WAR HORSE

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of war violence

What it’s about: A young thoroughbred and the teenage boy who loves him must prove themselves on the farm and then on the battlefields of World War I.

The kid attractor factor: A boy and his horse, maybe the prettiest horse ever to grace the screen.

Good lessons/bad lessons: In life, “There are big days, and there are small days.” You get to decide what kind of day to make it.

Violence: Quite a bit of combat, some of it reasonably graphic.

Language: Disney clean.

Sex: None.

Drugs: Alcohol is consumed and abused.

Parents’ advisory: A violent history lesson about “The Great War” seen through the eyes of a horse, this is too intense for the very young — suitable for 12-and-up.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO

Rating: PG for language and some thematic elements

What it’s about: An adventure-prone widower uproots the kids when they buy and take over a small rural zoo.

The kid attractor factor: Cute kids, cuter critters, children living in and trying to save the family zoo.

Good lessons/bad lessons: “Bad things happen, you just keep going.” “You do something for the right reasons, nothing can stop you.”

Violence: A couple of off-camera deaths.

Language: A scattering of profanity, with some of it coming from the kids.

Sex: A little young teen romance, a little adult flirtation.

Drugs: Alcohol is consumed, sometimes in excess.

Parents’ advisory: Despite the presence of cute kids and critters, this is too slow and adult in theme for younger children. OK for 10-and-up.

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 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.