Directed by: the Wachowski Brothers Starring: Keanu Reeves, Lawrence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving Rated: R for sci-fi violence and some sexuality. Parental Notes: Although most of the violence here is comparatively bloodless, this film deserves its R rating and may be too intense for youngsters. Teens who liked the first “Matrix” film will doubtless enjoy it.
Directed by: Joel Schumacher Starring: Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, Radha Mitchell, Katie Holmes, Kiefer Sutherland Rated: R for pervasive language and some violence Parental Notes: This film will appeal to older teens who enjoy suspense. Youngsters may find it too intense, particularly the constant threat of violence which runs through most of the film.
Directed by: Glen Morgan Starring: Crispin Glover, R. Lee Ermy, Laura Harring, Jackie Burroughs Rated: PG-13 Parental Notes: although probably too intense for youngsters or those with phobias around rats, “Willard” will doubtless be enjoyed by teens with a taste for the macabre.
Directed by: Rob Marshall Starring: Rene
Directed by: Spike Jonze Starring: Nicholas Cage, Meryl Streep, Chris Cooper Rated: Rated R for language, sexuality, some drug use and violent images. Parental Notes: This is a strange and at times violent film which younger teens will have difficulty understanding and young children will likely find too intense when they’re not utterly confused.
Directed by: Mark Steven Johnson Starring: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan, Colin Farrell, Jon Favreau, Joe Pantoliano Rated: PG-13 for action/violence and some sensuality Parental Notes: This is a typical dark-comic-book movie, with a hefty dollop of bone-crunching sound effects and over-the-top violence. Teenagers with a taste for comics will probably adore it, but it might be too intense for preteens and younger children.
Directed by: Martin Scorsese Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent Rated: R Parental Notes: Suitable for mature teens only due to violent content and mature themes.
Starring: Elijah Wood, Sean Astin, Billy Boyd, Dominic Monaghan, Orlando Bloom, Viggo Mortensen, Ian McKellan, John Rhys-Davies, Miranda Otto, Karl Urban, Bernard Hill, Andy Serkis, David Wenham, Brad Dourif Directed by: Peter Jackson Rated: PG-13 Parental Notes: Although the violence in “The Two Towers” is not particularly graphic, it is too intense for young children. However, fantasy-minded preteens and teens will no doubt enjoy it.
Starring: Pierce Brosnan, Halle Berry, Toby Stephens, Rick Yune, Rosamund Pike Directed By: Lee Tamahori Rated: PG-13 for action violence and sexuality. Parental Notes: This film is probably too intense for younger teens, but will no doubt be popular with older kids.
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Kenneth Brannagh, Alan Rickman, Richard Harris Directed by: Chris Columbus Rated: PG for scary moments, some creature violence and mild language. Parental Notes: There are several scenes which may be too intense for young children, including one which involves hundreds of giant spiders. However, children who are fans of the books will no doubt be thrilled.