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Film

Family Movie Guide

By Steve Persall
Published February 23, 2006

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 list, 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

Curious George B-

(G) - The beloved children's book becomes an animated movie as sweet and squeaky clean as its inspiration.

Doogal

(G) - Nothing objectionable in this animated adventure, imported from Europe and dubbed into English with an all-star cast. This is the second ''toon from the Weinstein Company (Hoodwinked), which chose not to show it early for review.

Greece: Secrets of the Past B+

(Not rated, probably G) - Beautifully photographed IMAX documentary of Greek history and enduring cultural influences. Nothing objectionable except, possibly, for a flash of frontal nudity in ancient drawings of Olympic athletes.

Nanny McPhee C+

(PG) - Not as squeaky clean as Mary Poppins, with the kind of crude humor children love these days and brief rude language. Emma Thompson's makeup is one of the mild frights, and missing a dead mother is a key element. Otherwise, it's family fun in the Lemony Snicket vein.

SUITABLE, WITH RESERVATIONS

Eight Below B

(PG) - Disney tones down the danger and natural instincts of sled dogs abandoned in Antarctica, making this fact-based story a reasonably tame outdoors adventure. Scenes of animal suffering may require parental explanation about trained canine actors, and an attack by a leopard seal is briefly frightening.

The Pink Panther B-

(PG) - Steve Martin again, this time remaking the Inspector Clouseau role that made Peter Sellers famous. Crude humor, mild profanity and several sexually suggestive jokes, if viewers can decipher them in Martin's comical French accent.

Something New B

(PG-13) - A conventional romantic comedy with an interracial twist that's handled with care and humor. Moderate profanity and sexuality, mature themes. Recommended for ages 15 and older.

NOT SUITABLE

Annapolis C+

(PG-13) - Gritty boxing violence is plentiful in this U.S. Naval Academy drama, along with actors sometimes cursing like sailors and joking about sex.

Big Momma's House 2

(PG-13) - Just like the original, Martin Lawrence's cross-dressing comedy includes sexual humor, insults about overweight people, humorous profanity and a brief drug reference.

Date Movie

(PG-13) - The MPAA rating results from "continuous crude and sexual humor, including language." Standards set by the filmmakers' previous Scary Movie spoofs aren't high, and usually not appropriate for children.

Firewall C-

(PG-13) - Intense scenes of violence and children in peril make Harrison Ford's thriller one for the grownups.

Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion

(PG-13) - Sequel to 2005's Diary of a Mad Black Woman, with Perry in drag playing a feisty matriarch. The plot involves domestic violence and other mature themes played for laughs, plus sexual and drug references and profanity.

When a Stranger Calls

(PG-13) - Violent remake of a 1979 horror flick that was rated R, giving babysitters chills ever since. The terror and profanity levels are comparable, though.

[Last modified February 23, 2006, 08:57:47]