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
The Incredibles
(PG) - An unusually long running time (115 min.) for an animated film will have young children squirming, no matter the action on the screen. Much of it is mild science fiction violence that shouldn't bother anyone who has played a video game. Brief crude humor.
The Polar Express
(G) - Nothing objectionable in this state-of-the-art animated treat, based on Chris Van Allsburg's beloved children's book about a child having his faith in Santa Claus reaffirmed. A few scenes added to the story feature imperiled children but shouldn't be too scary.
Santa vs. the Snowman
(Not rated, probably G) - A snowman jealous of Santa Claus' popularity declares war on the North Pole in this IMAX-sized cartoon. The violence is quite mild but isn't funny enough to avoid seeming distasteful under the holiday circumstances.
Shark Tale
(PG) - DreamWorks aims for another Shrek-sized animated hit with the story of a fish (voice of Will Smith) involved with undersea mobsters. Mild profanity and crude humor are par for the course, but the film's portrayal of Mafia-style fish has drawn criticism from Italian-American groups.
The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie
(PG) - The popular underwater cartoon hero brings his wacky brand of mildly crude humor to the silver screen. If the TV show doesn't offend, this shouldn't.
RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS
After the Sunset
(PG-13) - Pierce Brosnan and Salma Hayek strike sexual sparks in this jewel heist adventure, in which heroes are amoral types inclined to violence and profanity.
Ladder 49
(PG-13) - Firefighters are vividly portrayed as heroes in John Travolta's latest film, in which a new firefighter (Joaquin Phoenix) is trapped in a burning building. The action sequences are intense, and a few profanities slip out under pressure.
National Treasure
(PG) - Nicolas Cage leads a hunt for a copy of the Declaration of Independence that may contain a treasure map. Action violence and scary images are reasons for the MPAA rating.
NOT RECOMMENDED
The Final Cut
(PG-13) - Child endangerment is a key theme, from the tense opening scene all the way to strongly suggested sexual abuse. Other mature themes include mortality, murder and "playing god" with memories and lives. Moderate profanity, violence, brief sensuality.
Friday Night Lights
(PG-13) - An economically depressed Texas town comes alive through its high school football team, a true story that should appeal to teenagers. Parents should know that the off-the-field problems include alcoholism, psychological abuse and sexual conflict. Profanity is strong, and the football action often veers into unsportsmanlike conduct.
The Grudge
(PG-13) - Young children will be frightened by ghostly apparitions, and adults may be bored with the movie's horror cliches. Child murder is a central theme. Brief profanity, violence and sensuality.
(PG-13) - Heroin addiction and other vices are key themes, but the inspiring way the late music legend Ray Charles (Jamie Foxx) overcame those demons can provide positive lessons for teenagers. Charles' infidelity, moderate profanity and mature themes, including racism, make this unsuitable for young children.
Shall We Dance?
(PG-13) - The midlife crisis of a businessman (Richard Gere) won't entertain many children, and Jennifer Lopez's role is more subdued than her tabloid appeal. Sexual situations are minor, mostly suggestions of adultery and sensual dancing. Profanity is moderate, but an angry f-word sneaks in.
Surviving Christmas
(PG-13) - A wealthy loner (Ben Affleck) rents a family and their home for the holidays. The MPAA rating results from sexual content and brief drug references, and any movie co-starring Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) must include profanity.
