Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After: A Book Review of "The Random House Book of Fairy Tales"

All of us are familiar with the typical rendition of stories like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Beauty and the Best, and many other fairy tales. Fewer of us, though, know the original stories. Ever since I was little, I have enjoyed listening to fairy tales, reading fairy tales, and now reading them to my little siblings. Over the years, I have looked through different fairy tale collections and one of the best I have found would be The Random House Book of Fairy Tales, adapted by Amy Ehrlich.

SUMMARY

   This collection includes nineteen fairy tales, from "The Emperor's New Clothes" to "Thumbelina." Each story, also, includes beautiful illustrations by Diane Goode, which made it an extra bonus! I never read fairy tales the same way after we bought this book. It is a wonderful addition to any family's shelf.

CONTENT

   Some of the fairy tales have some rather violent parts. For example, in the tale "Rapunzel," a character falls a long distance and pierces his eyes on thorns. For the youngest of children, parents might want to take a look at some of the stories before reading them their bedtime stories.

   There is no language and nothing too inappropriate. The princes and princesses throughout the collection have romantic relationships, but there is nothing immoral.

   As in most fairy tales, there are witches and the use of witchcraft (such as in "Snow White" and "The Snow Queen"). Parents will have to use their own judgment in this area.

   I very much enjoyed this collection and would recommend it to families in general, or anyone who likes a good fairy tale.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Number of pages: 208 pages

Author of book: Various (Adapted by Amy Ehrlich)

Published in: 1985

Primary audience: Children

Against the Odds: A Movie Review of George Lucas' "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace"



2012 3-D poster

Original 1999 movie
poster



 In 1977 the first Star Wars film was released in theaters. Since then, it has become one of the most popular movie series of all time. Two sequels were made after Star Wars (renamed Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope in 1999) in 1980 and 1983. Years later, a fourth Star Wars film was made, but it told the story of what came before the original films. Thus, The Phantom Menace was named Episode I...even though it was the fourth to be made. Slightly confusing?

The Phantom Menace broke box-office records at the time, passing The Lost World: Jurassic Park. It also quickly passed the popular Independence Day and Titanic. It was re-released in theater in 2012, where it currently is the 12th highest-grossing film ever. The movie's cast includes Liam Neeson as Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Natalie Portman as Queen Padmé Amidala.

SUMMARY

   The greedy Trade Fedaration has blockaded the small planet Naboo in hopes building up their organization. The Chancellor of the Republic has sent two Jedi to negotiate a peace treaty with the Fedaration. Once on board, an attempt is made to poison them.

   The Jedi Qui-Gon Jinn and his pupil Obi-Wan Kenobi escape to Naboo. They meet a creature named Jar Jar Binks who takes them to his hidden underwater city. The king sends the Jedi and Jar Jar away in a submarine. They head for the capital city Theed in order to warn the Queen and her advisors.

   Once they reach the Queen, they persuade her to accompany them to the galactic capital Couruscant. During their escape, though, their ship is damaged and they must land on a desolate desert planet. There, they must depend on the racing talents of a young boy, Anakin Skywalker, to get their ship up and running.

   After receiving no help from the corrupted Senate, the heroes return to Naboo where they make a daring plan to confront the evil Trade Fedaration and their droid army.

CONTENT

   The violence is about the same as the previous Star Wars movies. Most of the casualties during battle are that of droid robots. Some humans and gungan creatures are killed, but nothing gory or violent is shown. There is one scene where an alien (that looks similar to a human) is cut in half with a lightsaber and the two pieces are seen falling down a pit. A man is also stabbed with a lightsaber and viewers briefly see the wound. Something to mention, though, is the evil Sith lord Darth Maul. His skin is red and black and he has horns on the top of his head, making his appearance frightening to younger viewers.

   There is no language in the movie. Some of the aliens speaking in their languages are said in the subtitles to "curse."

   As in the three previous Star Wars films, there is the use of the "energy field" called the Force. Qui-Gon meditates at one point in the film and he also explains about life forms known as Midi-Chlorians that are what produce life and tell the Jedi the will of the Force. Also, one of the characters has supposedly been "conceived" by the Force (though they don't specifically say this) and is called the Chosen One. I'm not sure whether or not the makers meant to mock Christianity and Jesus Christ, but I don't like these parts. 

   Despite some drawbacks, The Phantom Menace is an exciting adventure film. Being a Star Wars movie, it is one of the greater science fiction films. My dad is not a fan of science fiction films, but he still will watch it with us. With lightsabers, space battles, and droid armies, The Phantom Menace is, in my opinion, a great action movie!

GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 136 minutes

Rating: PG (for sci-fi action/violence)

Director: George Lucas

Producer: Rick McCallum

Music: John Williams

Year of release: 1999

Primary audience: Pre-teens, teens, adults

The Watchers are Everywhere: A Book Review of George Orwell's "1984"

1984 edition
of 1984, with preface
by Walter Cronkite

Three governments rule the world. Ingsoc (the English Socialist Government) knows everything about everyone. Their inventions called telescreens monitor all people, day and night. The shadowy leader of Ingsoc, Big Brother, is always watching his people. The "watchers" can be found everywhere...or so it seems.

George Orwell, pen-name of Englishman Eric Blair, is best known for writing Animal Farm and 1984. Those two stories are his great anti-utopian/socialist works. The flaws in socialism and communism are strongly and clearly pointed out in both books, but 1984 (published in 1948, the title switching the last two digits) goes into great depth to describe a world in which thoughts themselves can have you sent to prison and even put to death. From the first page to the horrific end, 1984 delivers a chilling and realistic version of what our world could be like if socialists and communists were to take over.

SUMMARY

   Winston Smith works for the Ministry of Truth. His job is to rewrite history and make Big Brother (and Ingsoc) look like a savior. There can be no error in his work, as it is enough to arrest a person. One day, though, he does the unthinkable...he thinks. He pulls out a pen and does something illegal: he begins writing a diary.

   Winston continues life in near-constant fear of being caught. Eventually, he meets a fellow worker named Julia. The two are both against the wrongs of Ingsoc and secretly meet together many times. How long can they go on like this? How long until the "Thought Police" discover them and arrest them? Have they already been found out? From start to finish, 1984 is an interesting and enjoyable story, though it is also haunting.

CONTENT

   The novel has its share of objectionable content. The violence in the beginning is only that of informational. For example, Winston explains to the reader that he will be shot in the head for writing a diary and wishing for the end of Big Brother's dictatorship. Also, hangings of criminals are public events to be enjoyed. In addition to that, a character is tortured several times towards the end of the book. Mostly, though, the things that may frighten younger readers in this area is suspense. The main characters are constantly trying to figure out if someone is watching them...and what will happen if they are caught.

   There are three scenes in this book that are inappropriate. In the first scene, Winston imagines a woman taking her clothes off as she runs across a field. In the second scene, two characters have a physical relationship in a forest. In the third scene, it is implied that these people have had a physical relationship.

   I don't recall any foul language in 1984, but there may be some words I just don't remember. Either way, the language is quite minor in the novel.

   Orwell's story is as important to us today as it was when first published in 1948. It portrays the wrongs of socialism and communism for what they are and what horrendous consequences follow. The story is set in a realistic world that is still possible today. I pray those leading our nation will turn to God for help, not themselves or other men. We all, though, need to stand strong against political evils that ay seep into our nation.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Number of pages: 267 (1984 edition)

Author of book: George Orwell

Published in: 1948

Primary audience: Adults

Along Came a Spider: A Movie Review of Marc Webb's "The Amazing Spider-Man"

"This is going to be a major disappointment!" That's what I thought as my dad popped in the DVD of The Amazing Spider-Man. I had read some disappointing Christian reviews for it (not necessarily that it was immoral, but that it just was not as good as the previous Spiderman trilogy). After watching the film, I was a little disappointed, but I must admit it was a lot better than I was expecting. Marvel's newest "Spidey" film: The Amazing Spider-Man is, according to Wikipedia, the 48th highest-grossing film worldwide (and the seventh highest of 2012). On its own, it is a pretty good film, but when compared to the Spider-Man trilogy of the early 2000's, I think it paled. The film stars Andrew Garfield as Peter Parker/Spiderman, Emma Stone as Gwen Stacy, and Rhys Ifans as Dr. Curt Connors/The Lizard.

SUMMARY

   Peter Parker is a science-obsessed high schooler. Only fellow student Gwen Stacy rivals him in knowledge of that area. But he is haunted by the absence of his parents, who dropped him off at his uncle and aunt's house one night...and never were seen again.

   He begins to learn more and more about his parents. Soon, he discovers that his father's colleague, Dr. Curt Connors, is a leading scientist in cross-breed genetics. Peter sneaks into a tour, but unfortunately it is led by Gwen and she quickly catches on. She instructs him to stay out of her way and not to cause any trouble.

   What would he do but the exact opposite of that? Peter sneaks into a restricted area and finds millions of spiders climbing around. He is bitten by one and quickly leaves the building. Later, though, he begins to realize the new powers he has gained. He does not use them wisely, though.

   It is only after the death of a loved one (because of his negligence) that he starts to protect the innocent and stop the wrongdoers. Spider-Man is born and must soon go after a vicious monster known as The Lizard.

