Frontline: Growing Up Online. (DVD). WGBH Educational Foundation; a Frontline co-production with Ark Media, LLC. Written by Rachel Dretzin ; produced and directed by Rachel Dretzin and John Maggio. 2010.
Summary
Adolescents today have a vast amount of information at their fingertips via the Internet. On this DVD, Frontline explores the impact that the Internet has on kids today by observing, interviewing, and researching both teens and their parents. Topics like cyberbullying, Youtube celebrities, gaming, and online predators.
Critical Evaluation
Growing Up Online is an eye-opening look into the impact that the Internet has on today's kids. It's both sad and shocking to witness kids whose only friends are the ones he has online. There is also the story of Ryan Halligan who was bullied online so badly that he eventually committed suicide. This scenario is one that has been occurring way too often in recent months, or at least the instances that the news is reporting. Frontline interviews worried parents who are concerned that their children don't have the knowledge or maturity to navigate the internet and make wise decisions. One girl rolls her eyes and says, "My parents don't understand that I've spent pretty much since second grade online. I know what to avoid." The girl is partly right. Too many parents stick their children in front of televisions and computers instead of spending time bonding. As a society we must question the importance of the Internet in the lives of our children. It is unavoidable, but what steps can we take to teach them to be responsible about using it? Growing Up Online raises these questions and tries to find that answer. This a a must have in any library collection. It is an educational tool that should be used.
Reader's Annotation
Frontline explores the impact the Internet has on teens and parents.
About Frontline
Frontline explores and illuminates the critical issues of our times - from Iraq and the war on terror, business, the economy to social issues, politics and health.
Genre
Televison program, Education
Curriculum Ties
Sociology, Internet Awareness
Discussion Ideas
1) Discuss what you use the Internet for.
2) How much time do you spend online and why?
3) Discuss things you can do to prevent cyberbullying.
4) Discuss the importance of being aware of online predators.
Reading Level/Interest Age
All ages
Challenge Issues
N/A
Why Included in Titles Selected
I think Internet use among teenagers is an important subject that should be discussed.
Showing posts with label DVD. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DVD. Show all posts
Sunday, December 5, 2010
10. The Vampire Diaries - Season One (DVD)
The Vampire Diaries Season One. (DVD). Burbank, Calif.: Warner Home Video, 2010. ISBN 9781419891076.
Plot Summary
Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) lives in Mystic Falls with her younger brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) and Aunt Jenna (Sara Canning). A mysterious new student arrives at school in the form of Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Elena is instantly attracted to the handsome Stefan and soon there lives come together and a relationship begins to form. With Stefan's arrival comes a string of strange and violent animal attacks. Something, or someone is attacking and sometimes killing the residents of Mystic Falls. Enter the dark and brooding Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) who seems set on destroying any happiness for his brother, Stefan. As the town gets wrapped in fear over the mysterious attacks, Elena learns that the Salvatore brothers have a horrible secret. They are vampires and Mystic Falls used to be their home. To complicate matters further, Elena is the spitting image of the woman both Stefan and Damon fell in love with over 100 years ago. Why did the brothers return to Mystic Falls? How do they walk around in daylight? Does Stefan really love Elena or does he have another motive?
Critical Evaluation
This television series was developed by Kevin Williamson and is based on the series of books by L.J. Smith. Fans of the Twilight movies who want a more mature, violent, and sexy take on vampires will love this show. The show is full of teen angst. Elena and Jeremy lost their parents in a car accident and are trying to have a normal life. The characters can all be found at any normal high school in small-town America. Parents may find the show a bit racy. The vampires all look like models and are shirtless most of the time. The violence can get pretty gruesome with a lot of bloody neck biting. The story is easy to get wrapped up in. Stefan tries to be a vampire that cares about humans so he doesn't drink human blood. Damon is the total opposite. He is mean, violent, and doesn't care about human life. The great thing about this show is that the characters evolve and change and go through real emotions. This show is addictive.
Reader's Annotation
Elena is attracted to the mysterious new guy who just arrived in Mystic Falls right when people are getting attacked by a vicious unknown creature.
