GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. —
In this week's Box Office Mom, Jackie Solberg has a look at movies that aren't in theaters. She reviewed two movies on Netflix!
If your kids are home from school because of the coronavirus closures, check out these reviews:
Miracle
- Rating: 4.5 out of 5 buckets
- Release Date: February 6, 2004
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Best Age Group: 8+
- Sexual Content: Mild
- Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
- Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Will Kids Like It? Yes
"USA", "USA", "USA"....we hear the crowd chanting "USA," with pure joy and delight as they beat the Soviet Union in the 1980 Winter Olympics. Miracle is based on a true story about a group of amateur hockey players led by Herb Brooks (Kurt Russell), a very intense, drill- sergeant type of coach. The film highlights the teams path to victory, not only with hockey but with the life lessons that their coach instills in them. Brooks stresses teamwork and chemistry over talent. These amazing young men became one of the last group of amateurs sent by the United States to play ice hockey. It's known as the "Miracle on Ice."
- Miracle highlights the importance of perseverance, dedication and teamwork.
- The film could spark some great parent/child conversations during a trying time in history. The intro of the shows TV clips about Watergate, Vietnam War, and the Iran Hostage Crisis.
Sexual Content: Mild
- During a game the players on the bench check out girls at the Olympics.
- When two players get in a fight, Coach Brooks describes them as "a couple of monkeys trying to hump a football."
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
- There is a lot of hockey violence as players slash, trip and knock each other onto the ice.
- Two players get into a fight on the ice.
Crude or Profane Language: Moderate
- We hear "crap," "ass," "bastards," and "hell numerous times throughout the film..
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- We see hockey players drinking beer in a bar and at a team Christmas party.
Will Kids Like It? Yes
- Overall, Miracle is a wonderful sports drama. Depending on the child this is appropriate for kids ages 8 and up.
Faith, Hope & Love
- Rating: 5 out of 5 buckets
- Release Date: March 15, 2019
- MPAA Rating: PG
- Best Age Group: 10+
- Sexual Content: Mild
- Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
- Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- Will Kids Like It? Yes
Faith, Hope & Love is a heartwarming romantic comedy about Jimmy Hope (Robert Krantz), a widower, and father of two girls. When Jimmy meets his daughters' dance instructor, divorcée Faith Turley ( Dancing with the Stars' dancer Peta Murgatroyd), his life changes. Jimmy and Faith are both going through some trying times. Jimmy's job is on the line, he must land the account of a dating app company or he'll lose his job. Meanwhile, Faith needs to win a ballroom dance competition to save her dance studio. When Jimmy agrees to be Faith's dance partner, the couples perspective on life changes as they discover faith, hope and love.
- There's a religious element to the film which states that faith, hope, and love are very powerful. The film states that if you're tired and weary, God will give you rest.
Sexual Content: Mild
- Kissing.
- Discussions of infidelity.
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
- A family is recovering from a death of a parent.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- "Hell."
Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild
- A character frequents a bar a lot. We see him drinking beer.
- We see characters drinking at a party.
Will Kids Like It? Yes
Overall this is a wonderful heartwarming comedy, appropriate for kids ages 10 and up.
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