Current films are reviewed each week to provide parents a guide to decide what may be appropriate to younger viewers.
HUGO
Rating: PG for mild thematic material, some action, peril and smoking
What it's about: An orphan boy lives in a Paris train station in the years between World War I and World War II, tinkering with gadgets, swiping food and making friends.
The kid attractor factor: Plucky kids have adventures in gorgeous 3-D.
Good lessons, bad lessons: If you discover the magic of the movies as a child, it sticks with you for a lifetime.
Violence: Chases, near-misses with trains
Language: Family friendly
Sex: A little 'tween flirtation, a little adult flirtation
Drugs: Smoking, as the French are wont to do.
Parents advisory: The "mild peril" is extremely mild, the "rude humor" not that rude. Suitable for all ages.
THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN – PART 1
Rating: PG-13 for disturbing images, violence, sexuality, partial nudity and some thematic elements
What it's about: Bella marries her vampire and becomes pregnant with his demon spawn.
The kid attractor factor: See above.
Good lessons, bad lessons: Safe sex is important, even after you marry, if you marry a vampire.
Violence: A bit, with lots of blood
Language: No profanity.
Sex: Pushes the PG-13 boundaries, but fortunately, it's also funny.
Drugs: None
Parents advisory: It is violent, and both sexual and gynecological, so take the PG-13 seriously.
FOOTLOOSE
Rating: PG-13 for some teen drug and alcohol use, sexual content, violence and language
What it's about: A new kid in town tries to get the adults to allow organized dancing, which was banned after teens died in a car accident years before.
The kid attractor factor: Sexy young actors shaking their groove things, rebelling against grown-ups
Good lessons, bad lessons: You can't protect your kids from everything. You have to let them grow up.
Violence: A beat-down
Language: A smattering of profanity
Sex: Lots of bumping and grinding, on and off the dance floor
Drugs: Cigarettes, beer
Parents advisory: If they're old enough to have seen the original film on TV, which was pretty racy for its day, this one won't hurt them. OK for 13 and older.
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