Talking about children's books and films. Useful information for parents.
28 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
in Movies, movies 4+ Tags: British history, castle, history, romance
Rated: G
Length: 83 min.
Age: 4+ commonsense media sez: 5+
Scary Factor: Much brawling, though very slapsticky. Battle at climax involves fire and threat. At the end it appears for a moment that Robin has been killed, but the suspense doesn’t last long.
Interests: Robin Hood, history, British history, kings, knights, castle, romance
Next: MOVIE: The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
28 Feb 2011 Leave a comment
in Movies, movies 4+ Tags: country life, family, illness, Magic, nature, siblings, spirits, strong girls
My Neighbor Totoro
Rated: G
Length: 86 min.
Age: 4 and up. commonsense media sez: 5+
Scary Factor: soot sprites are creepy, and provide one big Startle Moment (see below); Totoro seems scary at first glance, but is soon revealed to be friendly
Also: issue of Mother sick in hospital may bother some, but whole situation is treated gently, and without worry until late in film when girls grow concerned (see more below)
Interests: monster/spirits, magic, nature, country life, Japan
Next: Director Miyazaki has two other films for this age group: Ponyo, Kiki’s Delivery Service; for older kids try: Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle
Rarest Kind of Best 