This week in family viewing brings the theatrical re-release of an iconic 1980s action flick (Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer) and a mixed martial arts comedy on DVD (Here Comes the Boom, starring Kevin James and Salma Hayek). Read on to find out what’s appropriate for the whole family.
What’s it about? In the midst of the Cold War, a bunch of Navy pilots with names like Maverick and Iceman talk trash and play volleyball.
Who’s it for? It’s rated PG for “action Sequences, language and some sexual content.” Top Gun was pretty racy for those of who came of age in the 1980s, and some of the language is pretty coarse, but on the whole the movie is safe for young teens.
Is it any good? Top Gun helped to make Tom Cruise the biggest star on the planet, and it features some exhilarating flight sequences, but critics found it to be more stylish than emotionally involving.
What’s it about? Kevin James stars as an indifferent high school teacher who is roused into action when the school is threatened with budget cuts. His solution: raise money by battling on the mixed martial arts circuit.
Who’s it for? It’s rated PG for “for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language.” It’s likely to seem pretty mild compared to a typical night of televised UFC.
Is it any good? Critics say James is surprisingly convincing as a fighter, but Here Comes the Boom is a little too bland and predictable to work as a whole.
