x
Breaking News
More () »

Box Office Mom reviews 'The Art of Racing in the Rain' and 'Dora'

Jackie Solberg shares her reviews of these two new movies from a parent's perspective.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Art of Racing in the Rain

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 popcorn buckets

Release Date: August 8, 2019

MPAA Rating: PG

Best Age Group: 13+

Sexual Content: Mild

Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate

Crude or Profane Language: None

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Will Kids Like It? No

Enzo (voiced by Kevin Costner) is a beautiful Golden Retriever. He is a very loyal and dedicated dog to his owner, Formula One race car driver Denny Swift (Milo Ventimiglia). Enzo is there when Denny meets his wife Eve (Amanda Seyfried), and is there at the birth of their daughter, Zoe (Ryan Kiera Armstrong). Sadly, the family goes through an extremely challenging situation, while Enzo is observing it all. He ultimately tries to figure out mankind hoping to be reincarnated as a human. The Art of Racing in the Rain is a very emotional drama based on the bestselling novel by Garth Stein.

Talking Points:

Sexual Content: Mild

  • We see a couple who fall in love and get married. They're shown kissing numerous times.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate

  • The subject matter of death of a loved one is woven throughout the film which may frighten young kids.
  • (Spoiler alert!) A dog dies.

Crude or Profane Language: None

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

  • We see characters drinking alcohol in social situations.

Will Kids Like It? No

Overall The Art of Racing in the Rain is a heartfelt drama with the mature subject matter of death. Depending on the child this is appropriate for kids ages 13 and up.

Dora and the Lost City of Gold 

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 popcorn buckets

Release Date: August 8, 2019

MPAA Rating: PG

Best Age Group: 7+

Sexual Content: Mild

Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

Will Kids Like It? Yes

Sweet young Dora is an adventurous girl who grows up in the jungle. However, her biggest adventure is when she moves to Los Angeles to live with her cousin Diego (Jeff Wahlberg). While in Los Angeles Dora attends high school and comes across many obstacles. She has a hard time fitting in with her peers at school,  but more importantly she tries solve a mystery for her parents who are on a difficult mission in Peru. Dora and the Lost City of Gold is a live-action adventure based on the popular TV series; Dora the Explorer.

Talking Points:

Sexual Content: Mild

  • A teenage couple flirt with one another and hug and briefly kiss.

Violent/Disturbing Content: Moderate

  • Dora and her friends come across many uncomfortable and life threatening situations. To name a few; they are kidnapped, held at gunpoint, encounter sleeping gas and quicksand.

Crude or Profane Language: Mild

  • Name calling such as; "stupid," "weirdo," and "brats." We also hear "shut up" and "pain the butt."

Drug and Alcohol Content: Mild

  • Kids encounter sleeping gas.

Will Kids Like It? Yes

Overall this is a fun and entertaining film for kids ages 7 and up. Parents need to be aware of the moderate violent content that may scare young kids.

For more of Jackie's reviews, visit www.boxofficemom.com 

►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.

Love My West Michigan? Check us out on Facebook and Instagram.

Before You Leave, Check This Out