Search - Summer of the Monkeys on DVD

Great, but shouldn't be rated G!

Jen B | VA | 11/24/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have not read the book, so I have no point of reference there, but I did enjoy the movie very much.

It really is touching, and I thought it was well done all around.

HOWEVER, there is no way I'd give this a G rating. I was pretty regretful to have let my child watch this one, without skipping over parts. I don't think she caught the part where an old bootlegger is described as one who would shoot you and put your head up on a stick as a warning to others, but I am sure she did notice the dead body shown later in the film. It was unnecessarily gruesome, imo, panning slowly up the cold, pale hand, over the body, crushed by a tree, and focusing on the horrible, pale, dead face, with eyes open. I didn't say anything and I hope it won't haunt her. It probably will me though!

I'm learning the hard way that just because a movie is rated G, doesn't mean it is suitable for young kids. There was a lot to love about this movie and it provoked lots of good family discussion about unselfishness, love, forgiveness, and so on. There was also a lot of fighting and many scary moments, including a storm scene. The overall lessons are positive though, just beware of certain parts, if you have a young, or sensitive child"