Amulets are objects that are believed to have magical or protective powers. Throughout history, people have worn amulets as a form of personal adornment or as a means of protection against evil spirits or misfortune. Amulets can take many forms, including jewelry, stones, or even symbols carved into wood or metal. In modern times, the concept of amulets has gained popularity in various forms of media, including books, films, and television shows. One notable example is the fantasy book series "Amulet" by Kazu Kibuishi. The series follows the adventures of a young girl named Emily Hayes, who discovers a magical amulet that grants her extraordinary powers.

Amulet

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Brutal monster movie is twisted but artfully gooey.

The series follows the adventures of a young girl named Emily Hayes, who discovers a magical amulet that grants her extraordinary powers. As the story progresses, Emily learns to harness the amulet's abilities and uses them to fight against a powerful evil force. The "Amulet" series has garnered positive reviews from critics and readers alike.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

If you do something evil, you are evil.

While there's a bit of an element of female justic

Gross, spooky imagery. A monster-type creature. Fr

A few kisses. A couple is seen lying in bed togeth

A clear liquid is poured out of a flask into a bev

Parents need to know that Amulet is a supernatural horror film that relies on suspense and creepy imagery. It's more icky than scary: An elderly mother is so decrepit that she's literally oozing. Mama is kept in the attic, writhing on the floor in constant pain -- so much so that she frequently lashes out…

Positive Messages

Positive Role Models

While there's a bit of an element of female justice, there are no positive examples of role models or representations.

Violence & Scariness

Gross, spooky imagery. A monster-type creature. Frequent images of blood. Brutal stabbings, bites, strangulation. A sexual assault is implied but not readily seen. Discussions of staying in an abusive relationship and self-harm. Birth is made to be frightening.

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Sex, Romance & Nudity

A few kisses. A couple is seen lying in bed together with shoulders exposed, implying they had sex. In a nonsexual situation, an elderly man's genitals are exposed.

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Language

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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

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Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Amulet is a supernatural horror film that relies on suspense and creepy imagery. It's more icky than scary: An elderly mother is so decrepit that she's literally oozing. Mama is kept in the attic, writhing on the floor in constant pain -- so much so that she frequently lashes out physically at her caretaker daughter. Violence begets more violence, especially stabbings and strangulation. There's plenty of dripping blood here, including some from menstruation and birth. While the lead character is male, writer-director Romola Garai's work is imbued with a strong female point of view, including embracing women who've been victimized (there's an off-camera sexual assault). An unusual romance develops; it culminates in a couple of kisses and a post-implied-sex cuddle with bare shoulders above the covers. In a nonsexual situation, an elderly man's genitals are exposed. A supporting character smokes and carries a flask, and there are a couple of uses of "f--k." To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.

It is praised for its imaginative storytelling, engaging characters, and stunning artwork. This series, along with other media featuring amulets, has helped to reignite interest in these mystical objects among audiences of all ages. However, it is important to note that amulets are primarily a cultural and historical phenomenon, rooted in ancient beliefs and practices. The notion that an object can possess supernatural powers is considered to be a matter of personal belief rather than factual evidence. In this sense, amulets should be viewed as a form of folklore or mythology rather than a scientifically proven phenomenon. When discussing amulets in popular media, it is essential to approach the topic with a sense of critical thinking and skepticism. While they can add an element of intrigue and excitement to a story, it is crucial to distinguish between fiction and reality. Amulets should be enjoyed for their symbolic and narrative value rather than taken as literal representations of actual magical artifacts. In the age of digital media and widespread access to information, it is easier than ever to research and understand the historical and cultural significance of amulets. Resources such as Common Sense Media can provide valuable insights into the portrayal of amulets in various forms of media, offering guidance for parents, educators, and viewers in evaluating the content and themes presented. In conclusion, amulets hold a special place in human history and folklore, serving as symbols of protection and mystic power. Their inclusion in popular media such as the "Amulet" series can be entertaining and thought-provoking. However, it is important to approach the topic with critical thinking and an understanding of its cultural and historical context. Resources like Common Sense Media can help to navigate discussions surrounding amulets in popular media and encourage a nuanced understanding of their role in storytelling..

Reviews for "How do amulets contribute to character development in children's media? A Common Sense Media review"

1. Jane - 2 stars - I found "Amulet" to be quite disappointing. The storyline was confusing and lacked depth, and the characters felt one-dimensional. Additionally, there were several instances of violence and scary scenes that I don't think are appropriate for young readers. Overall, I was not impressed with this book and would not recommend it.

2. Michael - 1 star - "Amulet" was a complete letdown for me. The art style was the only redeeming factor in an otherwise poorly executed graphic novel. The plot felt forced and rushed, and the characters were unrelatable. Furthermore, I felt that the themes explored were too dark and intense for the intended audience. I was expecting an engaging and imaginative story, but I was sorely disappointed.

3. Sarah - 2 stars - I didn't enjoy "Amulet" as much as I thought I would. The illustrations were beautiful, but the story failed to hold my interest. The pacing was off, and the dialogue felt awkward and unnatural. Additionally, I found some of the themes to be too mature for the target age group. Overall, I was quite let down by this book and would not recommend it to others.

4. Mark - 1 star - "Amulet" was a huge miss for me. The plot was convoluted and hard to follow, and the characters lacked depth and development. I also found the illustrations to be inconsistent and poorly executed. While the concept had potential, it fell flat in its execution. I wouldn't recommend this graphic novel to anyone looking for an engaging and well-crafted story.

Exploring the positive messages behind amulets in Common Sense Media's reviews