Suitable for families

“Horton Hears a Who!” grade B+

(G) — Families can call a truce and all enjoy this Dr. Seuss, a squeaky-clean tale with this vocal cast: Jim Carrey, Steve Carell, oh boy, what a blast. “Nim’s Island”

(PG) — A novelist (Jodie Foster) helps a young fan (Abigail Breslin) find her missing father. Mild action violence and child peril, plus a few rude words. “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” grade B-

(PG) — A trio of siblings move into a mansion with a portal to an enchanted world. Some creatures they meet are scary, leading to perilous situations that most children should handle well.

Suitable for families, with reservations

“The Forbidden Kingdom”

(PG-13) — Martial arts icons Jackie Chan and Jet Li guide an American teenager (Michael Angarano) through mystical danger. Fantasy violence. “Iron Man,” grade A-

(PG-13) — A Marvel Comics superhero (Robert Downey Jr.) kicks off the blockbuster season. Intense sci-fi action comparable to last year’s Transformers, with a dash of suggestiveness and brief alcohol abuse. “Leatherheads,” grade C-

(PG-13) — Locker room profanity spices up George Clooney’s comedy about 1930s professional football. “Shine a Light,” grade A-

(PG-13) — The Rolling Stones still play sexually suggestive concerts, with Keith Richards chain-smoking and Mick Jagger letting a few profanities fly. But, hey, it’s only rock ’n’ roll. “Under the Same Moon,” grade B- (PG-13) — A Mexican boy (Adrian Alonso) sneaks across the U.S. border to find his mother. Mild child peril and mature themes of illegal immigration.

Not suitable

“21” grade B

(PG-13) — Skipping college classes to scam Las Vegas casinos is glamorized, with all the vices of Sin City, profanity and a pervasive amoral tone. “10,000 B.C.,” grade D

(PG-13) — Prehistoric action and violence may be too strong for young children. “Baby Mama,” grade B

(PG-13) — Tina Fey’s comedy of surrogate motherhood contains crude and sexual humor, profanity and brief drug references. “Made of Honor”

(PG-13) — Originally rated R, this romantic comedy was trimmed a bit yet still includes sexual content and profanity. “Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day,” grade C+

(PG-13) — Children won’t be enchanted by this World War II-era tale of a housekeeper (Frances McDormand) pulled into the whirlwind world of an actor (Amy Adams). Brief nudity. “The Other Boleyn Girl,” grade B

(PG-13) — Inaccurate drama about Henry VIII and the sisters (Scarlett Johansson, Natalie Portman) he courted. Sexual content and violence. “Prom Night”

(PG-13) — High school seniors are stalked by a madman. The rating is based on “violence and terror, some sexual material, underage drinking and language.”

The Family Movie Guide should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting movies suitable for children. Only films rated G, PG or PG-13 are included in this weekly listing, along with occasional R-rated films that may have entertainment value or educational value for older children with parental guidance. Compiled by St. Petersburg Times film critic Steve Persall.