Directed by: Ang Lee Starring: Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Rated: R for sexuality, nudity, language and some violence. Parental Notes: This film is a sensitive but brutally honest look at the difficulties of homosexual love in the 60s and 70s. The sex scenes and violence are no more explicit than those in most R-rated films, but they are very emotionally affecting. This is a film aimed at adults, but mature teens may find it well worth watching.
Directed by: Andrew Adamson Starring: William Moseley, Anna Popplewell, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley, Liam Neeson (voice), Tilda Swinton. Rated: PG for battle sequences and frightening moments. Parental Notes: Although the violence in the film is not graphic, there are many frightening moments (the bombing of London, battles between armies, the children are chased by wolves, etc.) and the battle sequences are sweeping and intense. This film will likely enchant older children, but preschoolers and Kindergarteners may find it too scary.
Directed by: Karyn Kusama Starring: Charlize Theron, Marton Csokas, Jonny Lee Miller, Sophie Okonedo Rated: PG-13 for sequences of violence and sexual content. Parental Notes: Aeon Flux is a fairly standard PG-13 film. There’s little explicit sexual content and the violence is not particularly graphic.
Directed by: James Mangold Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Reese Witherspoon, Robert Patrick Rated: PG-13 for some language, thematic material and depiction of drug dependency. Parental Notes: This is a fairly standard PG-13; the subject matter and some of the language may not be appropriate for youngsters. There’s emotional abuse, death, drug use, and sex; they’re handled tactfully and not gratuitous, but they are still there.
Directed by: Mike Newell Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Brendan Gleeson, Robert Pattinson Rated: PG-13 for sequences of fantasy violence and frightening images. Parental Notes: This is a darker film than the first three, and not as suitable for young children. There are frightening creatures, death-defying chases, and more than a few dark and frightening images. Children who easily handled the book should be fine, but the younger, more sensitive set may wind up with nightmares about skulls and evil wizards.
Directed by: Sam Mendes Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Jamie Foxx, Peter Sarsgaard Rated: R for pervasive language, some violent images and strong sexual content. Parental Notes: This film definitely deserves its R rating. The language is crude, there are lots of violent images (both physical and mental violence), and there is plenty of sexual content as well. This is not a movie for kids, and it’s not designed to appeal to bloodthirsty teens either. This is a movie for adults and mature teenagers.
Directed by: Gore Verbinsky Starring: Nicholas Cage, Hope Davis, Gemmenne de la Pena, Nicholas Hoult, Michael Caine Rated: R for strong language and sexual content. Parental Notes: This is a fairly standard R film in terms of sexual content, and it has plenty of foul language. More importantly, it’s not the sort of film likely to appeal to youngsters; it’s a melancholy and thoughtful character study.
Directed by: Andrezej Bartkowiak Starring: The Rock, Karl Urban, Ben Daniels, Richard Brake, Al Weaver, Rosamund Pike, Dexter Fletcher Rated: R for strong violence/gore and language. Parental Notes: This mediocre film is violent and messy, and therefore not for youngsters who can’t handle that sort of thing. There’s some sexually suggestive language as well. While not suitable for kids or most preteens, teenagers will probably enjoy it.
Directed by: Tony Scott Starring: Keira Knightley, Mickey Rorke, Edgar Ramirez, Delroy Lindo, Christopher Walken, Mena Suvari. Rated: R for strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content/nudity and drug use. Parental Notes: This is not a kids film. This is probably not a film you want your preteens or immature teenagers seeing either. It’s gleefully violent and the main character borders on being a sociopath.
Directed by: D.J. Caruso Starring: Al Pacino, Rene Russo, Matthew McConaughey. Rated: R for pervasive language, a scene of sexuality and a violent act. Parental Notes: This isn’t a film for kids, but mature teens who can appreciate the tension of a grand-tragedy-slash-character-study will likely find it fascinating.