About the Creator of the series
Kevin Williamson is an American screenwriter. He is best known for the horror films Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Faculty, as well as the popular teen t.v. series Dawson's Creek.
Genre
Supernatural, Vampires
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Discussion Ideas
1) Discuss the differences between the television series and the book series.
2) With all the vampire shows, movies, and books out, which ones do you like the most.
3) Discuss the relationship between Elena, Damon, and Stefan. What are their true intentions?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 15+
Challenge Issues
Violence, Drinking, Drug use
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the book series and television show
-Refer to the show's website: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries
Why Included in Titles Selected
I heard it was way better than Twilight so I gave it a try and love it.
Plot Summary
Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) lives in Mystic Falls with her younger brother Jeremy (Steven R. McQueen) and Aunt Jenna (Sara Canning). A mysterious new student arrives at school in the form of Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Elena is instantly attracted to the handsome Stefan and soon there lives come together and a relationship begins to form. With Stefan's arrival comes a string of strange and violent animal attacks. Something, or someone is attacking and sometimes killing the residents of Mystic Falls. Enter the dark and brooding Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) who seems set on destroying any happiness for his brother, Stefan. As the town gets wrapped in fear over the mysterious attacks, Elena learns that the Salvatore brothers have a horrible secret. They are vampires and Mystic Falls used to be their home. To complicate matters further, Elena is the spitting image of the woman both Stefan and Damon fell in love with over 100 years ago. Why did the brothers return to Mystic Falls? How do they walk around in daylight? Does Stefan really love Elena or does he have another motive?
Critical Evaluation
This television series was developed by Kevin Williamson and is based on the series of books by L.J. Smith. Fans of the Twilight movies who want a more mature, violent, and sexy take on vampires will love this show. The show is full of teen angst. Elena and Jeremy lost their parents in a car accident and are trying to have a normal life. The characters can all be found at any normal high school in small-town America. Parents may find the show a bit racy. The vampires all look like models and are shirtless most of the time. The violence can get pretty gruesome with a lot of bloody neck biting. The story is easy to get wrapped up in. Stefan tries to be a vampire that cares about humans so he doesn't drink human blood. Damon is the total opposite. He is mean, violent, and doesn't care about human life. The great thing about this show is that the characters evolve and change and go through real emotions. This show is addictive.
Reader's Annotation
Elena is attracted to the mysterious new guy who just arrived in Mystic Falls right when people are getting attacked by a vicious unknown creature.
About the Creator of the series
Kevin Williamson is an American screenwriter. He is best known for the horror films Scream, I Know What You Did Last Summer, and The Faculty, as well as the popular teen t.v. series Dawson's Creek.
Genre
Supernatural, Vampires
Curriculum Ties
N/A
Discussion Ideas
1) Discuss the differences between the television series and the book series.
2) With all the vampire shows, movies, and books out, which ones do you like the most.
3) Discuss the relationship between Elena, Damon, and Stefan. What are their true intentions?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 15+
Challenge Issues
Violence, Drinking, Drug use
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the book series and television show
-Refer to the show's website: http://www.cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries
Why Included in Titles Selected
I heard it was way better than Twilight so I gave it a try and love it.
2. 17 Again (DVD)
17 Again. Directed by Burr Steers. (DVD). ISBN: 9781419873843. Studio: New Line Home Entertainment. Burbank, CA : Distributed by Warner Home Video. 2009.
Plot Summary
At the start of the movie, star basketball player Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) is playing in the 1989 high-school championship game. He has a chance at a college basketball scholarship and his future is looking bright. During a break in the game his girlfriend Scarlett (Allison Miller) tells him that she is pregnant. Mike decides to abandon his future dreams of becoming a basketball star and leaves the game and proposes to Scarlett. Flash-forward 20 years to Mike (Matthew Perry) whose life is now in ruins: Scarlett has left him, his kids hate him, and he quits his job. Mike is full of regrets about never pursuing his dreams. Mike finds himself at his daughter's high school reminiscing about the past when he runs into a janitor (Brian Doyle Murray) who has the power to transform Mike back into his 17-year old self. Mike takes this as a sign to relive his past and possibly change his future for the better. He enrolls in his children's school and joins the basketball team. He soon realizes his kids have problems of their own and that maybe his life isn't such a bad thing after all.
