2019. © 2018 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

The darkness that ensues the last half of the movie; the remarkable pink dancing bubble elephants were intensely dark and the ever-so scary Nightmare Island might be too much for the younger audience. This part of the film strays away from Dumbo and focuses more on the money hungry Vandevere and Holt overcoming his grievances from the first part of the film. The movie ends with happiness and the ultimate message of circus’ removing their live animal acts from their shows. I wanted more from the ending. I wanted more of Dumbo. All in all, it was a charming film and a wonderful experience with my daughter and I know we both fell in love the story as much as we loved Dumbo’s beautiful eyes. Dumbo hits theaters this Friday! I’d love to hear your thoughts on the film too!

Click on the coloring pages below to print at home! The kiddos will be so excited. Make sure to follow me on IG @treatsofdisneyland

Ant-Man and The Wasp – Review

It’s been two months since the epic Avengers: Infinity War and I have to say that I am still dealing with the shock of that grim film. I have been so pumped for all the Marvel films this year and Ant-Man and The Wasp was at the top of my Summer films to watch. I am happy that Peyton Reed (director) came off the dark cliffhanger of Infinity War with this light hearted, action packed film.

The chemistry of Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and Hope Van Dyne/The Wasp (Evangeline Lily) is ahh-mazing. Paul Rudd is one of my all-time favs and the charisma of his character along with intuitive daughter is magical. I enjoy that Scott Lang is just an everyday man, living a “normal” life. He doesn’t have super powers, he just has the suit and without it, he’s a normal fun loving dad. I especially love how The Wasp was introduced as a full-fledged Super Hero with amazing power into the heart of Marvel Cinematic Universe. She’s badass and I cannot wait for my daughter to see how young girls and women can be: scientists, smart, passionate, and fully capable on their own to fight for what and whom they love.

The film will leave you laughing out loud, gripping your seat and has moments of gut wrenching love. The visual effects are amazing and the size manipulation is creative and clever.

Ant-Man and The Wasp flies into theaters Friday, July 6th.

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Beauty and the Beast Review

I am so excited to say that Beauty and The Beast hits the theaters this Friday, March 17th! A few weeks ago the hubby and I snuck away for a date day to screen the film. As the opening began and the tune to “Belle” played I began to cry. I know that seems so silly but when one of the most loved movies of your childhood is now becoming apart of your adult life its crazy. I love how Disney is recreating childhood classics. Beauty and the Beast has held up to all the hype. It’s crazy good! Emma Watson portrays Belle beautifully and for those who have asked me on social media, her British accent does not throw you off. I mean, think about the cartoon version, Belle has an American accent in France. They are both beautiful and it doesn’t really matter, well, at least to me. I love how this version maintained the storyline and added some new flair that intertwined flawlessly. The music was outstanding and of course most of the audience was humming along to every song. How could you not? The soundtrack is a classic and the new rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” by John Legend and Ariana Grande has a new place in my heart right next to Celine’s version. ugh. I have to be honest here, the hubs and I have been humming the songs and have to turn on the music even when the kids aren’t in the car. Another fav was Gaston. His boasting, self-centered egotistic personality is always a favorite and the pub scene was fab! All of the characters are simply magical and did not disappoint the original.

There’s so many aspects to discuss in this film but to me the most important is the romance! Yes the romance! Belle and the Beast’s onscreen chemistry sucks you in. The Beast, in my opinion, looks a lot scarier than the cartoon version, but you see this complex character come to life and it’s beautiful. This version goes more into detail about his life pre-curse and when he helps answer one of Belle’s lifelong questions, the love starts to blossom, despite the petals falling to their dark fate. The ending will have you on the edge of your seat even though we all know how it ends. It’s simply magical, especially the gown! Oh my goodness, it gave me goosebumps when it came to life. The newly released Beauty and the Beast is a must see for the entire family!

Have little ones? They will love these coloring sheets. Just click to print! They are perfect to get the kids excited before the film or after to keep the magic going! If you’re planning a Beauty and the Beast party you could make mini coloring books with these as a favor!

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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is rated PG and opens in theatres everywhere on March 17th, 2017!

Thank you to Disney for allowing me to share these free Beauty and the Beast Coloring sheets with my readers!

Disney’s Zootopia

Last Friday my family had the privilege of screening Disney’s Zootopia a few weeks early. We were already on our way to Disneyland and cut our trip short to make it back down to San Diego. From the previews a few months ago, my kids have been dying to see those silly, slow paced sloths! They were so excited to see the silly tale of two unlikely friends immersed in their crazy pursuit! I loved Judy Hopps’ story, small town girl with a big dream. She makes her dream a reality and moves to the big city. I love this message for any child, but for young girls this was a great one! The silly story of Nick Wilde (that sly, sly fox) is one you do not want to miss. My four-year-old did get a little scared at one point but I have to be honest that I even jumped back out of my seat as well. My husband and I could not stop laughing, they really worked in adult humor and sarcasm making it a fun movie for all ages! If you’re a Breaking Bad fan you’ll love the reference, don’t fret though, unless you’ve let your kids watch the show it should fly right over their heads. Don’t miss the animated movie of the year, Disney’s Zootopia hits theaters Friday, March 4th.

Download the fun coloring pages: zootopia-coloring-pages