CONTENT

   The violence is about what you would expect from your typical Marvel superhero movie. It is no more violent than past films such as Thor or The Avengers. Not only is there the use of guns and knifes but also the use of chemicals. The Lizard uses a toxic gas to turn people into giant lizard-human creatures. On that note, the transformation of one of the characters into The Lizard will be frightening to younger viewers especially, though it is a good scene.

   Peter begins a romantic relationship with Gwen Stacy, and there are at least two kissing scenes (perhaps three). You will find this in any superhero movie. There is also a brief scene of immodesty where Peter accidently gets his hand stuck on a woman's shirt with his new powers (which was completely unnecessary, in my opinion).

   I cannot recall the specific inappropriate language, but I remember it being in there. I don't think it was as strong as many PG-13 movies, though it is definitely a part of the film.

   As in the original Spider-Man movie, Peter Parker learns his lesson and turns from a prideful bully to a responsible superhero. Responsibility is a key theme in The Amazing Spider-Man. I also liked how Peter must learn to cope with the absence of his parents.

   The acting was pretty good (I especially enjoyed Rhys Ifans as Dr. Connors and Dennis Leary as Police Captain Stacy), but I found I preferred Toby Maguire's Spider-Man over Andrew Garfield's.

   Overall, The Amazing Spider-Man is a good Marvel film, but with previous spectacular films to live up to (such as The Avengers), it could never make an "amazing" movie.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 136 minutes

Rating: PG-13 (for sequences of action and violence)

Director: Marc Webb

Producers: Laura Ziskin, Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach

Music: James Horner

Year of release: 2012

General audience: Teens, adults

Update to Blog: Weekly Box Office Results

   Once a week, we will be changing to Box Office Results for those interested. Please note that I have not necessarily seen a certain film. If I have seen it, I may not even agree with it. The list is strictly informational and is not to be used as a guide or a "top 10 favorite" list.

~nbr1776

Twisting a Tale: A Movie Review on Tarsem Singh's "Mirror Mirror"

We all know the story of Snow White. The gentle princess has an evil stepmother who sneakily feeds her a poison apple and only the prince can wake her. Actually, just so you know, that story is incorrect!  2012's  Mirror Mirror changed the tale of Snow White and turned it upside down. Unlike ABC's Once Upon a Time show, Mirror Mirror does not really follow the same storyline of the original fairy tale. Sure, they have the same characters, but the events are turned around.

This film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Costume Design, but I would have nominated it for Best Actress with Julia Roberts. The film starred Lily Collins as Snow White, Julia Roberts as the evil Queen/Stepmother, and Armie Hammer as Prince Alcott.

SUMMARY

   After the queen's death in childbirth to Snow White, her husband later realized his daughter needed a mother to raise her. So, he remarried. Sadly, he had to leave the palace to go fight a dark danger...and was never heard from again.

   Years went by and Snow White grew up in the shadow of the vain and wicked Queen, her stepmother. On her eighteenth birthday, she is convinced to go and visit the once-joyous village. She witnesses the Queen stealing from the people under the guise of guarding them from the "Beast." She is saddened by this and decides that the Queen is not fit to rule.

   A young prince comes to visit the Queen, and Snow White decides she must get him to help the trapped nation. Later, though, after escaping from the Queen, Snow meets seven dwarves who she convinces to help her fighting against the evil Queen.

   The movie ends with a happily ever after, as good triumphs over evil.

CONTENT

   There is little violence in Mirror Mirror. You never see any blood or gore, since the most violence is people being knocked down. There is one minor scene, though, where the Queen's servant uses meat as Snow's organs.

   The movie is not as inappropriate as some films, but there are a few scenes to mention. There are at least two or three kisses between Snow and the Prince. There is another scene when the Queen is getting a "makeover" for her extravagant ball and her stomach is shown. Also, there is a part where the Prince has been given a magic potion and he jumps on top of the Queen. One last thing to mention is that the Prince is referred to as "semi-nude" (meaning "shirtless").

   I recall nothing in the area of language. I believe there might have been one use of God's name, but I don't remember anything else. There is a part, though, when the King officiates a wedding and says, "By the power vested in me...by me..." This statement takes the place of God. Another thing that bothered me is that Snow White saves the Prince, not the other way around. There's nothing like a storyline where the handsome prince comes riding in to save the damsel in distress. Instead, the strong princess saves the weak prince.

   The film is a comedy and will make you laugh. I think, though, without Julia Roberts, the movie might not have done nearly as well. Most of the characters have something funny to say at one point or more in the movie.

