The Vow (2012)

Overall Rating: 9/10

Quick Summary: Based on a true story, a woman (Rachel McAdams) wakes up not remembering her husband (Channing Tatum), and he has to try to win her back.

Review: I loved this movie. I keep wondering what I would do in this situation. The movie makes you keep thinking about it several weeks after its over. I think casting Rachel and Channing together was also amazing because they had such good chemistry.

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? There are a few soap operas that use the plot of amnesia, but I think this is my favorite amnesia story.

Could this happen realistically? This did happen, but of course the movie exagerates and dramatizes the story a lot. There are pictures of the real couple at the end.

Can my kids watch this? Yes...but there are a few areas where language is a problem. I would say if your kids are 12+, that would be a good age-range.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (4/10)

There is some kissing and making out, but I think it's only 1-2 parts for like 10 seconds.

A dude is naked at one point, but it doesn't show anything except him being in a towel.

- Violence (4/10)

There is a pretty traumatic car crash, but there isn't blood or anything.

- Language (2/10)

I do believe there are a handful or curse words. Language is why this is rated PG-13.

- Drug Use (1/10)

There is alcohol.

Side note for section below: If you are having to cover your kids eyes for most of the movie, wouldn't it be better to watch a different one that they can actually watch?

Scenes to Cover your Kids' Eyes (With Spoilers): 

- After the guy takes his wife back to the apartment, the girl wakes up to find her husband naked the next morning (but nothing is shown.)

I Woke Up A Vampire: TV Series (2024)

Overall Rating: 7/10

Quick Summary: Carmie realizes she is a vampling (half vampire and half human) on her 13th birthday when she mysteriously, and suddenly, wakes up with magical powers.  

Review: This is a fun kids' show with danger and mystery. The acting is sub-par, but the creators lighten up the vampire world to seem fun for kids when it could've been very dark in reality.

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? There was a show on Disney Channel called "My Babysitter is a Vampire," which was also pretty good. I loved "Wizards of Waverly Place" better though, and there are also friendly vampires in that show. 

Could this happen realistically? I think if this story was true, the vampire girl would be found out immediately. She is not very good at hiding her powers.

Can my kids watch this? Yes! It's a fun kids' show. The vampires could've been portrayed in a threateneing way, but this show is more about Carmie being a superhero than a vampire.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (4/10)

- Violence (1/10)

There are vampire fights, but it's more like superhero fights. There is no blood or anything.

- Language (0/10)

- Drug Use (0/10)

Ready Player One (2018)

Overall Rating: 9/10

Quick Summary: One teenage boy must unlock the secrets of the game's creator in order to save the world and all future gaming.

Review: What an interesting movie! Stephen Spielberg did an excellent job directing, and all the characters are extremely relatable. People who don't play videogames may not understand this movie, but I think it's an epic adventure for any gamer!

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? All I can think of is the Spy Kids's third movie, but I think this movie is WAY better. Haha.

Could this happen realistically? Yes, I think this movie could easily be our future in the next one hundred years or so. Every guy I know plays videogames, so I can definitely see this happening, especially because AI and VR are beginning to be things in our lives.

Can my kids watch this? Yes! I can't think of anything explicit in this movie.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (1/10)

There is one scene where a girl and a guy kiss.

- Violence (3/10)

There are a lot of cars crashing and people fighting in gaming worlds

- Language (2/10)

There may be just a small handful of curse words.

- Drug Use (0/10)

Yesterday (2019)

Overall Rating: 9/10

Quick Summary: A lightning strike causes the world to forget that the Beatles exist, but one lucky musician remembers all of their songs and tries to share them with the world again.

Review: This is a really cute movie. It has romance, comedy, and adventure. This gives a great life lesson too.

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? There really isn't another idea like this out there...I cannot think of how to compare this.

Could this happen realistically? Maybe? Althought the plot does seem a little far-fetched.

Can my kids watch this? Yes...but there are a few areas where language is a problem. I would say if your kids are 12+, that would be a good age-range.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (4/10)

There is some kissing and making out, but I think it's only 1-2 parts for like one minute.

At one point, a girl sleeps with a guy, but it doesn't show anything.

- Violence (2/10)

One dude crashes his bike and knocks his teeth out.

