Trina Boice's Blog: The Boice Box, page 8

Are you a lexophile?

As a writer, I love playing with words.  I'm not very good at it, so I especially admire those who are.  "Lexophile" is a word used to describe those who love using words in rather unique ways, such as "you can tune a piano, but you can't tuna fish", or "to write with a broken pencil is pointless." 

A competition to see who can come up with the best one is held every year. This year's winning submission is posted at the very end.

. When fish are in schools, they sometimes take debate.

. A thief who stole a calendar got twelve months.

. When the smog lifts in Los Angeles U.C.L.A.

. The batteries were given out free of charge.

. A dentist and a manicurist married. They fought tooth and nail.

. A will is a dead giveaway.

... With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.

. A boiled egg is hard to beat.

. When you've seen one shopping Center you've seen a mall.

. Police were called to a day careCenter where a three-year-old was resisting a rest.

. Did you hear about the fellow whose whole left side was cut off? He's all right now.

. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.

. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.

. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine is now fully recovered.

. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.

. When she saw her first strands of grey hair she thought she'd dye.

. Acupuncture is a jab well done. That's the point of it.

And the cream of the wretched crop:

. Those who get too big for their pants will be exposed in the end.

Some of the worst book covers. Ever.

As an author, I stress out about the cover of my books before they come out.  After all, book buyers actually DO read a book by its cover.  Check out some of these truly awful covers for a good laugh and possibly, for some inspiration on YOUR book!

                                 

3 days more of script polishing could help 3 Days To Kill move plot

Movie Title:   3 Days to KillPG-13, 1 hour 40 minutes
Grade:   B

In a Nutshell:   I’ve seen this movie a million times.  Of course, I haven’t seen this actual movie before, but it sure felt like it.  It’s pretty formulaic: crusty old international spy…done.  Creepy looking villain who just won’t die…done.  Obligatory car chase scene…done.  Snarky teenage daughter who has a conflicted relationship with her absentee father…done.  Sexy vixen spy who always has a cigarette in her hand and who is too cool and hardened for her young age…done.  Absentee father trying to reconcile with his family….done.  Sweet revenge…done.
Don’t get me wrong.  If you love all that stuff (I do!), you’ll be entertained.  If you’re looking for a fresh story, move on.  Writer Luc Besson can pump out action-thrillers that will help you pass a fun hour and half with a bowl of popcorn, but not deep story lines that will spark a very long dinner conversation.  If you enjoyed his recent flicks The Transporter, Lockout and The Family, then you’ll get a kick out of this one as well.
Uplifting theme:   Unfortunately, many people wait until they hear the big “C” word (cancer) from their doctor to start prioritizing what’s truly important in life.  It always comes back to family.  The movie addresses the constant battle to balance work and family life.  The father rescues his daughter several times and she rescues him right back.
Things I liked: I loved the daughter’s obnoxious ring tone I Love It (I Don't Care)  I hate that stupid song and thought it fit the bratty daughter’s personality perfectly.Cute twin girls.  I have a twin sister!The movie takes place in beautiful Paris.  You get to enjoy lots of views of the Eifel Tower.The comical relationship between Ethan and Mitat, the father of the twins, who he tries to get information from…professional and parenting information.  I've always enjoyed Kevin Costner who does a great job at playing the straight man with humor.Ethan’s wife is beautiful, played by the stunning Connie Nielsen.  She kind of reminds me of Diane Lane, whom I recently met in person!   Below is a terrible picture of me, but isn't she cute?
Things I didn’t like: Kevin Costner’s gravelly voice.  He reminded me of Christian Bale’s voice in Batman's I Love It (I Don't Care).There is a scene were the vixen CIA agent (Amber Heard) and Kevin Costner argue about goatees and young men right after he kills people.  It’s supposed to be witty and charming, but it’s not quite a successful effort.  3 more days on the script could have put together better playful banter for the entire movie.It’s silly that an experienced assassin would be flustered by almost anything. I hate it when rude teenagers call their dad by their first name in an act of defiance because they don’t think their dad has been a good father.  It’s been done a million times in movies and always bugs me.“What kind of kid doesn’t know how to ride a bike?” asks Ethan.  His daughter hurls “The kind of kid who doesn’t have a father to teach her.”  I saw that line coming a million miles away.  Of course she doesn’t know how to dance either, so they share bonding moments riding a bike and learning how to dance.  Cookie-cutter scenes.The names of the bad guys aren’t the most original or awe-inspiring: The Wolf and The Albino. 
Funny lines:  “Ethan, don’t say anything weird.”  - Daughter says to her dad when she leaves him alone with her boyfriend to talk for a few minutes
Tips for parents:   Decapitation, shooting, torture with some blood.