   Mirror Mirror is a decent movie, and it delivers some laughs. It is not mind-blowing, and most people probably won't treat it as such. I enjoyed it the first couple of times, but after that, I can't watch it more than once in a while.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 106 minutes

Rating: PG (for some fantasy action and mild rude humor) 

Director: Tarsem Singh

Producers: Ryan Kavanaugh, Bernie Goldmann, Brett Ratner, Kevin Misher

Music: Alan Menken

Year of release: 2012

Primary audience: Children, Family



Rescuing the Dinosaurs: A Movie Review of Steven Spielberg's "Jurassic Park: The Lost World"

Four years after the release of Jurassic Park into theaters in 1993, it's sequel (The Lost World) appeared. Based on the book of the same name by Michael Crichton, "Jurassic Park II"  was a pretty good addition to the dinosaur adventure. 

For those who have seen the original Jurassic Park, who would think that the characters in the Jurassic Park story would ever dream of returning there? Actually, that is almost exactly what happens. John Hammond, ex-owner of Jurassic Park, sends a team of four to do scientific research on a dinosaur-inhabited island. Then the "hunters" come to bring the dinosaurs to San Diego. Already, the makings of an interesting action/adventure film is underway.

Jurassic Park: The Lost World was a big box office success, getting $618 million worldwide. It starred Jeff Goldblum (reprising the role of Dr. Ian Malcolm), Julianne Moore (as paleontologist Sarah Harding), and Arliss Howard (as Peter Ludlow).

SUMMARY

   Ex-owner of Jurassic Park, John Hammond, meets with Dr. Ian Malcolm. He explains to him that there was a second island with dinosaurs, where the babies were nurtured before being taken to the original island. He tells Ian that he has three experts signed-up to do a research expedition of the dinosaurs, in order to sway public opinion against Hammond's over-ambitious nephew Peter Ludlow. Malcolm discovers that the leader of the team is Sarah Harding, his c
urrent girlfriend. He tells Hammond he is going to the island not for research, but on a rescue mission.

   Upon arriving there with Eddie Carr and Nick van Owen, Ian meets up with Sarah and tries his best to convince the other three to leave before it's too late. They all refuse, but when they reach their base camp, they find out that Malcolm's daughter Kelly stowed away.

   Ian wants to get his daughter off of the island and offers for anyone to "escape" with them, but he cannot make contact with anyone. Soon after, Peter Ludlow's InGen company comes to the island. 

   Later, Nick and Sarah sneak into their camp during the night and free caged dinosaurs. The dinosaurs (specifically the triceratops) destroy the camp, including their only way to communicate with the outside world. The two teams
are forced to work together in order to reach the communications center, but that means braving tyrannosaurus rexes...and worse.

   The film continues with this story and then ends with a final, exciting climax in San Diego.

CONTENT

   There is a lot of violence in this film. Multiple people are eaten by dinosaurs and in one scene we see blood in a river. Even when people are not being eaten, they are put in perilous situations (such as when some people are trapped in a giant trailer that is hanging off a cliff). The InGen team has lots of guns, but I don't think they use them often (if ever).
   There is not too much inappropriate content, but there are a few references. Early on in the film, it is understood that Ian's daughter Kelly is from a previous marriage. Ian is also currently dating Sarah Harding, though he has obviously been married before (it is clear in the first Jurassic Park film that he has had multiple divorces).
   The language is not as heavy as in Jurassic Park, but is still used. God's name is used many times and h*** is used once or twice. There may be more language, but I don't recall anything else.
   The Lost World is an exciting adventure film with plenty of suspense. The acting is well-done and there are some funny parts that make me laugh. Because of the violence especially, this isn't a film for younger viewers. Some pre-teens might be able to handle the violence, but some may not. It really is up to the parents. My eleven-year-old sister has watched all three Jurassic Park films and has not been scared.
   If you like adventure, action, or dinosaurs, this movie would be great for you. If you dislike those genres of movies, you might find that The Lost World is not your cup of tea.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Length: 129 minutes

Rating: PG-13

Director: Steven Spielberg

Producers: Gerald R. Molen, Colin Wilson

Music: John Williams

Year of release: 1997

Primary Audience: Teens, Adults

Note for Readers

   I am trying to make Family-in-Mind Reviews as best as I possibly can. I have been adding some new features recently. If you have an idea for something I can try, leave a comment. If I can add a feature that you wish to see, I will try to do so.

~nbr1776

Update to Blog: List of Genre Labels

   Under the Blog Archive, you will see a box labeled "Genre Labels." Each label displays how many reviews are under that topic and once you click on it, you can view all of the reviews with that label. For example, click on "Adventure" and every book or movie review with that label will appear on the screen.

~nbr1776

Update to Blog: Emails

   I am pleased to tell you that you may now follow Family-in-Mind Reviews via email! Simply enter your email address in the correct area and our newest reviews will be sent to you once they are posted.

~nbr1776