‘FOOTLOOSE’

Rating: PG-13 for some teen drug and alcohol use, sexual content, violence and language

What it’s about: A new kid in town tries to get the adults to allow organized dancing, which was banned after teens died in a car accident years before.

The kid attractor factor: Sexy young actors shaking their groove things, rebelling against grown-ups.

Good lessons/bad lessons: You can’t protect your kids from everything. You have to let them grow up.

Violence: A beat-down

Language: A smattering of profanity.

Sex: Lots of bumping and grinding, on and off the dance floor.

Drugs: Cigarettes, beer

Parents’ advisory: If they’re old enough to have seen the original film on TV, which was pretty racy for its day, this one won’t hurt them. OK for 13 and older.

‘The Big Year’

Rating: PG for language and some sensuality

What it’s about: Three competitive bird-watchers set out to break the record for most bird species seen in North America in a year. Mayhem ensues.

The kid attractor factor: Three kid-friendly comics chasing birds.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Step back and rethink your priorities, especially if you’re putting bird-watching ahead of people.

Violence: None

Language: Birders have been known to curse when they miss a sighting.

Sex: A suggestion of an affair

Drugs: Wine with dinner

Parents’ advisory: The adult themes, sex and profanity make this best left to those 15 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, compiled by Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel film critic Roger Moore, should be used along with the Motion Picture Association of America rating system for selecting films suitable for children. Films rated G, PG or PG-13 are included in this listing, along with occasional R-rated films that may have entertainment or educational value for older children with parental guidance.