Want to participate in Trina Boice's blog tour?

Trina Boice and Cedar Fort Publishing & Media are pleased to announce “Base Hits and Home Run Relationships: What Women Wish Guys Knew” blog tour, which will run from April 19-May 10, 2014.

If you’re interested in participating in this blog tour, please email us or leave a comment below.

About the book:
Love is like baseball, so hit a home run in your relationship! With Trina Boice’s advice, any man can learn how to step up to the plate. Learn tips, stats, and skills to make a powerful and lasting romance whether you’re in the “minor league” of dating or the “major league” of married life.

Hunger Games book and movie fans can now get Catching Fire on DVD

If you’re a Hunger Games fan, then you’ve probably already seen this, but if you haven’t, it’s now in stores on DVD for rental or purchase!
Movie Title:  The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
Grade: A
In a Nutshell:  This movie franchise has all the odds ever in its favor.  The gritty books are best-sellers and the intense films don’t disappoint.  The special effects are great and you really find yourself enveloped in the dark world of these compelling characters.  The games feel familiar from the first movie, but they take on some new twists that engage your sensibilities and heart.  As Haymitch Abernathy states “Last year was child’s play; this year you’re dealing with all experienced killers.” The fans and the smart storyline mature with this second movie in the successful trilogy.
President Snow announces “On the seventy-fifth anniversary, as a reminder to the rebels that even the strongest among them cannot overcome the power of the Capitol, the male and female tributes will be reaped from their existing pool of victors.”  And then it begins.
Uplifting theme:  I liked the speech Peeta gave in District 11: “Our lives aren’t measured in years, but in the lives we touch and touch us around us.” “We don’t need to destroy her – just her image.  Sew fear.  It doesn’t work as long as they have hope” counsels Plutarch Heavensbee.  Hope is a very powerful thing.  When you’ve lost everything, hope is everything.  Primrose tells her sister that she notices something different about her world now.  Katniss asks “What can you see?”  Her answer:  “Hope.”  Katniss becomes the mockingjay herself, the image of a new hope to her people.The grim violence is physical AND emotional, deepening the layers of imprisonment and drama.  There is a weighty theme of cultural and personal revolution that could begin an interesting dinner table conversation in your home.Simply surviving is not the end-game, but creating a meaningful life that blesses those around you is.  Primrose Everdeen says to her sister “You saved my life.  You gave me a chance.”  Katniss confirms “Yes, to live.” Primrose corrects “No, to do something.”
Things I liked:I loved the FANTASTIC wedding dress-turned mocking jay gown visual effects!The cast is terrific: Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Donald Sutherland, and Woody Harrelson.  Philip Seymour Hoffman was a national treasure and will be missed.The “lethal lovers” Katniss and Peeta twist their lives together in a new way that may become a new prison of sorts, even if they’re able to pull it off.
Things I didn’t like:I thought the yucky blisters caused by the fog were pretty gross.  I definitely felt relief when they were able to wash away the pain in the waterThe film is almost 2 ½ hours long, but ends abruptly.  Dang it!  Thankfully, we won’t have to wait too long to watch the rest of the story.  The third movie installment in the trilogy is expected to release on the big screen November 21, 2014.   Like the Harry Potter franchise, the final part of the story is going to be split into two movies: Mockingjay 1 and 2.  The very last movie will hit theaters November 10, 2015. Love triangles are a bit tired.
Interesting lines:“That’s how the friend thing works…you have to tell each other deep stuff.”President Snow: While you and Peeta are on tour, you need to smile, you need to be grateful, but above all, you need to madly end it all in love. You think you can manage that? Katniss Everdeen: Yes.President Snow: "Yes" what?Katniss Everdeen: I'll convince them.President Snow: No. Convince me.“Don’t look so cute.  We’ll kill you anyways.”  - Johanna Mason“Say good-bye and forget them.  I do my best, thinking of them one by one, releasing them like birds from the protective cages inside me, locking the doors against their return.”  - Katniss Everdeen“No wonder I won the Games.  No decent person ever does.” – Katniss Everdeen
Things to look for:You only seem them for a few seconds, but I adore Effie’s super cute gloves at the party on the last night of their tour.Effie’s outfits in this movie are fantastic.  Look at the details on her butterfly outfit.Katniss hangs the model of Seneca Crane in an act of defiance during the judging.  Did you know a spile, the tool Katniss uses to get water out of a tree, really works?  It’s used to get sap out of sugar maple trees to produce maple syrup.You can learn more about Tap My Tree Maple Spile and HookDid you know that Effie’s last name is Trinket?  So appropriate, don’t you think?  I love that her character deepens in this installment in the story.
Tips for parents: There is some violence (mostly bloodless) and a cold-faced attitude of murder that should begin an honest discussion of humanity in your family. There is some profanity, but the Capitol itself bleeps out two F-bombs.
If you missed the first one and need to catch up, here are some links to the books and movies:

