“BEAUTY AND THE BEAST”

Rating: PG for some action violence, peril and frightening images.

What it’s about: The fairy tale and beloved Disney animated feature comes to life, as a headstrong heroine learns to love a prince trapped by an evil spell in the body of a beast.

The kid-attractor factor: Star Emma Watson, the fantastical story, and the songs will enchant children and adults who grew up with the animated feature.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Look beyond the surface to see who someone really is. Have patience, compassion and understanding for those who are different.

Violence: A few scary sequences at the Beast’s castle, with wolves attacking, an angry, pitchfork-wielding mob, and a grand battle with the magical furnishings against the villagers. Gaston and Beast have a battle on the castle spires.

Language: None

Sexuality: A kiss between Belle and the Beast, some flirtations and innuendo between other characters.

Drugs: None

Parents advisory: Fine for kids and teenagers, but the violence may be too scary for very young children.

“KONG: SKULL ISLAND”

Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action, and for brief strong language.

What it’s about: A group of scientists and soldiers travel to an unmapped island and encounter the amazing King Kong.

The kid-attractor factor: The adventure genre, action thrills and monsters will be a draw for teens and older kids.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Don’t fight the things you’re afraid of; try to understand them. Violence and fear aren’t the answer; compassion is.

Violence: Lots and lots of violence, from helicopter crashes and smashes, to shooting to explosions and human squishing to wild, extended fights between Kong and evil dinosaur-like creatures.

Language: A few instances of swearing/strong language.

Sexuality: A brief scene in a Vietnamese brothel, but no nudity.

Drugs: None, some Budweiser sipping.

Parents advisory: This is fine for teens and should be OK for older kids, but it’s very violent — mostly CGI stuff with Kong.