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Film

Family Movie Guide

By STEVE PERSALL
Published August 4, 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) - Tim Burton's version of the classic children's tale is slightly darker than the 1971 film starring Gene Wilder without being nightmarish. Nothing objectionable except a few mature references in Willy Wonka's ramblings and a distinct lack of magic.

(G) - Undersea documentary with survival-of-the-fittest footage that may disturb young viewers but isn't any more graphic than Discovery Channel material.

(G) - Nothing to worry parents here. The cute, anthropomorphic Volkswagen wouldn't let down his fans; he's squeaky clean.

(G) - A documentary that children will enjoy, with its adorable emperor penguins on an incredible journey to reproduce, nest and feed themselves in harsh South Pole conditions. Morgan Freeman's soothing narration keeps the science lighthearted. Nothing objectionable.

(PG) - Essentially a live-action version of The Incredibles, with the same kind of sci-fi action violence that shouldn't worry parents of video game players. Brief, mildly crude language.

SUITABLE, WITH RESERVATIONS

(PG-13) - More lighthearted and family-friendly than recent superhero movies such as Batman Begins, although it contains its fair share of sci-fi violence and perilous situations, plus a few mild profanities. Recommended for ages 10 and older.

(R) - A rare R-rated movie worth recommending for teenagers. Quadriplegics play wheelchair rugby, proving they're as cool, rowdy and inspirational as any athlete on two legs. Harsh profanity; one segment deals with sexual activities, with brief nudity. Ages 15 and older can probably handle such material in this context.

(PG-13) - A parochial school student (winning newcomer Adam Butcher) in 1950s Canada turns punishment for bad behavior into success as a Boston Marathon runner. The indiscretion is sexual in nature, and there's brief nudity, a few profanities, and tobacco and alcohol abuse. But it's a good-hearted coming-of-age tale for teenagers.

(PG-13) - Steven Spielberg directs another sci-fi adventure with aliens, but these aren't cuddly E.T. or Close Encounters of the Third Kind types. The film is filled with tense, disturbing images that could frighten young viewers. Children in peril is a key theme.

NOT SUITABLE

(PG-13) - A grumpy alcoholic (Billy Bob Thornton) takes on coaching a Little League team. Loads of crude humor, and some of the players' mouths should be washed out with soap.

(PG-13) - Nora Ephron's movie would be offensive enough to fans of the 1960s television sitcom even if it didn't include jokes dealing with sexuality and drug abuse, profanity and Will Farrell's barely concealed total nudity in one spellbound scene. Rent the recently released DVD compilation set of the TV series instead.

(PG-13) - Another remake of a Japanese horror film that, as usual, places a child in supernatural danger. The movie contains frightening images, nightmarish tension and mature themes, including divorce and profanity.

(PG-13) - The popular 1970s television shows gets a much racier makeover. Jessica Simpson's skimpy wardrobe and sexy attitude can make parents blush, along with crude jokes, drug humor, profanity and action violence, mostly car chases. Stick to the TV reruns on Country Music Television.

(PG-13) - Futuristic thriller starring Ewan McGregor and Scarlett Johansson as clones sniffing out a conspiracy. Intense action violence, profanity, brief sexuality, mature themes.

(PG-13) - Lonely woman (Diane Lane) searches for romance online, possibly meeting her perfect match (John Cusack). Middle-age love affairs don't appeal to many children, and brief profanity and sexual content may bother parents.

(PG-13) - Jamie Foxx and Jessica Biel star in a 21st century Top Gun, playing fighter pilots alongside an android jet. Intense action violence, strong profanity, sexual innuendos.

[Last modified August 3, 2005, 10:08:03]