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Film
Family Movie Guide
By Times Staff
Published May 5, 2005
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.
SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES
Millions
(PG) - Two British boys find a fortune and dream of ways to spend it before the switch to euros makes the loot worthless. Mild morality issues at work here, plus brief profanity and perilous events. Danny Boyle's film resembles Finding Neverland with its occasional flights of fantasy.
SUITABLE, WITH RESERVATIONS
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
(PG) - Douglas Adams' science fiction satire may sail over the heads of anyone who hasn't read the book, watched the BBC miniseries or heard the radio show. The rating is for action violence and brief profanity, though nothing to worry parents.
Fever Pitch
(PG-13) - Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon are popular with the youth market, and parents shouldn't worry much about children seeing this romantic comedy. Mildly crude humor with a few sexual punch lines and brief profanity, but tamer than most MTV-friendly films these days.
House of D
(PG-13) - David Duchovny's filmmaking debut is a sentimental coming-of-age drama/comedy, with childish sexual references, occasionally crude dialogue and mature themes including suicide, parental neglect and perceptions of mentally challenged people.
Sahara
(PG-13) - Matthew McConaughey and Penelope Cruz co-star in a desert adventure containing loads of action violence. Nothing graphic, but perhaps too intense for viewers younger than age 10.
NOT SUITABLE
A Lot Like Love
(PG-13) - A dumbed-down version of When Harry Met Sally, with Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet as beautiful people reluctantly made for each other. Their youth appeal is strong, although some parents won't appreciate the nudity, sexual content and profanity involved.
The Interpreter
(PG-13) - Sean Penn and Nicole Kidman co-star in a political assassination thriller that, unlike many films these days, isn't aimed at youthful tastes. The mystery, plotting and pace won't appeal to many young viewers. The violence, profanity and sexual content are strong enough to give parents pause.
King's Ransom
(PG-13) - A rich businessman (Anthony Anderson) fakes his own kidnapping to derail a gold-digging future ex-wife. The amoral story includes crude, sexual humor and strong profanity.
XXX: State of the Union
(PG-13) - Intense action violence and profanity earned the MPAA rating for Ice Cube's secret agent thriller.
[Last modified May 4, 2005, 11:45:40]
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