Free book of love just in time for Valentine's Day!

Just in time for Valentine's Day...my Gift of Love eBook version is FREE today through Friday!  http://www.amazon.com/Gift-Love-Trina-Boice-ebook/dp/B00IDAY3IO/


Thank you for reading my silly blog. I hope you know how much I love you! Happy Valentine's Day!

The Monuments Men Saved over 5 million pieces of art and literature!

Movie Title:  The Monuments Men
Grade:  BPG-13, 1 hour 52 minutes
In a Nutshell:  This lovely movie is based on a true story and I admit that I’m curious to learn more about what really happened as the small group of art experts tried to save priceless pieces of history as the Nazi regime began to fall in WWII Europe.  I was in Italy just a few months ago, basking in all of the beautiful artwork and can’t imagine what a terrible loss it would have been to humanity if we didn’t have some of the masterpieces that exist in that country alone. 
Based on the non-fiction telling by Robert M. Edsel,Monuments Men, the subject matter and setting are fascinating.  Unfortunately, the movie falls a bit short of what could have been an outstanding journey worthy of Oscar buzz...for next year.  (It was supposed to be released at Christmas in time for this year's Oscars, but George Clooney chose to wait.)  The audience I watched the movie with consisted of mostly older people, some who looked like they could have actually fought in WWII. 
This brief tour through war-torn Europe was directed, written, and performed by George Clooney.  It’s a bit of “Geriatric Band of Brothers” meets “Saving Private Ryan”, although not nearly as realistic or good as the latter.  The audience loved the camaraderie among the men and were left wanting a little more out of the star-studded cast which includes Matt Damon, Bill Murray, John Goodman, Bob Balaban, Hugh Bonneville and the exquisite Cate Blanchett.
Uplifting theme:  What a sobering reminder this film features that Hitler stole lives, art, and even history from all of us.  James Granger says “He really wanted it all.”  Frank Stokes corrects him “He wanted everything.”  Frank Stokes continually reminds his crew that their lives are worth more than a piece of art, and yet they are all willing to sacrifice everything in order to preserve it because it represents mankind’s greatest accomplishments.  
I love that the men refer to various works of art as “she” and “her”, granting true life to images that capture our very soul.  Frank Stokes narrates the journey and explains that they were fighting for culture, our history, and our very way of life.  The works of art are not simply beautiful things to look at and admire, but our history…yours….mine.   It was inspiring to learn that over 5 million pieces were recovered through The Monuments Menproject.
Things I liked:It was refreshing to see a loyal husband resist an invitation of infidelity, especially on a lonely night in romantic Paris.  Matt Damon’s character, James Granger, even returned the tie he was given by the hopeful woman.The sets and scenery were breathtaking.One of the most profound scenes was when (SPOILER ALERT) the group finds a big barrel of gold nuggets and then realizes they were from the mouths of Jews who were killed by the Nazis. The scene carried a sobering weight that other scenes lacked.  The audience gasped a few times, which I think, would have made George Clooney proud.
Things I didn’t like:It’s a bit slow-moving and disjointed with not nearly enough humor and some missed opportunities to make the film truly wonderful.  Substitute the last line of the movie with something better like “Come on, I want to show you something else!”
Funny lines: “Do we get to kill anybody?” – Preston Savitz“Speak English” said several people to James Granger whose French was terrible.  I’ve been to France and they really do hate it when we Americans attempt to speak their beautiful language.James Granger explains “I seem to have stepped on a land mine.” Frank queries “Why would you do that?” repeated by Walter Garfield.  James says “It was a slow day.”  I thought that scene was well done as they tried to come up with a solution and were prepared for any outcome.An American soldier says after the war was announced to be over “Isn’t there supposed to be a parade or something?” to which James Granger gently corrects “Probably not in Germany.”While talking about setting up some dynamite, two on the team have the following exchange: “Maybe I should do this.”  “What do you know about explosives?”  “Nothing.”  “Ok.”
Inspiring lines:“Who will be their protectors?  Who will make sure the Mona Lisa is still smiling?” – Frank Stokes“It’s not bad.”  “It’s not good” – an exchange as two of the crew look at a canvas of Hitler’s artwork from his failed run as an art student“Frank explains his passion about the Monument Men project by saying “If you destroy their achievements, it’s like they never existed.”“Great works of art can never belong to one individual.”  - Donald Jeffries
Things to learn more about:  George Clooney said of this film “It’s so rare to do any story that people don’t know.” I would love to learn more!Ghent Altarpiece and the Art of Jan Van EyckRussia’s Soviet Trophy Brigade The Nero Decreestated that if Hitler died, the Nazis were to destroy Germany’s infrastructure, as well as other valuables, including art.  Nero was blamed for the fire that destroyed much of Rome.  Forty-two days after issuing the Nero Decree, Hitler killed himself, and a week later, Germany surrendered.Michelangelo: the Bruges Madonna and the Piccolomini altar,
Tips for parents:  There is some profanity, but not as much as you would think there would be in a war movie.  People are killed and wounded with some blood and gore.

