‘Real Steel’

Rating: PG-13 for some violence, intense action and brief language

What it’s about: A loser of an ex-boxer who operates boxing robots goes on the road with the son he never had in an effort to break his losing streak.

The kid attractor factor: A smart-mouthed, two-fisted kid co-stars, and it’s like watching Transformers box.

Good lessons/bad lessons: “Win or lose, the fight’s not over until somebody’s on the mat.”

Violence: Yes, and not just robot-on-robot violence

Language: A scattering of profanity.

Sex: None

Drugs: Alcohol

Parents’ advisory: A kid-pleasing action picture with echoes of “The Champ,” this one is suitable for ages 10 and older.

‘RESTLESS’

Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements and brief sensuality

What it’s about: Two morbid teens meet at a funeral and fall in love, only to discover each other’s hang-ups about death.

The kid attractor factor: Young love, doomed love, and starlet Mia Wasikowska may lure the kids.

Good lessons/bad lessons: It’s not healthy to be this obsessed with death while still in your teens.

Violence: A hint

Language: Some profanity

Sex: Young love in full flower.

Drugs: None

Parents’ advisory: It’s quirky enough to play to smart teens, too dark for younger kids. OK for 15 and older.

‘Cars 2’

Rating: G — for gearhead

What it’s about: That race car and his four-wheeled pals get mixed up in international intrigue when he signs on to a grand prix circuit.

The kid attractor factor: They own the toys, they remember the first movie.

Good lessons/bad lessons: “Whoever finds a friend finds a treasure.”

Violence: Cars are crushed and blown up.

Language: Disney clean

Sex: Not a hint

Drugs: Not even fuel additives

Parents’ advisory: Noisier and faster-paced than the first film, this one is suitable for all ages, especially boys 5-8 years old.

‘The Lion King 3-D’

Rating: G

What it’s about: A young lion prince grows up in exile, only to learn how much his kingdom needs him.

The kid attractor factor: This is an animated classic, in 3-D, on the big screen.

Good lessons/bad lessons: “Being brave doesn’t mean you go around looking for trouble.”

Violence: Yes, animated

Language: Disney clean

Sex: None

Drugs: None

Parents’ advisory: Suitable for all ages.

‘Dolphin Tale’

Rating: PG for some mild thematic elements.

What it’s about: Kids help take care of an injured dolphin at a marine hospital and watch as it inspires everyone it meets.

The kid attractor factor: Cute kids and a very cute dolphin, which happens to need a prosthetic tail.

Good lessons/bad lessons: “Just because you’re hurt, doesn’t mean you’re broken.”

Violence: Soldiers injured in war meet an injured dolphin.

Language: Disney clean.

Sex: Not a hint.

Drugs: None

Parents’ advisory: Uplifting, maybe a little too precious for anybody older than 15, but perfectly OK for all ages.

This guide should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting movies suitable for children. Films rated G, PG or PG-13 are included in this weekly listing, along with occasional R-rated films that may have entertainment or educational value for older children with parental guidance.