Liar Liar

So this is the second Jim Carrey movie we have tried and I don't think we'll be trying any more for now.  The first was Dumb and Dumber; a movie we had enjoyed greatly before children and decided it would be fine without checking the parental rating on IMDB first.  Turns out it was NOT suitable for children, even older ones.  Liar, Liar turned out to be not so suitable either (although not as bad as Dumb and Dumber) and proved that I really need to stop relying on my memory, start practicing what I preach and check these things out before inflicting them on my family.

That said, Liar Liar is a cautionary tale of a corrupt lawyer who is magically forced for one day to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.  Hilarity ensues. Carey Elwes also makes an appearance which always brings a smile to my dial and the kid's haircut has to be seen to be believed.

I find it hard to nail down an ideal age to watch this movie because the overall story/theme is better for primary age kids but the naughty bits are not really suitable for that age bracket.

Rating:  This movie is in the golden era of Jim Carrey slap-stick comedies.  If you enjoy that brand of humour and silliness you will enjoy this. If not, you will be annoyed.  We enjoy a little Jimbo so we liked it but will probably watch it only the once.

Naughty bits:  I recommend this for teenagers and up as there are plenty of adult themes and sexual references.

Snacks:  Birthday cake

Family In-quotes: "It was me!"

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The Ringer

In an age where we all tire of political correctness it's refreshing to see something that is so politically incorrect that you are reminded of the need for some restraint.  The Ringer delivers that incorrectness in spades but surprisingly you come out the other side with fresh respect for people with disabilities and the people who help them do amazing things.


The Ringer tells the story of a guy, who with the help of his uncle, decides to rig the Special Olympics in order to help out a workmate and escape some debt.  Johnny Knoxville (Jackass) is the lead and Katherine Heigl plays the love interest but it's the side kicks who really steal the show; especially Jed Rees who plays Glenn.  He is a comic genius in my book (and in Galaxy Quest too).


Rating:  We laughed out loud a number of times, sometimes in shock at the out-there incorrectness and other times at the ridiculousness of situations.  The kid thought it was funny too and it sparked some great discussions about treating people with respect.  We will watch this again sometime.

Naughty bits:  There are some naughty words and adult themes but low on violence and sexy times.  I recommend for an older child on this basis.

Snacks:  Popcorn and icecream

Family In-quotes: "Oh my lantern!" "How many fingers am I holding up?"

Related Goodies:
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Airplane!

It's been a while since spoof movies were a major part of cinematic entertainment and Airplane! (aka Flying High) was one of the original and best.  Starring the legendary Leslie Nielsen as the pun-tastic doctor and Otto (as himself) this disaster parody delivers a brand of humour which still affects our everyday conversation to this day.

The kid thought it was weird but funny (once we explained the jokes).  She especially loved the joke about the line of people trying to calm the hysterical woman and tried it on her friends at school.  Big fail; none of them had heard of Airplane! and therefore missed the reference entirely.  Better luck next time with a more current movie kid, sorry that your parents are obsessed with the '80's.

Rating:  We love comedy movies and this one is silly, over the top and punny.  It is a little slow at the beginning but we ended up laughing and laughing and will watch this one again in a little while.

Naughty bits:  There are quite a few naughty bits in Airplane so I recommend for older kids or teens (or not at all if you are more careful parents than us!).  For a comprehensive list check the parental guide on IMDB


Snacks:  Fish or Steak.  I recommend the steak, I heard the fish is a little... well... fishy

Family In-quotes: "Surely you can't be serious!" "I am serious... and don't call me Shirley"

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Galaxy Quest

Although Galaxy Quest is a parody of Star Trek and its Trekkie fanboys I think it appeals to a broader audience as well.  We are more Star Wars in this family but we have enough experience of fanboy culture to enjoy the references.  However Galaxy Quest is far more than a spoof film; it's a heartfelt comedy/action movie with a good plot and great characters.

The [star studded] crew of the NSEA Protector are washed up TV actors playing the convention circuit when they are visited by aliens who they mistake for cosplayers.  Through that misunderstanding they are swept up into a galactic war they initially believe is an elaborate audition but quickly realise they are acting for their very lives and hilarity ensues.

Rating:  We like action/comedy movies and this one was outstanding.  Great moments of humour and really creative action sequences.  The kid loved it and got totally swept up into it; she was jumping up and down on the couch with anticipation at points.  Essential viewing and we will watch this one again soon.

Naughty bits:  I recommend this for older kids as there are some scary aliens, some fight/shooting scenes and a bit of mild sexual innuendo/kissing.  If you let your kids watch Star Wars, this one will be totally fine, and they (& you) will probably love it just as much.

Snacks:  A steak dinner washed down with a coke.

Family In-quotes: "By Grabthar's hammer, you shall be avenged. "

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High School Musical

Remember the movie which inspired Glee, a million boys haircuts and made the world realise they had missed musicals for too long but you are embarrassed to admit you guiltily enjoyed?  Yeah, that would be Disney's High School Musical. 

A very young Zac Efron sings, b-balls and dances his little heart out to impress his mathletic crush in a classic opposites attract (and no one approves!) love story.  However its Ashley Tisdale as the dastardly Sharpay who really steals the show in my opinion and the songs will be stuck in your head for weeks.

Rating:  While I can embrace over the top cheesy musicals, the kid was not so impressed.  "The problem is that it has too many songs in it".  Well, it is called High School Musical.  And it's a chick flick to boot.  We give this a once in a while viewing rating but should your kid get swept up into the drama, you may find yourself watching much more often.

Naughty bits:  This film is as clean as Sharpay's fabulous outfit; that is until clumsy Gabriella tips her lunch on it.

Snacks:  Something school cafeteria worthy - like pizza!

Family In-quotes: "Hip hop is my passion. I love to pop, and lock, and jam, and break"

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