Quickie Movie Review: "Contest"

Rated: PG for some bullying, rude humor, and language
Starring: Kenton Duty, Danny Flaherty, and Katherine McNamara
Released: December 17, 2013 

Synopsis: Tommy (Danny Flaherty) has been having a tough time of it lately.  Not only will the bullies at his high school not leave him alone, but, the pizza shop he runs with his grandmother (Mary Beth Piel) very well could soon be closed due to lack of funds.  To make money, Tommy enters a cooking contest for teen chefs, where the victor gets $50,000 and his/her own television show.  Problem is, he needs two assistants to enter! Head bully Matt (Kenton Duty, Shake It Up) seems to want to be Tommy's friend, despite his previous attractions...but, can he be trusted? Will Tommy ever work up the courage to ask his crush (Katherine McNamara) out?

My Review: This movie was rather cute and funny, and the content was clean, but, it was a bit forgettable.  If you're looking for something to rent for a family movie night, this would be great, but, don't expect to remember it two years from now.  There's not much to say other than that.

Content Concerns:

• Sex: Kissing, including passionate smooching in a closet, which is later pantomimed by another kid. 4/5
• Nudity: Shirtless guys; cleavage; girls in short shorts; bare midriffs. 3/5
• Language: Some name-calling, and one misuse of God's name. 4/5
• Violence: Mostly, the bullying; kids hit, kick, and throw one another fairly often.  One kid is even whipped with a leather belt, with slightly bloody results. 2/5
• Drugs: Wine is consumed, but only by adults. 4/5
• Frightening/Intense Scenes: Along with the violent bullying, there is some emotional intensity. 2/5
• Other: A bit of crude humor. 4/5

Score: 3/5