Running with Scissors

Adapted/Directed by: Ryan Murphy Starring: Annette Benning, Brian Cox, Joseph Cross, Joseph Fiennes, Alec Baldwin, Gwyneth Paltrow, Evan Rachel Wood, Jill Clayburgh Rated: R for strong language and elements of sexuality, violence and substance abuse. Parental Notes: This isn’t a terribly strong R, but it does deserve the rating. It’s not graphic but the emotional violence makes it unsuitable for youngsters.

The Prestige

Directed by: Christopher Nolan Starring: Hugh Jackman, Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson, Rebecca Hall, David Bowie Rated: PG-13 for violence and disturbing images. Parental Notes: This is not a film for youngsters — they will likely be both confused and frightened. Teens with an interest in magic and in films that have plenty of plot twists will probably enjoy it.

Man of the Year

Written and Directed by: Barry Levinson Starring: Robin Williams, Christopher Walken, Laura Linney, Lewis Black, Jeff Goldblum Rated: PG-13 for language including some crude sexual references, drug related material, and brief violence. Parental Notes: This is a fairly innocuous film for teens and mature preteens, but youngsters may be frightened by the thriller plot line.

The Departed

Directed by:Martin Scorsese Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Jack Nicholson, Matt Damon, Alec Baldwin Rated: R for strong brutal violence, pervasive language, some strong sexual content and drug material. Parental Notes: There’s violence and language aplenty here, as well as drug content and some sex. The violence is frequently cruel and brutal, as well as graphic. This is not a movie for youngsters at all.

School for Scoundrels

Directed by: Todd Phillips Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Heder, Jacinda Barrett, Matt Walsh, Horatio Sanz, Todd Louiso Rated: PG-13 for language, crude and sexual content, and some violence. Parental Notes: This is a safe movie for teens and mature preteens, though offhand mentions of rape may make it inappropriate for some.