My mil wanted to take her 5 (Lyssa is too young) grandchildren to see, The Pursuit of Happyness. That's right, a "y" not an "i"...that is no typo. This movie is PG-13. The ages of the kids are 10, 8, 7, 6, and 3. Am I crazy or is that crazy? I have not seen the movie myself, so I am clueless. However, I didn't even let my kids see Star Wars (the 3rd one that is PG-13) until I saw it first. She said the movie was family friendly. Well, in whose opinion, I want to know. Now, this movie may certainly well be ok. However, I have not seen it so I cannot make the determination for myself. She told my dh that she didn't think it would be a problem because she was there and could field any questions. Whatever! Kids don't always ask questions. Besides, once they see it, they cannot un-see it. Any image is still there and in their little mind to process. Sorry, but I am not confident a child can process an adult image correctly. Anyway, she was told that the kids could not see it. I looked the movie up and there were some things I was not comfortable with. Well, she called me on her way out of the movie to tell me that the review I read was wrong and the movie was ok. Now, I love my mil and don't want to offend her. I am going to have a talk with her about what we let the kids watch. I think it best it come from me because dh was at work and I was the one that appeared to make the final decision. I mean, there are cartoons I don't let my kids watch. Geesh, why do other people care so much what you do with your child? I mean if I am not abusing them, then stay out of my business.
DH and I saw that the other day. Our boys will be 7 + 8 in March. My opinion is that their levels are not quite at par with the level of the movie. It isn't a bad movie. It does have a litle profanity. The F word is said once because of some grafiti and the kid asked since Happyness was spelled incorectly if F*** was as well. For my boys, it is WAY to serious of a movie and you really have to be older to understand the true meaning of what is being said. I did think that it was cute that Will Smiths real life son Jaden Smith played his child in the movie. There is also a part where mom takes off and moves away and you never see or hear of her again, except once when the child asked if mom left because of him. The one thing I did not really like is that it was a bio-drama and not a true biograpgy. In the movie, Chris (Will Smiths' character) claims he was raised in Louisiana. When I got home I googled his name and found out her grew up in Milwaukee, Wi, and went into the military for a few years.
I want to see it, simply because I acutally like Will Smith (hey, I'm a philly gal).... BUT...I can tell just from the ads that we won't let our kids see it. We're REALLY picky. And we get a lot of grief for it. BUT stick to your guns! Your kids will appreciate you later!
This is a movie that I would like to see, but based on the reviews and theme, not one I am ready for dss, 6 & 9 to see. My mil does not share the same view of "appropriate" as we do, but thankfully is far enough away that it isn't an issue. My parents aren't near either, but they don't go to movies, so it wouldn't be a problem. What is a problem for us is what my dad watches on television when we visit. He likes to watch non-stop news and we rarely ever turn on the news. Sorry you had this come up.
I dont think that its one for kids either, just because it has a kid in it does not make a movie a kids movie. Just remind mil that one.
Oh, I did not realize what movie it was by the title, but by Jenlynn's description I know what it is now, I would not think that it is appropriate for a kid.
I am very careful as to what I allow Emma to see as well. She isn't allowed to see this either. You are doing the right thing! Patty
I have heard that it is a very good movie...and kind of sad...bring your tissues. BUT...I do not let my kids see any pg-13 movie until I see it first. (I am even a little picky about some pg movies anymore) And this is one I don't think they would be able to see (just based on the previews). I, myself, would like to see it once it comes out on dvd. My kids are 11 and 10, btw. I have a niece who is 25 and I always have this problem with her. She loves to spend time with my kids...which is great! But, she does not have kids of her own and doesn't exactly have the same perspective on things that I do (and she is a christian, too). I love her dearly and love that she spends time with my kids, but I do make it very clear what is aloud and not aloud. She thinks I am too restrictive with my kids, but she always abides by my wishes.
Look at the Plugged In site and see what they have to say about it. I was going to take Jeanne to see the Nativity until I read their review. I need to see it for myself first. I also wouldn't take her to this Will Smith movie. She's not allowed to watch most Fresh Prince episodes, especially the ones where he's older.
Ok, just making sure, I was not the crazy one. Although I am sure it is a fine movie, I just didn't think it was for children.
Ava Rose, I LOVE how you said this! It is SO true! That's why it is our job as concerned parents to protect our children as we see fit. I think it was in the "Ear-piercing" thread someone said something like "It is easier to stand firm in your position when dealing with other people EVEN if it brings conflict, than to do battles with yourself, second-guessing your judgement, or compromising your own philosophies just to please someone else". Stick to your guns, stand your ground. It seems like you carefully considered the situation, assessed the risks compared with the benefits, and made the right decision for your children and family. And goodness sakes! There are MANY cartoons, shows, movies that I don't let my daughter watch (even COMMERCIALS, for that matter). But I've also learned to address some issues head-on (still learning, actually) My dd8 just LOVES to watch NOVA on Sundays. It completely holds her attention from beginning to end (a miracle in itself). But, I have to make sure I find something to do or work on right on the couch beside her or in the dining room or kitchen nearby so I can always listen/watch for details presented that may differ from our own beliefs so I can immediately begin conversation w/ her, ask what she thinks that means, if she understands what they said, or how what we believe (like evolution/creation) may be different. I want to teach her to be discerning and develop her own ability to judge what is presented and not just swallow it whole simply because it is on TV and said by "experts". However, these types of exposures are few and far between (and carefully weighed) because like you said so well before , "...once they see it, they cannot un-see it. Any image is still there and in their little mind to process." Bev
Pursuit of happyness/not crazy No! You are so not crazy. I know this is way after the fact, but this is a pet peeve of mine. I go to the movies often, as my daughter works at the local mutiplex and I get free or $1 tickets. Young children should not be taken to movies that are full of dialog, and very little action. They get bored! Even if the dialog is appropriate for them, they still get bored! And a movie about a homeless man w/a child certainly contains themes that are inappropriate for young children, even if they ask questions and even if you can answer them. If MIL wants to see it ...go by herself. It's the only way to go! Parents are in charge of their children, not grandparents or parents friends or whoever. Em, my dd, is having a friend spend the night this weekend, and we'll probably go see "Bridge to Terabithia", and I will certainly verify w/her mother that she's ok w/her dd seeing this movie. I think MIL has a screw loose. Diane Diane