The Lego Movie is a whirl of wit and charm for all ages

Movie Title:  The Lego Movie
Grade:  A-
In a Nutshell:  Quick-witted fun for all ages, as well as obvious Lego lovers.  While raising 4 boys, I’ve sucked up my share of miscellaneous Lego pieces on the carpet with my vacuum cleaner over the years, as well as stepped on the sharp plastic corners in the middle of the night one too many times, but I still love Legos.  Actually, the plural of Lego is Lego, so I should change that last sentence, but I won’t because I’m as sassy as the movie.
I lived only a few blocks away from LegoLandin Carlsbad, California for 6 years and even had an annual membership.  That theme park is simply adorable and a truly fun amusement park for the whole family.  One of the things I love about LegoLandis its keen sense of humor and that it doesn’t take itself so seriously.  This movie is exactly that. 
The jokes fly fast and furiously and the story line is surprisingly thought-out with a couple of sweet twists in the end.  It feels like free-flowing play itself with the satisfaction you get after building something well.
The fun flick is filled with tremendous voice talent, including Will Ferrell, Morgan Freeman, Liam Neeson, Jonah Hill, Channing Tatum, Elizabeth Banks, Will Arnett, and Chris Pratt.  Shaquille O’Neal plays himself, and Billy Dee Williams revisits his role as Lando in Star Wars.
Uplifting theme:  Like most movies with Morgan Freeman in them, his character says the bulk of the inspiring lines in the film.“The only thing you need to be special is to believe that you are.”  - Vitruvius“We all have something that makes us something.” – Emmet’s co-workerEmmet worries “What do I do?  I don’t have my instructions!” illustrates the importance of imagination and creativity.“Believe.  Then you will see everything.”  - Vitruvius“You have to embrace what is special about you.”  - Vitruvius
Things I liked:I can’t get that “Everything is awesome!” song out of my headI love quick wit.  This movie’s jam is quick wit.The water in the shower, hot tub bubbles, and ocean white caps were fantasticI loved how Emmet did Jumping JacksFrequent use of plastic Lego flames.  It’s amazing how often they were able to use them.I thought it was cute how they tied in the use of instructions into the theme of the movie.  Emmet begins showing each step he takes in the morning, as if he’s writing instructions for you to follow.  Later, the good guys create a step-by-step plan to defeat the bad guys, identifying the correct order for you to follow.Twist ending
Things I didn’t like:No need to pay extra money for 3D.  There is almost too much stimulation and the whole film is a bit manic, similar to Christmas morning when wonderful presents and wrapping paper are strewn everywhere.My little kids were too smart to recognize that when everyone gets a trophy for just paying to be on a Little League baseball team, then the trophy isn’t worth anything.  They hated being told “Everyone is special” because that meant to them that nobody was special.  This movie has a bit of that philosophy in it, although it tries to point out that everyone is special for different reasons.Cloud Cocoaland?  I thought they could have come up with something more clever than that.
Funny lines: The adults were laughing more than the kids.  Parents won’t have to suffer through this children’s animated movie.  A lot of the humor will go over kids’ heads, and the wit happens so fast that you’re sure to miss some of it too.“Come with me if you want to not die.” – Wyldstyle/Lucy“Place the thing on the other thing and save the universe.”  - Vitruvius “We’ll wing it.  It’s a bat pun.”  -  Batman“You don’t know me, but I’m on TV, so you can trust me.” – Wyldstyle/Lucy“Let’s take extra care to follow the instructions or you’ll be put to sleep.  And don’t forget Taco Tuesday’s coming next week.”  - President Business“I only work in black.  And sometimes very, very dark grey.”  - Batman“Okay, I think it got it.  But just in case, say it all over again.  I wasn’t listening.”  - Emmet“Do you see the quotations I’m making with my claw hands?”  - Bad cop/good cop“Here are your pants.  End of series.”  - Wyldstyle/Lucy as she walks onto the set of the popular TV show “Where are my pants?”“Ow!  That is going to start hurting pretty soon.” – Emmet“I WILL text you.”  - Batman“This has been the greatest almost 15 minutes of my life.”  - Emmet“I’m dark and brooding.  Look!  A rainbow!”  - Emmet
Things to look for:  You need to pay attention, because clever gags appear and disappear quickly, along with the rapid-fire wit.  I’ll bet this film will do well with DVD sales, because everyone will want to have the power to hit the pause button on this one. There are too many details to mention.  The Legoland amusement park has a “Minland” in the center of the park that is unbelievably detailed with hidden gems everywhere.  This movie is like that.

