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Family movie guide
By STEVE PERSALL
© St. Petersburg Times, published April 12, 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. Films are categorized as "recommended" for family viewing, "recommended with reservations" and "not recommended" for family viewing, with a description of content that led to that categorization. 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.
Pokemon the Movie 3
(G) Another edition of psychedelic adventures with Ash, Pikachu and a menagerie of cute animated squiggles. No profanity, sex or nudity, and the minor violence is tame by Saturday morning cartoon standards. Small children may be entranced, but there must be an age limit on appreciation of this fad.
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.
Just Visiting
(PG-13) Disney remake of a French comedy about a medieval warrior (Jean Reno) and his klutzy squire (Christian Clavier) time-tripping to modern Manhattan. Crude humor and mild profanity, sexual innuendo and comical violence.
Josie and the Pussycats C
(PG-13) Live-action updating of a campy 1970s cartoon series about an all-girl rock 'n' roll band. Crude language, mild slapstick violence. Sexual situations are limited to the band's revealing wardrobe and one chaste kiss. Another round of "girl power" along the curvy lines of Spice Girls and Coyote Ugly.
Kingdom Come B-
(PG) Madcap comedy about an eccentric family reuniting for the funeral of a not-so-dearly departed member. Mildly crude dialogue, no nudity or violence. Mature themes include infidelity, mortality, alcoholism and general antagonism. Yet, the film retains a sweet edge making it suitable for interested children ages 12 and older.
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.
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.
Joe Dirt
(PG-13) -- Socially irresponsible redneck janitor (David Spade) gets in trouble way over his mullet haircut. Many jokes involve sophomoric attitudes about sex, demeaning women for cheap laughs. Other jokes simply aim for the toilet-humor crowd. No nudity, but aren't leering remarks about bodies and what can be done with them just as bad? Moderate profanity and extensive crudeness. Violence committed against Joe Dirt is nearly a relief.
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