Directed by: Gordon Chan Starring: Jackie Chan, Claire Forlani, Julian Sands, Lee Evans Rated: PG-13 for action violence and some sexual humor. Parental Notes: The content of “The Medallion” is fine for preteens and above, provided they can endure the mediocre fight scenes and atrocious dialog and acting.
Directed by: Dan Ireland Starring: Jason Isaacs, Sofia Milos, Emmy Rossum, Lupe Ontiveros, Seymour Cassel, Theresa Russell Rated: PG-13 Running Time: 108 min. Parental Notes: Although this movie contains nothing objectionable for preteens beyond some passionate kissing and implied sexual activity, it may bore them with its sly humor and slow, thoughtful romance.
Directed by: Mark S. Waters Starring: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Mark Harmon, Harold Gould, Chad Murray Rated: PG for mild thematic elements and some language. Running Time: 93 min. Parental Notes: This is a great film for all ages, especially for those who live with a teenager. The film’s message – that life isn’t easy, no matter what your age, and that your family really does love you, no matter how lame they can be at times – is a good one, and the acting is a delight.
Directed by: Robert Rodriguez Starring: Alexa Vega, Daryl Sabara, Ricardo Montalban, Robert Vito, Ryan Pinkston, Bobby Edner, Courtney Jines Rated: PG for action sequences and peril. Running Time: 89 min. Parental Notes: Although some sequences may frighten very young children or kids afraid of heights, this film is harmless for kids under 10. Teens and adults, however, may find the cliches, lack of plot, and general incoherence tiresome.
Written, directed, and choreographed by: Marion J. Caffey Starring: Ann Duquesnay, Janice Lorraine Showing at: San Jose Repertory Theatre through August 3rd. Parental Notes: Although this production is not rated, it might qualify as a PG for some language and sexual innuendo. This is an inspiring show, especially for any child who wants to sing. Alberta Hunter followed her dreams and had a long, rich life in which she did everything she’d dreamed of doing, and more.
Directed by: Jan de Bont Starring: Angelina Jolie, Gerard Butler, Ciarán Hinds, Noah Taylor, Chris Barrie Rated: PG-13 for action violence and some sensuality. Parental Notes: The violence and sensuality in “The Cradle of Life” are fairly low-key, making it suitable for preteens. Some youngsters may find the final sequence, which involves terrifying monsters who can vanish into solid objects at will, a bit too intense. Summer is the time for movies to entertain you without necessarily taxing your mind. These are the months of the movie one is willing to go see again because, hey, the movie theater is air-conditioned. “Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life” is definitely a summer movie. With a loose plot, dialog which is at times painfully bad or nonsensical, and a heroine who runs around in improbably attractive gear at all times, it is entertaining without being particularly good. The story centers around one Jonathan Reiss, a
Directed by: Stephen Norrington Starring: Sean Connery, Peta Wilson, Naseeruddin Shah, Tony Curran, Stuart Townsend, Shane West, Jason Flemyng, and Richard Roxburgh. Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of fantasy violence, language and innuendo. Parental Notes: Although preteens may find some of the fight sequences too intense, teens will doubtless enjoy the special effects and intriguing characters.
Directed by: Gore Verbinski Starring: Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley Rated: PG-13 for action/adventure violence. Parental Notes: Although some youngsters may find the skeletal pirates too frightening, preteens and teens will doubtless love the swashbuckling excitement and teen heartthrob romance of this film.
Director: F. Gary Gray Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Donald Sutherland, Edward Norton, Charlize Theron, Seth Green, Jason Statham, Mos Def Rated: PG-13 for violence and some language Parental Notes: This is a fun summer action flick, with nothing to distress younger teens. Some children may find the chase sequences too intense.
Starring: Chow Yun-Fat, Seann William Scott, Jamie King Directed by: Paul Hunter Rated: PG-13 for violence, language and some sexual content. Parental Notes: “Bulletproof Monk” is a fairly harmless action flick, with over-the-top fight sequences. Teens and preteens who don’t mind how cheesy it is will enjoy it.