‘LINCOLN’
Rating: PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language.
What it’s about: Abraham Lincoln and his fractious cabinet try to rally Congressional support for an amendment to end slavery.
The kid attractor factor: A valuable history lesson about the messiness of government and a human portrait of a sainted president.
Good lessons/ bad lessons: In politics, even the noblest ideals have their detractors.
Violence: Some gruesome Civil War combat.
Language: A scattering of period-appropriate profanity, racial slurs.
Sex: None.
Drugs: None.
Parents’ advisory: Even if their school isn’t assigning this, there’s a lot to be said for rounding the kids up and letting them absorb a little Civil War history — suitable for 10 and older.
‘SKYFALL’
Rating: PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking
What it’s about: A computer hacker has stolen a list of secret agents, and James Bond wants them back.
The kid attractor factor: It’s James Bond, with car chases, epic brawls and lots and lots of action.
Good lessons/ bad lessons:" Age is no guarantee of efficiency" and “Youth is no guarantee of innovation."
Violence: Plentiful.
Language: Not much profanity.
Sex: Nothing explicit, but James Bond is catnip to the ladies.
Drugs: A few drinks, a few cigarettes.
Parents’ advisory: The lightest of the Daniel Craig Bond films, it’s still violent and too sexual and too long for anybody younger than 12.
‘WRECK-IT RALPH’
Rating: PG for some rude humor and mild action/ violence.
What it’s about: A disgruntled video-game bad guy escapes and tries to show his true colors.
The kid attractor factor: It’s a new 3-D Disney cartoon set inside the lives of video game characters.
Good lessons/ bad lessons: Labels don’t matter; “you must love you" before you can live a happy, contented life.
Violence: Cartoon slapstick, even the first-person shooter game scenes.
Language: Disney-clean, despite the presence of Sarah Silverman.
Sex: A little game-on-game smooching.
Drugs: None.
Parents’ advisory: Suitable for all ages.
