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The Family Movie Guide should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting movies suitable for children. Only films rated G, PG or PG-13 are included in this weekly listing, along with occasional R-rated films that may have entertainment or educational value for older children with parental guidance. Compiled by St. Petersburg Times film critic Steve Persall.
RECOMMENDED
Finding Nemo A
(G) - The newest Pixar animated film will be as thrilling for children and entertaining for adults as the studio's previous hits, Toy Story and its sequel and Monsters, Inc. The story of a father clownfish (voice by Albert Brooks) searching the seas for his lost son contains a few moments of peril that may briefly frighten kids, but overall the movie is good, clean - and smart - fun.
Rugrats Go Wild! B-
(PG) - Nickelodeon combines two of its most popular television franchises for a feature film: the precocious toddlers of Rugrats and the adventurous family from The Wild Thornberrys. Fans of the programs will expect the mildly crude "ick"-factor humor that earned the PG rating.
Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas C
(PG) - Swashbuckling action violence abounds, and some sea creatures are momentarily scary, but the most objectionable aspect of DreamWorks' latest animated feature is its reliance upon creaky 2-D animation practices that look dull in these days of computer-generated delights such as Finding Nemo. Brief sensuality, a few crude jokes and a comical glimpse of Sinbad's butt cheek.
Winged Migration B
(G) - Nothing offensive in this beautifully photographed documentary about different species of birds, although young viewers may get restless. One scene involving hunters may briefly upset young viewers. Otherwise, this is an occasionally breathtaking bird's-eye view of nature.
RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS
Hulk B
(PG-13) - Hulk is a moodier Marvel Comics hero, and Ang Lee's approach to Oedipal psychodrama may disturb (or bore) young viewers. Otherwise, the PG-13 rating results from the green monster's science-fiction violence, disturbing images of his transformation and brief partial nudity when his alter ego, Dr. Bruce Banner (Eric Bana), grows out of his clothes.
The Italian Job C+
(PG-13) - Moderate profanity, action violence (mostly car chases) and some sensuality provided by co-star Charlize Theron led to the PG-13 rating.
Johnny English
(PG) - Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean) spoofs the James Bond genre, complete with milder versions of the comic nudity, crude humor and occasional vulgarities of the Austin Powers trilogy that already did the job.
Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
(PG-13) - Plenty of action violence and sensuality when the sexy video game hero gets a live-action makeover with Oscar winner Angelina Jolie. If parents don't mind their children playing the game, they probably won't mind the grownup material in the movie.
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen C-
(PG-13) - A close call for recommendation, since the graphic action violence and creepy special effects associated with vampires, Dorian Gray, the Invisible Man and Mr. Hyde could be too intense for younger viewers. The project also lacks kid appeal, with graybeard Sean Connery leading a band of crimefighters from literary classics. Recommended for viewers older than 13, who might be inspired to read those novels.
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl A-
(PG-13) - Another popular Disney theme park attraction becomes a full-blown movie, with Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom doing battle with ghostly buccaneers. This is Walt Disney Pictures' first film release with a PG-13 rating, mostly because of macabre special effects and swashbuckling violence.
Seabiscuit A
(PG-13) - This fact-based story of a horse, its owner (Jeff Bridges), trainer (Chris Cooper) and jockey (Tobey Maguire) finding redemption during the Great Depression should inspire moviegoers. The MPAA rating arises from moderate profanity, sexual situations in a Tijuana brothel and sports-related violence. Recommended for ages 10 and older.
Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over F
(PG) - Normally this would be easily recommended for all ages with its video game-style action and mildly perilous situations. But filmmaker Robert Rodriguez also uses 3-D special effects that aren't special and the overall effect is a headache. The only positive result would occur if parents made children buy their own tickets for a lesson in getting ripped off.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Bruce Almighty A
(PG-13) - Jim Carrey's film about a self-centered man with powers on loan from God (Morgan Freeman) marks his return to crude comedy, with numerous sexual references, moderate profanity (one f-word), a marijuana reference and a take on religion that may offend some parents.
Charlie's Angels 2: Full Throttle B
(PG-13) - The formula hasn't changed: Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz and Lucy Liu don provocative clothing and use sex appeal as a weapon. In fact, the formula has been intensified, with Demi Moore returning to screen in fine form and not a bit ashamed of it. Profanity is moderate, but sexual innuendo is keen. Don't forget the blast-'em-up action violence, either.
Hollywood Homicide C-
(PG-13) - Harrison Ford and Josh Hartnett co-star as detectives chasing the mass murderers of a hip-hop music group. Plenty of violence on their agenda, plus profane tough talk and sexual situations, including a kinky scene with Ford and Lena Olin.
How to Deal D
(PG-13) - Pop idol Mandy Moore (A Walk to Remember) is maturing on screen and her audience demographics should, too. This film, based on two novels by Sarah Dessen, casts Moore as a romantically confused teen dealing with divorced parents, her best friend's sexual issues and her sister's fiance. The film also contains profanity and drug references. Recommended for ages 15 and older.
Legally Blonde 2: Red, White and Blonde C-
(PG-13) - Reese Witherspoon returns as Elle Woods, an extremely fashion-conscious Harvard grad now working in Washington. The character is something of a role model for young women, socially aware and responsible, despite her outwardly ditzy personality. Perhaps even enough for parents to overlook the occasional sexual reference, including a spate of gay-themed humor.