Current films are reviewed each week to provide parents a guide to decide what may be appropriate to younger viewers.
ARGO
Rating: R for language and some violent images
What it's about: A CIA agent uses Hollywood contacts to set up a fake movie that will free some Americans in hiding in Iran. The kid-attractor factor: Ben Affleck recreates a little-known piece of American history.
Good lessons/bad lessons: When you need somebody to tell a big lie and make it seem real, call Hollywood.
Violence: Non-bloody torture scenes, summary executions
Language: Some profanity
Sex: None
Drugs: Lots and lots of smoking
Parents' advisory: There's little justification for this R rating. Suitable for 13-and-up.
CHASING MAVERICKS
Rating: PG for thematic elements and some perilous action.
What it's about: A kid gets an older surfer-mentor to train him to master the treacherous Mavericks wave break off the coast of Northern California.
The kid-attractor factor: Surfing teens, Jonny Weston, Abigail Spencer and Gerard Butler.
Good lessons/bad lessons: "There are all kinds of sons – some are born to you," some are entrusted to you.
Violence: Bullying, a brief scuffle, and a lingering threat of more
Language: Surprisingly clean
Sex: A little smooching
Drugs: Drug deals, alcohol is abused.
Parents' advisory: A family- friendly surfing picture in the "Soul Surfer" tradition, suitable for all ages, but 8-and-up will get the most out of it.
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