| Overall: | B- |
|---|---|
| Violence: | C+ |
| Sexual Content: | B |
| Language: | C+ |
| Drugs/Alcohol: | A- |
| Run Time: | 90 |
| Theater Release: | |
| Video Release: | 03 Nov 2009 |
| MPAA Rating: | |
| See Canadian Ratings | |
| How We Determine Our Grades | |
After watching a movie with your children or students, we encourage parents and teachers to look for education opportunities to teach with movies. Here are a few discussion topics that can help with lesson plans or teaching in the home.
What are the two different strategies Tom and his cousin Jake have for tackling the aliens? Is one better than the other? How are these varying viewpoints a reflection of the personal pastimes of each of the teens?
Throughout the movie, Tom struggles with his self-image. How does he respond to the expectations of his peers and cousins? What negative stereotypes does he war with? What does he learn about himself during his battle with the space creatures? How does it affect the relationship he has with his father?
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About the Reviewer: Rod Gustafson
Rod Gustafson has worked in various media industries since 1977. He founded Parent Previews in 1993, and today continues to write and broadcast the reviews in newspapers, on radio and (of course) on the Internet. He currently serves as the President of the Alberta Association for Media Awareness, a provincial non-profit society. He also authors a regular column for The Parent's Television Council in Los Angeles. He and his wife Donna have four children.
