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By STEVE PERSALL
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 24, 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.
Crocodile Dundee in Los Angeles (PG) Paul Hogan reprises his popular role as Mick "Crocodile" Dundee, an Outback legend dragged to Los Angeles by his girlfriend, then involved with gun-runners. The MPAA rating noted the comedy's occasional mild profanity and brief episodes of brawling violence.
(Not rated, probably PG) -- True-life perils of scientists exploring caverns are expanded into IMAX proportions at the Museum of Science and Industry in Tampa. Nothing objectionable, although some tense situations and the sensory overload of IMAX-sized sight and sound could upset some viewers. Overall, a fine documentary filmed underneath Arizona, Greenland and Mexico.
(PG) A gently mocking animated fairy tale about an ogre (voice of Mike Myers) rescuing a spellbound princess (Cameron Diaz). Viewers will hear a few mild profanities and sexual innuendoes that will sail over the heads of children. Violence is minimal, although some effects might frighten youngsters. Shrek is short (89 min.) and sweet.
(PG) Harmless blend of James Bond gizmos and Willy Wonka fantasy from director Robert Rodriguez, 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 parents.
A Knight's Tale B
(PG-13) -- Lively mix of medieval jousting and modern rock 'n' roll that should be a hit with young viewers. Not much here to offend; even glimpses of rear nudity are played for laughs. Mild profanity, minor sexual tension. Violence is restricted to jousts and swordplay with only smidgens of blood.
(PG-13) -- Sylvester Stallone plays a retired CART racing champion back for one more lap around the track. Moderate profanity among combative drivers and their love interests. No sex or nudity. No violence per se, but director Renny Harlin fills his movie with chilling racing stunts that could either give young viewers nightmares or bad ideas when they get their licenses.
(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.
(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. "Girl power" along the lines of Spice Girls and Coyote Ugly.
(PG-13) -- Nearly 90 minutes is used to depict the Pearl Harbor bombing that ignited World War II. That kind of relentless violence, although not as graphic as Saving Private Ryan, could be disturbing to young viewers. Same with the film's bloody images images of casualties. Brief sensuality and moderate profanity. Patriotic, heroic themes can make parents feel better about their children watching.
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.