Family movie guide

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.

By Steve Persall, Times Film Critic
Published October 18, 2007

Suitable for families

The Final Season
(PG) - Uplifting baseball movie about a rookie high school coach (Sean Astin) replacing a coaching legend. Mild profanity, mature themes and brief teen smoking.

The Game Plan
(PG) - Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson stars as a pro quarterback dealing with the daughter he never knew existed - a mature theme in an otherwise silly movie that earned it the PG rating.

The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising
(PG) - The first part of Susan Cooper's popular fantasy book series comes to the screen, with scary images and supernatural action that won't bother many kids.

The Ten Commandments (B-)
(PG) - The animated biblical story of Moses has some mild peril, but likely will be a favorite for church group outings.

Not suitable

Across the Universe (B-)
(PG-13) - Counterculture sexuality, nudity and drugs and Beatles rock 'n' roll combine in Julie Taymor's musical. The era's violence in Vietnam and racially divided cities is also portrayed, sometimes with strong profanity.

Elizabeth: The Golden Age (C)
(PG-13) - Besides the battlefield violence and palace sexuality with some nudity, how many children want to see a movie about a 16th century British queen?

Moliere
(PG-13) - Subtitled French comedy about the 17th century dandy using his playwright skills to seduce women. Sexual content.

Why Did I Get Married?
(PG-13) - Writer-director Tyler Perry presents an adult look at marital tensions when a seducer comes into the picture. Profanity, mature themes and sexual references.

[Last modified October 17, 2007, 12:48:55]