A woman chases a person and threatens to kill them, but it's comedic.

- Language (2/10)

I do believe there are 1-2 "f-bombs." Language is why this is rated PG-13.

- Drug Use (1/10)

There is alcohol.

Side note for section below: If you are having to cover your kids eyes for most of the movie, wouldn't it be better to watch a different one that they can actually watch?

Scenes to Cover your Kids' Eyes (With Spoilers): 

- Near the beginning, the main guy gets struck by lightning and crashes his bike, which knocks out his teeth.

- There is one part near the end where the main guy and girl kiss a lot and start to take off jackets. But nothing else is really shown.

Irish Wish (2024)

Overall Rating: 7/10

Quick Summary: A woman (Lindsay Lohan) is headed to an Irish wedding where her best friend is marrying her crush, but could one wish twist the fates and give her a happy ending?

Review: This is a great cheesy movie that you can watch for a girls' night or watch with your mother.

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? "Isn't It Romantic?" is a great feature about a girl who wishes she was in a rom-com, and that movie has more comedy in it. 

Could this happen realistically? As a kid at heart, I like to believe that there is magic out there in the world, but I'm not sure if this could actually happen.

Can my kids watch this? Yes! This is family-friendly for all ages. The movie gives a good lesson too. The only thing is that a fiance ends up wanting to be with someone else at one point (not a spoiler), and the two "almost" kiss. I think this a great family movie though.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (4/10)

 A woman hugs another girl's husband.

 There is a naked man in the shower, but it doesn't show anything bad. 

 People do hug and kiss one another.

- Violence (0/10)

- Language (0/10)

- Drug Use (1/10)

There is alchohol, but no one is drunk.

Scenes to Cover your Kids' Eyes (With Spoilers): 

- The main woman wakes up after making the wish only to find the dude of her dreams naked in her bathroom, but it doesn't really show anything.

The Good Place: TV Series (2016)

Overall Rating: 9/10

Quick Summary: Eleanor Shellstrop finds herself in the Good Place (similar to heaven) only to learn that she was mistaken for being someone else and doesn't actually belong there.

Review: I truly loved this show. This was hilarious, and there were some crazy twists for sure! I highly recommend it for watching with an older group of friends. 

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? I think "Defending Your Life" with Albert Brooks is a pretty good movie with a similar context, but it's a bit older. I'm not sure it is "better" per say.

Could this happen realistically? Yes, depending on what you believe. As a Christian, I personally believe this could not happen. The tv show basically says "if you did more good than bad on earth, then you can go to heaven." Then, the plot changes, and everyone eventually gets to go to heaven once they finally become a "good enough person." The only confusing thing is...how do humans judge what is good and what is bad?

Can my kids watch this? Maybe, but there are a lot of things that allude to curse words, drinking, and sexual content. I suggest showing this to kids that are 13+. This will make them think a lot about death, especially in the last season. I would say overall it's about as clean as "The Bachelor." This show isn't trashy though. Your kids will learn a lot about philosophy, and all of the philisophical concepts are written by famous philosophers in real life. I, surprisingly, learned a lot about existentialism and moral concepts from this show.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (4/10)

 People do sleep with one another.

 One character is nude multiple times, but her parts aren't shown.

 One character has a wind chime for a penis. 

- Violence (2/10)

 The demons later on mention torturing peopple by "flattening penises." I feel like this is more comedic than violent though.

- Language (5/10)

 They do curse later in the show. In the beginning, they just allude to cursing a lot. The characters say "What the Fork" because they can't curse in heaven.

- Drug Use (4/10)

 One character wants cocaine all the time.

 There is a lot of drinking.

 Someone sells fake medicine to people as a living, which is just a placebo.

Crazy Ex Girlfriend: TV Series (2015)

Overall Rating: 8/10

Quick Summary: Rebecca Bunch quits her law firm and moves across the country from New York to California because she believes she has had love at first sight with Josh, her summer boyfriend from middle school. 

Review: I truly loved this show, but I wish the ending had not been so dark. I think most of the songs could have been removed. The overall writing and plot were genius though! This was such a funny show to watch. 

