Weekend Fun and Games
Categories: Fun & Activities, That's Entertainment
Happy Friday! If you are still up in the air as to how to spend your weekend, here are some suggestions as adapted from reviews and ratings by Common Sense Media. Click on the links to read the reviews in full.
At the Movies
Adventureland is a love story disguised as a hip and raunchy coming-of-age tale. A recent graduate contemplates his future as he spends a summer working at an amusement park. The depiction of sex, drugs and mild violence may put off parents, but teens will appreciate the alt-rock music and the Superbad vibe. Rated R, OK for Kids 15+
DVD
If you didn't want to shell out the cash to see this Adam Sandler film at the theater, now is your chance to enjoy Bedtime Stories at home. Departing from his usual schtick, Sandler forgoes the crass jokes and plays up the silliness in this fantasy comedy. Plenty of giggles for the kids and, aside from some cartoonish violence, immature language and kissing, very little for parents to object to. Rated PG, OK for Kids 7+
TV
A British import, The Mighty Boosh strives to be wacky and weird but is mostly just vulgar and nonsensical. Former sketch comedy actors portray Howard and Vince, beer-drinking slackers who manage a trendy boutique. Sexual references and crude language abound in this oddity from across the pond. Not Rated, OK for Kids 14+
Books
Best friends Adam and Sam are full of great ideas for their school's science project in Melonhead by Katy Kelly. As one project after another goes awry, these typical 10-year-olds keep on trying, often with wacky results. Set in Washington, DC, the book is a high-energy romp that both boy and girls will enjoy. OK for Kids 8+
Web
For parents looking for an alternative to adult-oriented news sites for their kids, Tween Tribune is just the ticket. With stories from sources such as the Associated Press and CNN as well as some original content, the site is frequently updated and always age-appropriate. Best of all, the comments are screened before they appear on the site.
Music
Billy Jonas' Happy Accidents goes beyond merely entertaining as he sprinkles in some lessons along the way. Using non-traditional instruments, Jonas encourages kids to play along with interactive lyrics and thought-provoking themes. They might even pick up a little Spanish listening to this quirky collection of original songs. OK for Kids 3+
At the Movies
Adventureland is a love story disguised as a hip and raunchy coming-of-age tale. A recent graduate contemplates his future as he spends a summer working at an amusement park. The depiction of sex, drugs and mild violence may put off parents, but teens will appreciate the alt-rock music and the Superbad vibe. Rated R, OK for Kids 15+
DVD
If you didn't want to shell out the cash to see this Adam Sandler film at the theater, now is your chance to enjoy Bedtime Stories at home. Departing from his usual schtick, Sandler forgoes the crass jokes and plays up the silliness in this fantasy comedy. Plenty of giggles for the kids and, aside from some cartoonish violence, immature language and kissing, very little for parents to object to. Rated PG, OK for Kids 7+TV
A British import, The Mighty Boosh strives to be wacky and weird but is mostly just vulgar and nonsensical. Former sketch comedy actors portray Howard and Vince, beer-drinking slackers who manage a trendy boutique. Sexual references and crude language abound in this oddity from across the pond. Not Rated, OK for Kids 14+
Books
Best friends Adam and Sam are full of great ideas for their school's science project in Melonhead by Katy Kelly. As one project after another goes awry, these typical 10-year-olds keep on trying, often with wacky results. Set in Washington, DC, the book is a high-energy romp that both boy and girls will enjoy. OK for Kids 8+Web
For parents looking for an alternative to adult-oriented news sites for their kids, Tween Tribune is just the ticket. With stories from sources such as the Associated Press and CNN as well as some original content, the site is frequently updated and always age-appropriate. Best of all, the comments are screened before they appear on the site.
Music
Billy Jonas' Happy Accidents goes beyond merely entertaining as he sprinkles in some lessons along the way. Using non-traditional instruments, Jonas encourages kids to play along with interactive lyrics and thought-provoking themes. They might even pick up a little Spanish listening to this quirky collection of original songs. OK for Kids 3+Recent Posts
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