By STEVE PERSALL, Times Film Critic
Published November 17, 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
Chicken Little B
(G) Nothing offensive in this computer-animated Disney production. Mild action violence, but not as intense as The Incredibles.
Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story B
(PG) - Only a few mild profanities in this feel-good movie about a trainer (Kurt Russell), his daughter (Dakota Fanning) and an overachieving horse. Otherwise, it's safe for all ages.
The Legend of Zorro C
(PG) - The romantic heat generated by Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones shouldn't bother parents, and the action violence is silly enough to be laughed away.
Wallace & Gromit in the Curse of the Were-Rabbit A
(G) - The long-awaited feature-length adventure about a meek inventor and his intrepid dog is wonderful for all ages. The animation is clever, the jokes are silly in a smart way, and a few mildly suggestive sight gags won't offend.
Zathura C-
(PG) - Siblings follow a board game into outer space adventures that aren't as exciting as the premise suggests. The sci-fi action is tame by video game standards, and a few crude remarks among kin won't offend many parents, who'll appreciate a late message for everyone to like each other.
SUITABLE, WITH RESERVATIONS
Flightplan B
(PG-13) - Jodie Foster plays a mother whose daughter disappears on an airliner, if the girl was alive upon departure in the first place. That perilous theme could upset children, and the violence and tension level is definitely geared for grownups.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire B+
(PG-13) - The first Harry Potter movie to earn a PG-13 rating, chiefly for scary images involving Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes), fire-breathing dragons and an underwater sequence featuring creatures and possible drowning. A few rude remarks sneak into the dialogue, and brief, mild sexual references. Parents of children ages 8 and under should exercise caution.
Pride & Prejudice B
(PG) - Adolescent girls will appreciate Jane Austen's knack for creating plucky, romantic 18th century heroines more than boys will, and any child under age 10 will likely be bored. Keira Knightley wearing a corset again may attract youth market interest, but this isn't Pirates of the Caribbean.
NOT SUITABLE
Everything Is Illuminated A-
(PG-13) -An odd Jewish man (Elijah Wood) traces his grandfather's personal Holocaust history. The trail leads him to sexual encounters and violent memories, assisted by a pair of humorously profane guides. Teenagers may appreciate the film's cockeyed outlook, but children will likely be bored.
Elizabethtown C
(PG-13) - Youth market favorites Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst co-star in a coming home comedy-drama of love and death. Those mature themes are explored by writer-director Cameron Crowe with middling results. Moderate profanity, some sexual references.
The Fog (PG-13) - Remake of John Carpenter's 1980 ghost story, slightly less gory. The film still contains violence, disturbing images and brief sexuality.Good Night, and Good Luck A-
(PG) Although the profanity is minor and there's no sex or violence in George Clooney's film, the fact-based drama is rife with mature political themes that can make younger viewers impatient. The black-and-white cinematography and lack of physical action won't help. Save this fine film for teenagers seeking a civics lesson.
In Her Shoes A-
(PG-13) - A party girl (Cameron Diaz) and her uptight sister (Toni Collette) deal with sexual issues, substance abuse and an estranged grandmother (Shirley MacLaine). Sensuality and frank dialogue about mature themes plus strong profanity equal nothing for children.
Prime C-
(PG-13) - This adult romantic comedy was initially rated R by the MPAA, but that was changed on appeal by Universal Pictures. There's still enough sensuality, profanity and frank discussions of sexuality to make parents wary.
Walk the Line C+
(PG-13) - This by-the-numbers biography of music legend Johnny Cash (Joaquin Phoenix) contains strong profanity, drug and alcohol addiction and mature themes including adultery. The 136-minute running time may make children antsy.