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? I'm not sure if there is another idea like this out there...I can't think of another plot where a woman schemes in order to try to get the man of her dreams. 

Could this happen realistically? Yes, but I'm not sure if she would find a job right away, or if her law firm would be so relaxed in real life. 

Can my kids watch this? Um...no. Maybe when they are like 17+. There is a lot of sexual content. The show is very explicit when talking about sex. 

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (8/10)

 One person realizes he is attracted to guys and girls, so it shows their butts a lot. He sings about how great it is to be bisexual.

 Someone mentions period-sex and sings a whole song about it.

 People sing about how hot they are, and the characters are shown in underwear/lingerie.

 Several characters sleep with one another and are shown in bed together.

 There are a lot of make-out scenes.

 Someone runs away with a professor at a college and has sex with them.

- Violence (6/10)

 One person tries to commit suicide in a later season.

 One person has a heart attack.

 Someone has an abortion, but nothing is shown. It's only mentioned.

- Language (7/10)

 The show is TV-MA partially because of this.

- Drug Use (5/10)

 In a later season, one person sings about how great anti-depressants are after trying to kill herself with medication.

- Other Content:

 There is a lot in the 3rd and 4th season of this show about mental illness and suicide. People try to kill themselves. The show definitely ends with a dark turn.

Side note: If you are having to cover your kids eyes for most of the movie, wouldn't it be better to watch a different one that they can actually watch?

The Mick: TV Series (2018)

Overall Rating: 6/10

Quick Summary: Crazy Aunt Mick (Kaitlin Olson) is headed to ask her rich sister for money, but when the FBI arrests the sister and her husband, Aunt Mick has to watch three spoiled brats and keep them safe in the midst of a chaotic life. Will she be up for the job?

Review: This is a good show to binge when you are bored or just to have in the background while you are working on something not very important.

Which movie/show does the same idea but better? I feel like this is similar to the movie "Bad Moms." My favorite movie about chaos happening when the mom is absent is "Mom's Night Out," which is cleaner and better for a family to watch.

Could this happen realistically? Yes. I feel like parents could get arrested and a crazy aunt would be in charge. Would someone be fine after being hit by a car and falling off of a building though? Absolutely not. Also, I think the family would go into debt after day one if they spent as much as these people are spending, even if the familly originally started off as being super crazy rich.

Can my kids watch this? I would definitely say no. Maybe when they are like 18+. Although this is a comedy, the amount of sex, drugs, and vulgar language are all very bad in this show.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (8/10)

 People talk about having sex a lot. One of the girls wishes she would get pregnant when she is just dating her boyfriend.

 Some of the characters are bisexual or gender-fluid. One of the kids pretends to be transgender.

 You hear people "doing it."

 There is some heavy kissing.

 People toss "boob implants" at each other. One girl wants a boob job.

- Violence (5/10)

 The aunt gets hit by cars a lot and jumps off of buildings. It's hilarious though.

 The boyfriends all beat each other up all the time.

 People usually get beaten in every episode.

- Language (8/10)

 It's TV-MA for this reason. There are tons of bad language.

- Drug Use (7/10)

 There are a ton of drugs throughout the entirety of the show: cocaine, weed, etc. One of the little kids takes hormones by accident.

 The aunt is always drunk. Always. Alba, the maid, is usually hammered as well. 

Side note: If you are having to cover your kids eyes for most of the show, wouldn't it be better to watch a different one that they can actually watch?

Bridgerton: TV Series (2020-)

Overall Rating: 7/10

Quick Summary: Dearest Reader, a mysterious author gossips about the lady Bridgerton falling in love. Will the love last?

Review: This tv series seems like a sweet, mysterious love story from the trailer, but do not be deceived. This is like "Fifty Shades of Grey"on steroids in the Victorian Era. Some parts are straight-up porn. The only part I will say is that the dresses are pretty, the way people talk makes me swoon, and the mysterious author is pretty amazing to try to figure out.

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? Pride and Prejudice! This is the same idea, but it's cleaner for sure. I think "Persuasion" or even "Austenland" is pretty good too. All of them are a thousand times cleaner.

Could this happen realistically? Sure...but it didn't. "Were Black people royalty in England?" No! Also, there would be gossip. There would basically be "social beauty contests" on who would be the most fair for every season, but I would hope people in reality aren't just thinking about sex all the time. There is a lot more to life than falling in love. 

