• Suitable for families

“Beverly Hills Chihuahua”

(PG) — Talking animals are a can’t-miss proposition for children. Mildly rude humor won’t bother parents.

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year”

(G) — Disney’s carefree cash cows sing and dance their way onto the big screen. Nothing offensive, unless you’re a Metallica fan.

Suitable for families, with reservations

“Eagle Eye”

(PG-13) — Shia LaBeouf’s popularity among teenagers will make this a hit. Parents should be aware of the film’s intense action violence and occasional profanity.

“The Secret Life of Bees,” grade A-

(PG-13) — Mature themes of racism in the Deep South during the 1960s are carefully handled, along with an abusive parent subplot and the accidental death of another. Solid lessons in civil rights and sisterhood abound. Brief language.

• Not suitable

“Max Payne”

(PG-13) — Thirteen minutes of violent footage were excised to obtain the MPAA rating, which still notes the movie’s “intense shooting sequences, drug content, some sexuality and brief strong language.”

“Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist”

(PG-13) — The MPAA rating for this youth market comedy is due to “mature thematic material including teen drinking, sexuality, language and crude behavior.”

“Nights in Rodanthe,” grade D+

(PG-13) — Children won’t find much entertainment in a sensual love story starring middle-aged Richard Gere and Diane Lane.

“W.,” grade C

(PG-13) — Oliver Stone’s biography of President George W. Bush shouldn’t be considered unbiased history. The MPAA rating is due to “language, including sexual references, some alcohol abuse, smoking and brief disturbing war images.”

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.