‘LINCOLN’

Rating: PG-13 for an intense scene of war violence, some images of carnage and brief strong language.

What it’s about: Abraham Lincoln and his fractious cabinet try to rally Congressional support for an amendment to end slavery.

The kid attractor factor: A valuable history lesson about the messiness of government and a human portrait of a sainted president.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: In politics, even the noblest ideals have their detractors.

Violence: Some gruesome Civil War combat.

Language: A scattering of period-appropriate profanity, racial slurs.

Sex: None.

Drugs: None.

Parents’ advisory: Even if their school isn’t assigning this, there’s a lot to be said for rounding the kids up and letting them absorb a little Civil War history — suitable for 10 and older.

‘SKYFALL’

Rating: PG-13 for intense violent sequences throughout, some sexuality, language and smoking

What it’s about: A computer hacker has stolen a list of secret agents, and James Bond wants them back.

The kid attractor factor: It’s James Bond, with car chases, epic brawls and lots and lots of action.

Good lessons/ bad lessons:” Age is no guarantee of efficiency” and “Youth is no guarantee of innovation.”

Violence: Plentiful.

Language: Not much profanity.

Sex: Nothing explicit, but James Bond is catnip to the ladies.

Drugs: A few drinks, a few cigarettes.

Parents’ advisory: The lightest of the Daniel Craig Bond films, it’s still violent and too sexual and too long for anybody younger than 12.

‘WRECK-IT RALPH’

Rating: PG for some rude humor and mild action/ violence.

What it’s about: A disgruntled video-game bad guy escapes and tries to show his true colors.

The kid attractor factor: It’s a new 3-D Disney cartoon set inside the lives of video game characters.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: Labels don’t matter; “you must love you” before you can live a happy, contented life.

Violence: Cartoon slapstick, even the first-person shooter game scenes.

Language: Disney-clean, despite the presence of Sarah Silverman.

Sex: A little game-on-game smooching.

Drugs: None.

Parents’ advisory: Suitable 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 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.