Can my kids watch this? Never! You would have the cover their eyes for almost all of the first season. 

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (10/10)

This was the most sexual show I had ever seen. It's basically porn in the first season, spin off series, and for a small part of the second season.

- Violence (4/10)

In the first season, the main guy boxes a lot....but it's not that violent/

- Language (8/10)

They talk about "what is sex" and "how to have it." They also throw F-bombs frequently.

- Drug Use (0/10

They may drink wine...that's pretty much it.

Side note for section below: If you are having to cover your kids eyes for most of the movie, wouldn't it be better to watch a different one that they can actually watch? And in this case, do you want to watch porn with your kids?

Scenes to Cover your Kids' Eyes (With Spoilers): 

- I could specify every part where to cover your kids eyes and ears, but I think I would be sick. It would be like describing porn in detail, so no thanks. I would cover their eyes and ears for all of the first season and a few parts in the second season. Or better yet! Just don't watch porn with your kids!

The Mulligan (2022)

Overall Rating: 7/10

Side Note: Do not confuse this movies with "Mulligan," which is a cartoon, and "Mulligans" which is a movie about a gay couple. My grandparents were pretty upset when they thought I worked on "Mulligans."

Quick Summary: A golfer learns that in order to become a better golfer, he must learn some life lessons from and old pro (Pat Boone).

Review: Overall, I think this is a good movie! If you are looking for a happy, cheesy story, this will be the movie for you!

Which movie does the same idea but better? I haven't actually watched a lot of golf movies...but if you want a movie about a jerk transforming into a nice person, I would say "The Ultimate Gift" has better acting and a better storyline.

Could this happen realistically? Yes! Being mentored by someone can turn you into a better golfer and/or a better person. I'm not sure if you will "win" everyone back in your life reality though.

Can my kids watch this? Yes! This is basically like a Christian, "Hallmark" movie. A disrespectful golfer learns to reconnnect with his family and then also gets better at golf. 

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (0/10)

- Violence (2/10)

There is one part where the Old Pro talks about his son drowning, but it doesn't show anything.

- Language (0/10)

- Drug Use (3/10)

There is one flashback involves someone drunk.

Scenes to Cover your Kids' Eyes (With Spoilers): 

- Maybe the orange flashback with someone being drunk? I think it's fine though. 

Fun Fact: I worked on this movie as a Locations Assistant and an Assistant Editor. Most people didn't know Pat Boone was still alive, but everyone was happy that he was! Also, all of the outifts Pat Boone wears are his own that he just brought with him for the movie. How fun!

Fairly Odd Parents: TV Series (2005)

Overall Rating: 8/10

Quick Summary: A ten year old boy named Timmy Turner lives a miserable life with his evil babysitter, aloof parents, and school bullies until he meets Cosmo and Wanda, his fairies who will grant him his every wish.

Review: This show's writing is spectacular. From the creativity of the character creation to the world that Timmy lives in, this show is perfect for relating to how a child thinks with extra stupidity being added in. 

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? I personally think Spongebob has some competitive writing in its first season. Some could say the show "Jimmy Neutron" is also a rival. (Instead of having magic fairies to fix any problem Timmy has in "Fairy Odd Parents," Jimmy uses his brains to try to solve any problem in "Jimmy Neutron."

Could this happen realistically? Could fairies be out there in existence? As a kid at heart, I would like to think so! 

Can my kids watch this? Yes! Similar to Spongebob, some parents may worry that the "stupid humor" may rot their kids' brains. However, I think the writing is extremely clever. Also, there are a lot of life lessons. Magic doesn't "fix" anything. Family is very important. Treat everyone with respect. The fairies won't grant a wish that is deemed as "wrong" or "evil."

Mindful Content (Without Spoilers):

- There is just stupidity, so sometimes the show doesn't make sense.

- Timmy has a crush on a girl? But I think it's normal for kids to have crushes.

- Sometimes the parents come across as aloof/stupid, but in the end of every show, Timmy realizes how important they are. This does show that parents aren't perfect, which I think is important for kids to know.