I’ve never seen a surfer Lego dude with flowing, blonde hair!Bubbles in the hot tub in The Old WestCool Lego dust behind moving cars in the dirtLego smoke blocks from a moving train
Tips for parents:  Relax and rest easy on this one.  All of the profanity includes such lines as “Darn, darn, darny, darn” (Bad cop/good cop) and “Dangit!” (Batman & Wonder Woman).  Pretty nice, right?  Someone calls someone else a “butt”, but there is a surprisingy lack of toilet humor for a kids movie.  Nice, right?  There is a budding romance, but no Lego kissing. Merchandising for this movie is going to be huge.

First one to post a comment wins a free book!

Congratulations to 2 people who won copies of my books on recent Goodreads contests!

Shelia Albright of Norris City, IL won:  

Someone just posted a review for this book on Amazon saying: 5.0 out of 5 stars Wish I'd have had this YEARS ago!! By Courtnay Format:Paperback Growing up I didn't receive guidance or directions on finance. Therefore I've made many mistakes. This book is a MUST for anyone wanting to know what to do - with great suggestions on ways to do it! Easy to read and follow. I would encourage anyone who struggles in today's economy (and who ISN'T struggling?!...) to get this book!

Micke Best of Duboistown, PA won a free copy of: 

I found a review for this book on Amazon too: What a great resource! 5.0 out of 5 stars. What a great resource! By Jeanette on December 31, 2013 I am serving in the Young Women's and miss Relief Society. I enjoy this resource material because it helps me learn on my own the material I miss. This is a valuable resource for teachers, as well as those that miss the classes for various reasons. Thank you Trina for all your hard work on this!

Now, for a quick and fun contest.....the first 5 people who respond to this blog post with a comment will automatically win one of my ebooks for free!  So many to choose from!  Pick out which one you want on my author web site:  www.TrinaBoice.com


Ready....Set...Go!

When literature is created like I, Frankenstein

When Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein, she probably could have never imagined Aaron Eckhart's remade character in this weekend's newest opening of I, Frankenstein.

