‘JOHN CARTER’

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and action.

What it’s about: A Civil War vet finds himself transplanted to Mars — in the middle of a Martian civil war.

The kid attractor factor: A big 3-D sci-fi/fantasy/Western hybrid, with alien beasties, hunks and hotties and cool flying machines.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Racism and social strife aren’t confined to Earth.

Violence: Lots of it — stabbings and slashings and whatnot.

Language: Mild, mild profanity.

Sex: None.

Drugs: Alcohol in an early scene.

Parents’ advisory: Pretty tame stuff, perfectly suitable for any kid old enough to endure a two-hour-plus action picture — OK for kids 10 and older.

‘GONE’

Rating: PG-13 for violence and terror, some sexual material, brief language and drug references.

What it’s about: A college-age girl who survived (she says) a kidnapping is convinced that the kidnapper/serial killer came back for her, and took her sister instead.

The kid attractor factor: Amanda Seyfried in jeopardy.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Don’t let the fact that the cops don’t take you seriously stop you from doing the right thing.

Violence: Yes, some graphic.

Language: Some profanity.

Sex: Suggested.

Drugs: Discussed, with one character having a drinking problem.

Parents’ advisory: An attempt at a PG-13 “Silence of the Lambs,” not suitable for 12 and younger.

‘DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX’

Rating: PG for brief mild language

What it’s about: An entrepreneur remembers the forest he chopped down and the environment he ruined in the name of a quick profit, ignoring the warnings of The Lorax.

The kid attractor factor: One of the great Dr. Seuss books becomes a gorgeous and adorable 3-D classic.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Greed and shortcuts to quick profits will be the ruin of us all.

Violence: Slapstick, though cutting a tree has rarely seemed more traumatic on the screen.

Language: You’ll have to listen hard to catch the “brief mild language.”

Sex: The things a boy will do to impress and win a kiss from a girl.

Parents’ advisory: Suitable for all ages, mostly for 8 and older.

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.