Critical Evaluation
This is a sweet, funny, and easy to watch film. It deals with topics such as regret, family relationships, and love. The movie does take an uncomfortable turn when Mike goes back to high school and befriends his teenage daughter. She doesn't know that he is actually the teenage version of her father and ends up being attracted to him in more ways than one. Other than the cringe-worthy scenes between father and daughter, the film is a lighthearted and fun. It's definitely not Oscar winning by any means but a great comedy for the whole family nonetheless.
Reader's Annotation
Mike (Matthew Perry) is an adult whose life is falling apart. He gets a second chance at life when he is magically transformed into his 17-year old self (Zac Efron) and attends high school again.
About the Director
Burr Steers is an American actor, screenwriter, and director. He has appeared in films such as Pulp Fiction, The Last Days of Disco, and Fix. Steers wrote and directed Igby Goes Down in 2002. He has directed episodes of the television shows Weeds, The L Word, and Big Love.
Genre
DVD, Humor, Romance
Curriculum Ties
None
Discussion Ideas
1) Would you go back in time in order to get a second chance at something?
2) Have you ever had regrets and did you learn from them?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 13+
Challenge Issues
Mild language
References to sex
Challenge defense ideas
-PG-13 rating
Why Included in Titles Selected
Stars popular actor Zac Efron from the High School Musical movies
Plot Summary
At the start of the movie, star basketball player Mike O'Donnell (Zac Efron) is playing in the 1989 high-school championship game. He has a chance at a college basketball scholarship and his future is looking bright. During a break in the game his girlfriend Scarlett (Allison Miller) tells him that she is pregnant. Mike decides to abandon his future dreams of becoming a basketball star and leaves the game and proposes to Scarlett. Flash-forward 20 years to Mike (Matthew Perry) whose life is now in ruins: Scarlett has left him, his kids hate him, and he quits his job. Mike is full of regrets about never pursuing his dreams. Mike finds himself at his daughter's high school reminiscing about the past when he runs into a janitor (Brian Doyle Murray) who has the power to transform Mike back into his 17-year old self. Mike takes this as a sign to relive his past and possibly change his future for the better. He enrolls in his children's school and joins the basketball team. He soon realizes his kids have problems of their own and that maybe his life isn't such a bad thing after all.
Critical Evaluation
This is a sweet, funny, and easy to watch film. It deals with topics such as regret, family relationships, and love. The movie does take an uncomfortable turn when Mike goes back to high school and befriends his teenage daughter. She doesn't know that he is actually the teenage version of her father and ends up being attracted to him in more ways than one. Other than the cringe-worthy scenes between father and daughter, the film is a lighthearted and fun. It's definitely not Oscar winning by any means but a great comedy for the whole family nonetheless.
Reader's Annotation
Mike (Matthew Perry) is an adult whose life is falling apart. He gets a second chance at life when he is magically transformed into his 17-year old self (Zac Efron) and attends high school again.
About the Director
Burr Steers is an American actor, screenwriter, and director. He has appeared in films such as Pulp Fiction, The Last Days of Disco, and Fix. Steers wrote and directed Igby Goes Down in 2002. He has directed episodes of the television shows Weeds, The L Word, and Big Love.
Genre
DVD, Humor, Romance
Curriculum Ties
None
Discussion Ideas
1) Would you go back in time in order to get a second chance at something?
2) Have you ever had regrets and did you learn from them?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 13+
Challenge Issues
Mild language
References to sex
Challenge defense ideas
-PG-13 rating
Why Included in Titles Selected
Stars popular actor Zac Efron from the High School Musical movies
1. The Secret Life of the American Teenager - Season One (DVD)
The Secret Life of the American teenager (DVD). ISBN: 9780788894435. Studio: ABC Family Buena Vista Home Entertainment. 2008.
Summary
In this television series' first episode, Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) comes home from band practice and locks herself in the bathroom. In her hand is a pregnancy test. Her mother, played by 1980's teen movie star Molly Ringwald (Pretty in Pink) talks to her about the day, oblivious to what is going on. The test comes up positive and the devastation on Amy's face is clear. Season One focuses on how Amy's pregnancy affects her, her family, her friends, and the baby's father, a admitted "player" and troubled teen named Ricky Underwood (Daren Kagasoff). Amy struggles with telling her loved ones and questioning abortion and adoption. To add to the confusion Amy is being pursued by a nice guy named Ben (Kenny Baumann) and they end up falling in love. As the series progresses Amy finds out she isn't the only one keeping secrets in a world where everyone seems to be judging her.
Critical Evaluation
The Secret Life of the American Teenager approaches the subject of teenage pregnancy with kids gloves. It sends a clear message that teens need to consider using protection yet it doesn't get too preachy about it. The show doesn't go too deep into the "how" it happened as much as "what do we do now." The show's creator is Brenda Hampton who also created 7th Heaven. Both shows seem to take a family values approach to the subject matter and content of each episode. There are clear stereotypes: the troubled loner, the band geek, the religious girl, the jocks. The series has a lot of great information and opinions and doesn't need to use bad language or explicit sex scenes to get its point across.
Viewer's Annotation
Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) must deal with being a pregnant teenager. Does she keep it a secret from her friends and family? Does she even want to keep the baby?
About the Author
Brenda Hampton is an American television show creator, writer, and producer. Her shows include 7th Heaven, Fat Actress, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
Genre
Television Series
Curriculum Ties
Sociology
Booktalking Ideas
1) Have you or someone you know had to deal with teenage pregnancy?
2) What do you know about safe sex and/or abstinence? Are these things important to you?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 14 +
Challenge Issues
Teen pregnancy
Discussions about sex
Mild sexual situations
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the show's topic and positive viewpoints.
-Refer to http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/secret-life-american-teenager for information about the show.
Why Included in Titles Selected
Recommended by a co-worker
Summary
In this television series' first episode, Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) comes home from band practice and locks herself in the bathroom. In her hand is a pregnancy test. Her mother, played by 1980's teen movie star Molly Ringwald (Pretty in Pink) talks to her about the day, oblivious to what is going on. The test comes up positive and the devastation on Amy's face is clear. Season One focuses on how Amy's pregnancy affects her, her family, her friends, and the baby's father, a admitted "player" and troubled teen named Ricky Underwood (Daren Kagasoff). Amy struggles with telling her loved ones and questioning abortion and adoption. To add to the confusion Amy is being pursued by a nice guy named Ben (Kenny Baumann) and they end up falling in love. As the series progresses Amy finds out she isn't the only one keeping secrets in a world where everyone seems to be judging her.
Critical Evaluation
The Secret Life of the American Teenager approaches the subject of teenage pregnancy with kids gloves. It sends a clear message that teens need to consider using protection yet it doesn't get too preachy about it. The show doesn't go too deep into the "how" it happened as much as "what do we do now." The show's creator is Brenda Hampton who also created 7th Heaven. Both shows seem to take a family values approach to the subject matter and content of each episode. There are clear stereotypes: the troubled loner, the band geek, the religious girl, the jocks. The series has a lot of great information and opinions and doesn't need to use bad language or explicit sex scenes to get its point across.
Viewer's Annotation
Amy Juergens (Shailene Woodley) must deal with being a pregnant teenager. Does she keep it a secret from her friends and family? Does she even want to keep the baby?
About the Author
Brenda Hampton is an American television show creator, writer, and producer. Her shows include 7th Heaven, Fat Actress, and The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
Genre
Television Series
Curriculum Ties
Sociology
Booktalking Ideas
1) Have you or someone you know had to deal with teenage pregnancy?
2) What do you know about safe sex and/or abstinence? Are these things important to you?
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 14 +
Challenge Issues
Teen pregnancy
Discussions about sex
Mild sexual situations
Challenge defense ideas
-Become familiar with the show's topic and positive viewpoints.
-Refer to http://abcfamily.go.com/shows/secret-life-american-teenager for information about the show.
Why Included in Titles Selected
Recommended by a co-worker
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