- There is bullying, but it's just a cartoon where the bully may occasionally try to be mean, but the fairies always help out. 

- Any violence or bullying is similar to "Looney Tunes." None of the content is serious.

Scenes to Cover your Kids' Eyes (With Spoilers): 

- There aren't any bad episodes. There are a lot of life lessons! 

Fun Fact: Butch Hartman, the creator of the show, is a very strong Christian father. He and his wife are very inspiring to talk to, and he's someone you can trust with kids' content. He came up with the idea for the show, Fairly Odd Parents in 2 minutes. He has also written shows such as Danny Phantom and TUFF Puppy because Nickelodean thought he was such a huge success with Fairly Odd Parents.

Split (2016)

Overall Rating: 5/10

Quick Summary: This thriller movie starts with a man (James McAvoy) has been diagnosed with 23 distinct personalities by his psychiatrist. For an unknown reason, he decides to kidnap 3 girls who must escape before his new, 24th personality "The Beast" is unleashed. 

Review: This movie keeps you on your toes at the end, but the psychiatrist parts are a little boring. I mean...who wants to see someone going to see a counselor? Also, it's weird having so many flashbacks of the uncle abusing the main character.

Which show/movie does the same idea but better? I personally think Moon Knight took this idea and did a WAY better job. Also, there is less explicit content. When is comes to superheroes, Moon Knight is less realistic, but when it comes to DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder), Moon Knight is a little more realistic. I also think "A Beautiful Mind" and "Silver Linings Playbook" are great movies for portraying mental illness

Could this happen realistically? Absolutely not! DID (Dissociative Identity Disorder) is not like this at all in real life. I should know. My parents work in the mental health non-profit world. We have met people with this, but they cannot alter their bodies depending on the personality. One personality is typically able to draw well while another one cannot. However, it's a pretty subtle change. 

Can my kids watch this? Personally, I would wait until my kid was like 15+ before showing them this movie. This is scary more in a psychological way. Most of the violence isn't actually shown, and it's a very creepy movie. But! There is a ton of sexual content, which is why I think it's rated R.

Explicit Content (Without Spoilers):

- Sexual: (8/10)

 Shows several flashbacks of a grown man grooming a little girl is his underwear.

 Teenage girls walking around in tight shirts and underwear.

 A grown man kisses a teenage girl.

 One scene alludes to a girl being sexually assaulted by the crazy dude, but we don't see anything.

- Violence (6/10)

 People shoot each other multiple times in one scene.

 Scenes allude to cannabalism.

 Knives are pointed at people to threaten them.

- Language (2/10)

 Off the top of my head, I don't remember language really being a problem. But it is rated R.

- Drug Use (0/10

 I don't think there was any drinking or drug use.

Side note for section below: If you are having to cover your kids eyes for most of the movie, wouldn't it be better to watch a different one that they can actually watch?

Scenes to Cover your Kids' Eyes (With Spoilers): 

- Whenever you see Casey's uncle in flashbacks, just cover their eyes. He is grooming and trying to get her to take off her clothes all the time.

- Near the beginning, the main guy takes one of the girls. Nothing is shown, and nothing ends up happening because the girl pees herself. However, the scene does allude to probable sexual assault. 

- There are times the girls are told to take off their clothing, but they are still wearing bras, underwear, and tight shirts. 

- The African American girl tries to escape in the kitchen, and afterwards, the crazy dude (dressed as a woman) holds a knife to her, but he doesn't hurt her.

- Casey, the main girl who is quiet, is asked by the little kid personality if he can kiss her. She is scared and says yes. 

- There is an intense scene when Casey, the main girl, goes to the guy's bedroom and calls for help with a walkie. But don't worry. Nothing crazy happens to her.

- Close to the end, the elderly psychiatrist gets crushed in the kitchen in the "Beast's" arms.

- The most graphic scene: I think Claire, the girl who is first locked in the closet, get eaten by the Beast or something. Nothing is really shown, but it's safe to assume that because we see him standing over her body and we hear really gross sounds. We don't actually see him eating her though. 

- At the very end, the main girl, Casey, locks herself in what looks like a jail. Then, she tries to shoot "The Beast." We ALSO see that Casey has scars from cutting herself everywhere.