Family fare: Movie reviews for parents

by Nell Minow

Jan 12, 2011 07:40PM

“Season of the Witch”


Assessments from a parent’s perspective of this week’s openings and recent titles:

‘The Green Hornet’

Rated PG-13 for sequences of violent action, language, sensuality and drug content

Translation: Comic-book fantasy violence, with many characters injured and killed, and brief graphic images. Death of a parent. Drinking and drug dealing. Sexual references and a non-explicit situation. Very strong language for a PG-13.

Recommendation: High school ages to adults.

Family discussion: How does it differ from other superhero movies? Why does Britt change his mind about his father?

If you like this, try: The “Green Hornet” television series co-starring Bruce Lee.

‘The Dilemma’

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving sexual content.

Translation: Adultery, with many sexual references and situations, including brief nudity (male butt, stripper and animated characters). A homophobic reference. Very strong and crude language. Drinking and gambling. Violence (fistfights and gunfire).

Recommendation: Mature teenagers to adults.

Family discussion: Should Ronny tell Nick the truth? How did Ronny’s experience change his views about his own relationship?

If you like this, try: “He’s Just Not That Into You.”

‘Season of the Witch’

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements, violence and disturbing content.

Translation: Many disturbing and grisly images including dead bodies and plague victims. Demonic wolves and a devil figure. Battle scenes and sword fights, with characters injured and killed. Alcohol use. A brief sexual reference and non-explicit, non-sexual nudity.

Recommendation: High school ages to adults.

Family discussion: When do the characters require proof and when do they rely on faith?

If you like this, try: “Ladyhawke” and “Dragonslayer.”

Nell Minow is the film critic for the website beliefnet.com.