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Film

Family Movie Guide

By STEVE PERSALL
Published May 19, 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

(PG) - Soccer moms and dads can feel fairly comfortable taking children to Will Ferrell's comedy. The PG rating is the result of a few crude jokes, mild profanity and a subplot about a man's dysfunctional relationship with his father.

(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

(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.

(PG-13) - The final chapter of the Skywalker family saga is the first to be rated stronger than PG material by the MPAA. There are a few good reasons, especially in the final hour when Anakin (Hayden Christensen) turns completely to the Dark Side of the Force. A suggested mass murder of children may worry parents, and there are more severed limbs and heads of androids and humans than in previous episodes. Anakin's gruesome condition that leads to his Darth Vader transformation is a bit scary. Recommended for ages 10 and older.

NOT SUITABLE

(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.

(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.

(PG-13) - Crude, cruel humor, alcoholism, sexual references and profanity (including a 12-letter epithet stopped two syllables from completion) led to the MPAA rating. Jennifer Lopez's young fans may not mind, but their parents - closer to co-star Jane Fonda's generation - likely will.

(PG-13) - Intense action violence and profanity earned the MPAA rating for Ice Cube's secret agent thriller.

[Last modified May 18, 2005, 10:01:06]