Parents’ Guide to Movies

Published 5:00 am Friday, August 8, 2008

Jet Li stars as the vicious Han Emperor in the adventure film “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.” This movie is rated suitable for families, with reservations.

• Suitable for families

“The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”

(PG) The faith-based allegory continues with more epic battle sequences and mild violence. “Kit Kittredge: An American Girl,” grade B+

(G) The doll-and-book series goes live-action, with Abigail Breslin playing a Depression-era heroine. Nothing offensive, but unemployment and homelessness may be uncomfortable in the current economic climate. “WALL-E,” grade B

(G) Pixar/Disney’s latest animated moneymaker shows nothing offensive, though the volume and theme may be too much for some children.

• Suitable for families, with reservations

“Get Smart,” grade B

(PG-13) Steve Carell (“Evan Almighty”) stars in an update of the 1960s TV hit; contains rude humor, action violence and brief profanity. “The Incredible Hulk,” grade B

(PG-13) The rating is the result of “sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images and brief suggestive content.” “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull,” grade B+

(PG-13) The fabled hero returns with more fisticuffs and bloodless gunplay. Some scary images figure into the plot, with a few profanities. “Iron Man,” grade A-

(PG-13) A Marvel Comics superhero (Robert Downey Jr.) kicked off the blockbuster season. Intense sci-fi action, with a dash of suggestiveness. “Journey to the Center of the Earth,” grade C-

(PG) Brendan Fraser leads young explorers to Earth’s core, where intense action (in 3-D in some theaters) and scary creatures await. “Mamma Mia!” B+

(PG-13) Sexually suggestive comments sneak between the ABBA songs, and how many children appreciate ’70s pop tunes, anyway? “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” grade B-

(PG-13) More breakneck action violence starring Brendan Fraser, likely not disturbing for children accustomed to video game mayhem. “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” grade C-

(PG-13) This sequel replaces the original’s sunny adolescent charm with pregnancy issues, a nude male model and mature themes of parental loss. Pay attention to that rating’s age suggestion.

• Not suitable

The Dark Knight,” grade A

(PG-13) Intense violence, mature themes and Heath Ledger’s psychotic swan song may disturb children. “Hancock,” grade C

(PG-13) Will Smith’s summer release isn’t as much fun as advertised, with glum, mature themes, plus violence and strong profanity. “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” grade B

(PG-13) A crime-fighting demon (Ron Perlman) battles scary creatures rebelling against humanity, with all the sci-fi violence and profanity that entails. “The Visitor,” grade B+

(PG-13) Children won’t be interested in a somber drama about cross-cultural bonding between a professor (Richard Jenkins) and two illegal immigrants. Brief profanity. “The X-Files: I Want to Believe,” grade B-

(PG-13) The second feature film based on the TV series contains scary images, including gruesome medical experiments. Mature themes include child molestation.

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.

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