Parents’ Guide to Movies

Published 5:00 am Friday, July 7, 2006

* Suitable for families

”Cars,” grade B+

(G) – Disney and Pixar animators turn their imaginations loose on NASCAR culture, resulting in dazzling images and humor a notch below ”Over the Hedge.” A few lightly crude jokes won’t bother parents.

”Nacho Libre,” grade D

(PG) – The creators of Napoleon Dynamite cast wild man Jack Black as a Mexican priest who yearns to become a professional wrestler. That means comical ring violence, plus some crude humor.

* Suitable, with reservations

”Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest,” grade A-

(PG-13) – Scary sea creatures and intense action sequences could induce nightmares in sensitive children. Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Capt. Jack Sparrow has sobered a bit, but there’s still plenty of rum abuse.

”A Prairie Home Companion,” grade A

(PG-13) – A few naughty jokes from singing cowboys and a handful of rude words won’t offend. However, the old-fashioned music and values of Garrison Keillor’s homespun radio show-turned-movie may not interest young viewers.

”An Inconvenient Truth,” grade A-

(PG) – Former Vice President Al Gore warns viewers of the dangers of global warming. Nothing objectionable, unless your political views are really working to find something. However, children probably won’t be entertained.

”The Lake House,” grade B-

(PG) – Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock play lovers living two years apart in this supernatural drama. Brief profanity and a disturbing image. Children likely won’t be interested in a mature love story.

”Superman Returns,” grade B-

(PG-13) – Just try keeping children away from this one. The Man of Steel still espouses positive values, even in the midst of action violence that earned the MPAA rating. A few mature themes pass faster than a speeding bullet.

”X-Men: The Last Stand,” grade B+

(PG-13) – The Marvel Comics superheroes battle humans wishing to ”cure” them, in an allegory that draws comparisons to antigay activism. That vague, mature theme, a spate of action violence, a dash of profanity and one sensual scene make this suitable for teenagers but not for small children.

* Not suitable

”Click,” grade A-

(PG-13) – Adam Sandler’s supernatural comedy contains the crude humor, profanity, sexually charged jokes and drug references that made him a star.

”The Da Vinci Code,” grade C-

(PG-13) – The controversial adaptation of Dan Brown’s novel includes violence, disturbing images, brief drug references and sexual content, but it’s his central theme of revisionist religion that may make some parents wary and ready to discuss it with children if they see it.

”The Devil Wears Prada,” grade B

(PG-13) – A stylish comedy of ill manners isn’t likely to keep children entertained. The film’s frequent profanity, brief sensuality and mature, backbiting themes are suitable only for adults.

”The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” grade C+

(PG-13) – More reckless examples set for future automobile drivers, plus violence, profanity and sexual content.

”Mission: Impossible III,” grade B+

(PG-13) – Tom Cruise’s spy thriller continues the series’ emphasis on intense action violence, plus a measure of profanity and sensuality.