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Family Movie Guide
By STEVE PERSALL
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 29, 2001
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.
RECOMMENDED
Ocean Oasis B
(Not rated, probably G) Undersea documentary presented in the mammoth IMAX format at Tampa's Museum of Science and Industry. Nothing objectionable here, although some scenes of the food chain in action could be briefly intense for young viewers. The 38-minute running time prevents any possible boredom from setting in.
Recess: School's Out C+
Grade-school children will enjoy watching the misadventures of freckle-faced T.J. and his pals, a multicultural gang foiling a scheme by a former principal (voice of James Woods) out to destroy summer vacation. Nothing here to seriously offend anyone, but educators might not be keen on the antagonistic behavior demonstrated by these well-intentioned students. Adults may be entertained by classic rock hits on the soundtrack.
Spy Kids B
(PG) Harmless blend of James Bond gizmos and Willy Wonka fantasy from director Robert Rodriguez, working much tamer here than in his calling cards, El Mariachi and From Dusk Till Dawn. Violence is bloodless and played for humor. No profanity, nudity and only a whiff of sexual innuendo. Frantic enough to occupy children and frisky enough for their parents.
RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon A
(PG-13) No profanity or nudity in Ang Lee's exciting martial arts epic, and sex is limited to post-coital cuddling. The violence factor should be considered by parents for its volume, rather than graphic intensity. Fists, feet and weapons fly constantly, although without much blood or grisly sound effects. The plot's strong female characters and accent on honor could be inspirational. However, a long running time and English subtitles could frustrate younger viewers.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? A-
(PG-13) Escaped convicts (including George Clooney) become country music stars on the lam in this Depression-era comedy from the Coen brothers (Fargo, The Big Lebowski). Moderate profanity. No nudity or sex, although temptation is discussed. Violence is limited to gunfire that misses its targets and a clubbing by a bully (John Goodman). Mature themes include spoofs of the Ku Klux Klan. Recommended for ages 13 and older.
Thirteen Days B
(PG-13) The Cuban missile crisis of 1962 is revisited with admirable detail but an intrusive performance by Kevin Costner. History buffs can appreciate the intelligent debates among President John F. Kennedy and his advisers, but the film is too wordy and slow-paced for younger tastes. Profanity is fairly mild. No sex or nudity, and violence is minor and bloodless. Mature themes include the potential end of humanity through nuclear war.
NOT RECOMMENDED
Chocolat B-
(PG-13) Even with English dialogue, Lasse Hallstrom's film has the earmarks of a foreign film, and not many youngsters are interested in those yet. Juliette Binoche plays a stranger opening a candy shop in a French village. Her treats tempt villagers during Lent, so religion is a key theme. No nudity, but the candy inspires some sensual feelings. Violence includes a scene of domestic abuse. Mild profanity.
Down to Earth C-
(PG-13) Chris Rock's abrasive stand-up comedy is toned down, but some of the jokes in this Heaven Can Wait remake still may be too rowdy for young viewers. Several running gags contain sexual themes. Mild, brief violence and profanity. No nudity.
Heartbreakers B+
(PG-13) -- Amoral yet enjoyable adult comedy about a mother-daughter con team (Sigourney Weaver, Jennifer Love Hewitt) fleecing wealthy men. Both women use sex as a weapon, leading to plenty of risque humor and revealing wardrobes, although no nudity is displayed. Profanity is harsh for the PG-13 rating. Violence is mostly for slapstick effect. Anti-smoking advocates could be offended by Gene Hackman's tobacco industry fool. Mature themes.
See Spot Run D-
(PG) -- A sheer lack of originality and a shortage of good ideas are the most offensive things about this insipid comedy concerning a klutzy mail carrier (David Arquette), a cute kid and a drug-sniffing FBI dog on the run from Mafia thugs. Boys of a certain age, say 6 to 8, might be amused by the dog poop and body odor jokes, but everyone else will go home wondering how this mangy mutt was unleashed in the first place. Bathroom humor and slapstick violence kept this pointless waste of time from getting a G rating.
Sweet November
(PG-13) Charlize Theron plays a free-spirited woman who takes a different lover each month and gives each self-confidence. Keanu Reeves co-stars as Mr. November, who doesn't want to leave. Profanity and sexual situations notwithstanding, this remake of a 1968 film starring Sandy Dennis and Anthony Newley is a grown-up love story that won't interest many children.
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