Everybody's a critic: 'Bad News Bears'

One star (out of four)

"Bad News Bears" is bad news.

This remake of a 1976 movie is not worth your time or money. I realize that the children are supposed to be "out of the norm," but what is the norm, anyway?

The extreme use of language and the attitudes that went along with it was completely offensive. I would not allow my children to see this movie. I do realize that children are made fun of when they are different.

However, children learn from what they see and hear. You can tell that the Bears learned their language, attitudes and criticism from their parents -- a fairly accurate portrayal of today's society.

-- Jamie Crowell, teacher

---

One star (out of four)

First off, you probably shouldn't take young children to this movie unless you want them coming out with friction burns on their ears. This unnecessary remake should have been called "Badder News Bears." Its only real additions to the 30-year-old original come in added sexual content, more profanity and what feels like a lot of running time.

I'm not sure all of the parents with children at the movie I attended were expecting "South Park"-style content. I heard a couple of 9-year-old girls next to me quizzing each other on the meaning behind one crude moment. One moviegoer described checking his ticket during the film to make sure it was PG-13.

It's too bad in a way, because the message at the end of the film is one children and parents need to hear: Winning is less important than trying. Giving each other a chance is more important than victory. Losing hurts, but doing better than you thought you could is worth celebrating.

-- Donna Sternickle, business owner