Gamer

2009 (R)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Suspense
Gerard Butler, Michael C. Hall, Amber Valletta, Kyra Sedgwick, Ludicris

"Whoa!"
A futuristic film using Sim technology and implanting it into humans that are controlled by online gamers. Conceptually this movie had intriguing possibilities. Unfortunately, it is nonstop gratuitous violence, sex, gore, and language. In addition to typical "R" material, there is disgusting behavior (I actually was nauseated watching the gamer controlling Amber Valletta and had to look away), nudity, strong sexual content, and language even stronger the the f-word. As stated in the "Common Sense Note" report, "the filmmakers seem to get great pleasure from trying to offend audiences". This movie is NOT for anyone under 18. Overall, you would probably feel uncomfortable watching this with your mother, let alone by yourself. It wasn't worth the time.


Common Sense Note

Fido

2006 (R)
Genre: Horror Comedy, Comedy, Zombies, Satire
Billy Connolly, Carrie-Anne Moss, Dylan Baker, Tim Blake Nelson

"Hidden Gems & Forgotten Flics"
This quirky comedy is a spin on the typical zombie movie. Zombies in this quaint 50s style neighborhood are the new "must have" accessory. This is a delightful movie with Billy Connolly in the lead as Fido. Brilliantly acted and visually colorful. As with most Zombie flics, there is blood and zombie feasting, but this time around its comical and imaginative. I must point out that the movie cover looks worse than it is. It is rated R for zombie violence, but again it is comical and could be seen by older teens.

9

2009 (PG13)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Animation, 3D Graphics

"Hidden Gems" & "Misleading"
This incredible full length 3D animation started out as a college project "short". In the post-apocalyptic world, a handful of ragdolls try to survive extermination by vicious replicating machines. Visually this movie is outstanding. It is hard not to get fully enthralled in this captivating dark tale. Although it is a 3D graphic animation, this is NOT a children's movie! Scenes of death and dead bodies are laced throughout. It's a beautiful story, but definitly rated PG13 for a reason.

Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging

2008 (PG13)
Genre: Family, Teen Comedies

"Hidden Gems & Forgotten Flics"
This adorable teen comedy is directed by "Bend It Like Beckham's" Gurinder Chadha, who seems to have a good grasp on teenage girls. This comedy set in modern Britain follows 14 year old Georgia and her three best friends through the ups and downs of first love & first kisses. This is a feel good movie with all the wonderful, awkward afflictions of becoming a teen. Perfect fun for any girl 13 and older.

Pan's Labyrinth

2006 (R)
Genre: Foreign Film/Spain, Subtitled, Fantasy, Drama

"Hidden Gems & Forgotten Flics"
A fantastic, dark fairy tale made for an older audience. This visual masterpiece is a little girl's surreal, fantasy in another dimension exploring Pan's Labyrinth. It does deal with war and political ideas, so it does have some graphic violence at times, but somehow still captivating. Thematically, it can be dark, traumatic, and even frightening at times, especially for children. Due to the adult themes this tale is not for younger teens. I recommend viewing this before allowing older teens to see it.

The Red Violin

1998 (R)
Genre: Drama, Mystery
Samuel L. Jackson

“Hidden Gems & Forgotten Flics”
Amazing movie that travels along with the journey of a violin and it's various owners over three centuries. Beautifully made and a fantastic soundtrack by Joshua Bell. This is a must see for any art and music enthusiasts.