Movie Title:
I, Frankenstein
Grade:  B-

In a Nutshell:  I know a guy who was Aaron Eckhart’s college roommate.  He said that Aaron often talked about becoming a movie star some day.  He did it!  I’m sincerely happy for him.  I love Aaron Eckhart’s eyes because one of my sons has the exact same eyes. 
Based on the graphic novel by Kevin Grevioux, I, Frankensteinfeatures a teeth-gritting monster who struggles with who he is as he fights demons and Gargoylesin a battle to save mankind.  I wanted this popcorn flick to be a hit for Aaron, but sadly, it falls short of a blockbuster that’s going to get audiences really excited.  
There is not much of a plot, as the CGI effects and production design take center place.  True Mary Shelley fans will be disappointed that the classic tale has been re-invented with a ripped and skilled mixed martial artist, of sorts, as the “unholy abomination” of a monster.  If you’re into Sci-Fi or dystopian genres, you’ll the awesome special effects.  You feel mildly attached to Frankenstein, but there is not much time spent on real character development. 
Gideon is a name known to many Christians, but this character is so filled with hate that he doesn’t seem to be representing heaven.  He declares to Frankenstein “God will surely damn you.”  Frankenstein growls back “He already did.”
Uplifting theme:  Victor Frankenstein never named his creation, so Leonore, the queen of the Order of the Gargoyles symbolically names him Adam.  I’m a sucker for symbolism.  He is the first man of his kind.  He is made in the image of his maker, but has the free will to create his own life.  Like this new Adam, we often spend years trying to figure out who we really are.  It’s when we realize we need humanity and begin to love and serve others for a greater cause that we truly find ourselves.
Things I liked:I loved the way Gargoyles died in a brilliant beam of light and were instantly sent heavenward.  In contrast, the demons turn into a fiery blaze that descends to hell when they’re killed.  The battle scene at the beginning panned out and you could see beams ascending and fire bursts swirling, notifying you how many gargoyles and demons were killed in combat. I thought that was pretty cool.The slow-motion fight sequences looked like a video game. I’m sure this will come out as a video game and it could actually be pretty good.I love Bill Nighy in everything.  He played a lovable and wise father in About Timeas equally well as he plays a clever demon prince in this film.There are some interesting weapons and cool slow-motion fight scenes featuring them.
Things I didn’t like:You know when you see a big towering structure created by the bad guys that it’s going down at the end of the movie.Everyone has a British accent except Frankenstein.  Come on Aaron.The demons’ faces looked like masks from an old Star Trek episode.It’s so clichéd that the brilliant, young scientist happens to be a beautiful girl.  SPOILER ALERT…So, will Yvonne Strahovski be the bride of Frankenstein in the sequel?Shouldn’t the gargoyles have been nicer since they were working for God?There is a complete lack of humorous moments, as the film seems to take itself too seriously.Frankenstein doesn’t have a soul, but yet somehow he can feel pain and wants to do good, as well as have the desire for a female companion.  How does that work?Of course, Frankenstein is supposed to be a grungy creature, but I really wanted him to take a bath.  He rinses off his face once, yet his face remains dirty.We are told that Leonore is the direct link to the Archangels, but she mostly stands around while the gargoyles do all the work.  She prays and seems to have the best sense of morality, so I was disappointed when  (SPOILER ALERT) she turned against Adam and issued an order to kill him.  Despite that, it was great to see Lord of the Rings starlet Miranda Otto again.
Funny lines:  There really aren’t any.  This movie takes itself too seriously and could have benefited from some levity at its own expense.
Inspiring lines:“Each of us has a higher purpose.  Yours is yet to reveal itself.”  - Leonore“All life is sacred.”  - Leonore“Just because something has yet to be found, does not mean it does not exist.” = Niberious“It is not for you or I to deny God’s purpose.” – Leonore“You’re only a monster if you behave like one.” – Dr. Wade
Things to look for:The symbol seen from the aerial view that the bushes make outside of the Institute entrance.There is a certain symbol of the Order of the Gargoylesthat you start to see everywhere: on Leonore’s necklace, on the fabric sashes, on the dagger, on the cathedral, formed by the structure of the cathedral as seen from an aerial view.
Tips for parents: Young children may be afraid of the scary demons.  There is a gruesome scene with hundreds of corpses hanging in a large facility underneath the Institute.  There is a lot of bloodless fighting, but not much profanity.  The lighting in the scenes, as well as the general theme are quite dark.

If you're a Frankenstein fan who can't get enough, check these out: