I was surprised that this was recommended family film for everyone to enjoy. Menacing, stalking thief was too scary for the 7 year old. Accents were impossible for her as well.
Complex themes are introduced such as adults have flawed ethics, but they aren't really dealt with. Did enjoy the quirkiness, but the plot seemed fractured.
A change from the usual Hollywood style of family film
This is a funny little film but quite refreshing to see a movie that isn't "Hollywood". My 10 year old boy was mildly scared in parts, probably more because of the gritty way the film is shot (you see far worse scares in the likes of harry potter etc.) but overall enjoyed it. It is unbelievable that people are upset by the 'underwear' scene. I actually appreciated this scene as it gave us a little more insight into the roles played in the family. The boys look at a breast (in a bra) and when the younger boy asks what a nipple is for the older boy replies that it's for feeding babies and remembers back to when their mother was alive and breastfeeding. In my opinion, the dialogue attached to the image made it a tender moment where the older boy was remembering their mother - It is not remotely sexual. Parents who are upset by this and who imply sexual connotations are the ones sending out the wrong message, not the film.
I personally love this movie. It's very deep, emotional, and pretty brilliant. The acting and the characters and messages are fantastic. But it's also kind of on the trippy/creepy side. Especially the scene with the donkey and the robber. Some people (directly below me) are upset about the scene with the bra commercial. It's really nothing, just showing how Anthony cares about sex. I saw this movie when I was about 9 and it did scare me, but I totally recommend it.
A cute movie except for one scene that ruined it!!!
Had alot going on, with younger brother seeing imaginary saints, the brothers trying to keep the money a secret and trying to spend it too.
It was a cute movie except for one scene! The part that was very unnecessary and ruined it for our family is when the boys are shopping online and the older brother shows his brother a womens lingerie site and then they zoom up on the models nipples. I always wonder why they put stuff in like that. Do they do it for the Adults? I for one don't appreciate it! Luckily we watched with our kids and saw it coming and where able to fast forward so the kids did not see. It otherwise would have been a great movie that the kids could watch by themselves anytime. Everything else was PG rated, no cussing and no other sexual scenes.
Very good film, and violence isn't overt, but burglar character is way too sinister, and the sexual overtones are a bit too rich for the 9 year old rating given here.
Great story, great values and fun for kids and adults: good Christmas film
This is a one of a kind fable set in modern times. The hero is the younger of two sons of a single father. All three are dealing with the recent loss of the mother, a topic which is handled with great sensitivity and, ultimately, hope. There is a mildly menacing villain but no actual violence and minimal suspense so it's probably not advisable for under age 8. It also rests on an undercurrent of christianity- the boy has semi-comical visions of saints, but it's not really a religious film. Avoid it only if that would really offend you- otherwise this film is a gem. It does take place at Christmastime and has strongly anti-commerical sentiments so a great choice for a movie to see with your kids the week before Christmas.
Loved having a quirky film that my 12 year old son and I could enjoy together.
I agree with one of your reviewers that the scene with the boys looking at women in lingerie was unnecessary in an otherwise pitch perfect film. Lots to discuss and the younger brother's character is a delight. I was worried about the spooky burglar but my son took it in his stride...scene with ghost of mother made me cry (not my son though...)
the movie is interesting. The lingerie site, nipple thing is just what kids do given the chance so I dont think its out of place but if you cotton wool your kids (and yourself) from reality you might be uncomfortable. The kids made good conversation following this movie figuring out a few of the complexities. Definite rewatch on the cards.
I was so upset with this movie. I was thrown off because of the pg rating and the fact that I got it from the children's section from my local library. I normally would have just given my kids the go ahead to watch this movie. I am glad that I previewed it, because the story line (I think that the writers were trying to make some political statements, that went over my head), and the suspense would have been too much. The part that REALLY threw me for a loop was the boys looking at the bra model, and not as another viewer stated "trying to zoom in" on the nipple, but actually doing it, twice!! It had nothing to do with the plot, and made it seem like this is just what boys do! I would have been so mad had my kids seen this!
Don't see this movie, I get sick of this stuff being stuck in like its no big deal, and then putting some sweet ending in that is supposed to make us feel good about the movie in the end.
On a positive note I did think that the little boy in the lead did a great job.