New on DVD: Iron Man, Babies, and Graffiti

Iron Man 2

Action

The Gist: Robert Downey Jr. is back as everybody’s favorite playboy/superhero Iron Man. He’s got an iron suit and he’s not afraid to use it. In fact, he uses it a bit too goofily. A business competitor feverishly works to develop a rival suit while a cranky Russian genius (the incomparable Mickey Rourke) just wants him dead.

The Ups: Mickey Rourke is unforgettable. Weird, but unforgettable. Lots of explosions and battle scenes add up to a blockbuster worthy of the name.

The Downs: The film doesn’t carry as much heart as the original. Iron Man fights for his own survival, but doesn’t save the world. What good is a superhero if he’s not saving the world?

The Verdict: Rent it. It’s a good time. Loud, bright, and irreverent at times, it’s a lot more fun than watching the leaves fall. Read our full review here.

Be Aware: Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and  violence, and some language.

The Chat with Kids: What makes a superhero? Does the way a person (or superhero) behaves in his off-work time affect the job he does? How important is good character?

Babies

Documentary

The Gist: This documentary covers the first year in the life of four newborns in wildly different situations across the globe. Japan, America, Mongolia, and tribal Africa are the backdrops for discovering what’s universal in human babyhood and what’s a product of culture.

The Ups: This film expands your mind about how other people live. Be amazed as you see a baby crawling, naked, across the steppes of Mongolia, heedlessly weaving through the hoofs of his parents’ cattle. Be even more amazed as you realize this isn’t as outrageous or odd as it sounds. Plus, they're really cute.

The Downs: Nancy hated this movie, so I guess it’s not for everyone. With no narration, it’s very NPR in its approach, way more sociology than story. It’s not about poverty – all the babies are healthy, well-fed, and well-loved – but about being human in various circumstances.

The Verdict: Rent it. Then send Nancy a note saying how much you loved it at comments@sixseeds.org This is one to watch with the family, although be ready for some non-sexual, National Geographic style nudity. Read our full review here.

Be Aware: Rated PG for cultural and maternal nudity.

The Chat with Kids: Do we need all the toys and gadgets offered in the States to be happy? What makes a family? Would you like to live in Mongolia, Japan, or Africa?

Get him to the Greek

The Gist: A dumpy employee for a concert promoter must bring back a famous rock star for his show in LA. Sounds easy, except the rock star is way too busy partying, drinking, doing drugs, and generally living up to his rock star image.

The Ups: Funny. Very funny.

The Downs: Did I mention the rock star image? It’s played to the hilt in this bawdry flick. Absolutely, positively not for kids or teens, although it will probably appeal to teens the most.

The Verdict: If you’ve got the stomach for full-tilt raunch, it’s a funny movie. If not, skip it.

Be Aware: Rated R for strong sexual content and drug use throughout and language.

The Chat with Kids: How do we pick what to watch? What is funny? Is it something shocking or is there more to humor than that?

Exit Through the Gift Shop

Documentary

The Gist: This film explores the shadowy world of “street artists,” stealthy night-painters who put up images on walls, overpasses, and buildings in urban areas. Some are little more than graffiti and some are breathtaking (although illegal) works of art. The most famous is the British artist who keeps his identity secret but goes by the name of Banksy. He’s credited as the producer on the film, and appears in the film, but since he keeps his identity secret, no one can confirm if anything in the film is real. That’s  just the way Banksy wants it.

The Ups: Once you get sucked into the underground world of street art, it’s quite interesting. Some of Banksy’s work is challenging and beautiful, just as great art should be. Other artists featured, however, are little more than posers.

The Downs: Don’t these people have any respect for private property? The hubris of defacing other peoples’ walls in the name of “art” is never explored. The hubris of calling yourself an artist for putting a machine gun in Elvis’s hand, however, is. As is commercialization of street art. In the process, the movie asks the ageless question “what is art?” and finds that it doesn’t have the answers it thought it did. The film is longer than the interest of the audience (at least mine), however, and bogs down in places. Have a crossword puzzle handy.

The Verdict: If you’re interested in art, graffiti, or Banksy, this is a must-see. Also interesting for teens who might be considering a career in art. (Or who participate in graffiti, but that’s another problem.)

Be Aware: Rated R for language. Consider if that's a problem before showing to your teens.

The Chat with Kids: What constitutes art? How does Banksy compare to lesser known graffiti artists? Does his work fit in with Aristotle’s claim that “The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance?” What are the moral implications of inflicting your “art” on other peoples’ walls? Is it ever ok? What about in a totalitarian state?

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