Is It Common Sense?

 

My eight year old has been waiting for this movie ALL summer. She announces every billboard of the movie that she sees as we drive to camp in the morning. And mind you, it's always the same billboards that we're passing. "Look mom, there's the movie!" (uhh, yea, you mean the same sign we saw yesterday, and the day before, and the week before that?).  Finally, this weekend, her wait is over, and I need to come up with about $50 just to pay for a couple of tickets and a bucket of popcorn. Since discovering a kids' media website, however, I do feel more prepared - whether this flick will also be entertaining for us parents in the theater, or if I'm likely to see a lot of texting on iPhones lit up in the darkness.

 

The new kid's flick: G-Force. But, more importantly, the helpful website we can use again and again: Common Sense Media.

 

I feel like I'm the last one to know about this site (and if you knew about, shame on you for not telling me!). There is A LOT offered here, and I haven't even scratched its surface. But, in a nutshell, Common Sense Media provides reviews of kids' movies, games, websites, television, books and music.  Everything entertainment related can be found right here at our fingertips, which is a good thing as we try to protect our kids from the evils of media (and those diabolical toy commercials). Ratings are provided from 1 to 5 stars. They even slap a label on the show that indicates the appropriate viewing age, or "no kids" (e.g. Bruno - duh). Details are given on how both parents and kids rate it (not surprising that parents and kids often don't rate the same movie, the same number of stars). Now there's a new feature allowing you to personalize the site for the specific age of your child, making it quicker and easier to have information relevant to your family.

 

It's easy to navigate and comprehensive. The suggested kids' reading list alone has categories such as "best coming-of-age tales," "best friendship stories," and "emotional stories."  There's an entire advice section covering everything from kid internet safety and social networking, to celebrities, cartoon violence, and the influence of Jon and Kate (you didn't think you were going to get far from that topic, did you? don't be silly).

 

As the parent, you get to provide a review on the site for others to see, give it a star rating, express any concerns, and even grade it. Yea, mama, your chance to pretend you're Siskel and Ebert on the internet.

 

Are you a teacher? The site offers a free media program for your school.

 

"Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the media and entertainment lives of kids and families. We exist because media and entertainment profoundly impact the social, emotional, and physical development of our nation's children. As a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization, we provide trustworthy information and tools, as well as an independent forum, so that families can have a choice and a voice about the media they consume."

Being dragged to see planning some quality family time to see G-Force this weekend? Nothing like talking guinea pigs in 3-D. Check out Common Sense Media's review of G-Force. And based on the review I read, don't forget to charge the battery in your iPhone.

Comments

[Keonte']

Lucky for me, my mom was dragged to the movies by my son. She was the lucky one, lol.

Thanks for the info. I will have to check the site out.

[Lorie Shewbridge]

Loved your last line about charging the battery in the iPhone -- too funny. That was my impression when I heard the reviews of this movie - adults blog while children watch the movie!!
Thanks for the review and the heads up on Commen Sense.

[checkers]

aww thats cute how your 8 yr old announces the movies, he he. $50 is about right for tickets and a bucket of popcorn. I remember how cheap it was to see a movie but then that was way back in the 60's!