‘THE POSSESSION’

Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material involving violence and disturbing sequences.

What it’s about: A child is possessed by a demon she unleashed from a box.

The kid attractor factor: A peer, a child, in peril, doing all sorts of things the demonically possessed do in movies.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: There’s something to be said in asking for expert help, but when the chips are down, you can always count on Dad.

Violence: A number of quite violent scenes, with some of that violence directed at children.

Language: Pretty tame for a PG-13.

Sex: None.

Drugs: None.

Parents’ advisory: Too creepy for younger children, but pretty tame by horror standards — suitable for ages 10 and older.

‘LAWLESS’

Rating: R for strong bloody violence, language and some sexuality/ nudity.

What it’s about: Prohibition-Era moonshiners battle with the mob, which wants to control their business.

The kid attractor factor: Shia LaBeouf and Mia Wasikowska are star-crossed lovers in the middle of this.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: Proving you’re as tough as the other fellow could get you killed.

Violence: Lots of it, and much of it explicit and bloody.

Language: Quite a bit of profanity.

Sex: Implied rape and sexual abuse, nudity.

Drugs: Moonshine, and lots of it.

Parents’ advisory: Incredibly violent, and graphically so. Take the R-rating seriously. OK for ages 16 and older.

‘PREMIUM RUSH’

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

What it’s about: A gonzo bicycle messenger is chased by a crooked cop through the crowded streets of Manhattan.

The kid attractor factor: Attractive, muscular young people tearing through traffic in death-defying bike sprints.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: “Stay awake, stay alive.” And don’t try this bike stuff at home.

Violence: Beatings, a shooting, and lots of bike accidents.

Language: A tiny bit of mild swearing, here and there.

Sex: Make-out sessions.

Drugs: None.

Parents’ advisory: As kid-friendly as thrillers get, this one is suitable for ages 11 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.