‘MEN IN BLACK 3’

Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence, and brief suggestive content.

What it’s about: An alien serial killer escapes to the past and Agent J must chase him down before he kills Agent K and changes history.

The kid attractor factor: Wacky aliens in battle with wise-cracking humans.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: “The most destructive force in the universe — regret.” “The bitterest truth is better than the sweetest lie.”

Violence: Quite a bit, but fantastical in nature.

Language: Maybe half a dozen swear words.

Sex: Nary a whiff.

Drugs: None.

Parents’ advisory: Despite the profanity, this sentimental message-packed sci-fi sequel is suitable for 8 and older.

‘THE DICTATOR’

Rating: R for strong crude and sexual content, brief male nudity, language and some violent images

What it’s about: A Middle Eastern dictator is replaced by a double and seeks the help of American do-gooders to return to power.

The kid attractor factor: Sacha Baron Cohen, wearing the funny beard, the funny uniform and funny accent.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: Mock foreign dictators if you want, just don’t look too closely at those dictating over you as you do.

Violence: Yes, played for laughs.

Language: Profanity, even in the background music.

Sex: Sexual content of the OB-GYN variety.

Drugs: Surprisingly, none.

Parents’ advisory: Aimed squarely at 20-year-olds, this really isn’t for anybody younger than 16.

‘BATTLESHIP’

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

What it’s about: The U.S. Navy fights aliens.

The kid attractor factor: Scary aliens, big ships, big guns, and everybody from Rihanna to “The Greatest Generation” pitches in.

Good lessons/ bad lessons: “Adversity is the state in which man most easily becomes acquainted with himself, being especially free of admirers then.”

Violence: Lots and lots, but nothing that graphic.

Language: Profanity, used for comic effect.

Sex: Scantily clad Brooklyn Decker, a few smooches.

Drugs: A few drinks, one comically bad decision.

Parents’ advisory: Dumb, harmless summer cinema fun in the “Independence Day” mold — OK for 10 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.