Directed By: Edward Zwick Starring: Daniel Craig, Liev Schreiber, Jamie Bell, Alexa Davalos, Jodhi May Rated: R for violence and language. Parental Notes: The violence here is not romanticized or glorified, it is simply there, and given that this is a film about World War II, there is plenty of it. There’s also a shot of a mass grave filled with the dead. This is not a movie for youngsters or the faint of heart, but it would serve as a wonderful jumping-off point for discussions with mature teenagers.
Directed by: Clint Eastwood Starring: Clint Eastwood, Christopher Carley, Bee Vang, Ahney Her Rated: R for language throughout, and some violence. Parental Notes: This is not a film aimed at children. Mature teens may enjoy it, but youngsters should stay home. The violence is not glorified and excessive, but it’s not comfortably cartoonish either.
Directed by: Ron Howard Starring: Frank Langella, Michael Sheen, Matthew McFayden, Oliver Platt, Sam Rockwell, Kevin Bacon Rated: R for some language Parental Notes: Most youngsters will probably be bored by this talk-heavy film, though there’s little objectionable here — very little violence (some footage of American involvement in Vietnam and Cambodia) and even less sexual content. Teens with interest in politics should definitely check it out, though — ideally with their parents. This film would make a great starting point for a discussion of the ramifications of Watergate.
Written and Directed by: Kevin Smith Starring: Seth Rogan, Elizabeth Banks, Traci Lords, Jason Mewes, Craig Robinson Rated: R on appeal for strong crude sexual content including dialogue, graphic nudity and pervasive language. Parental Notes: This is a film about a group of people making a pornographic movie. It contains frank discussions of sex, lots of graphic nudity, and some very, very dirty humor. It was re-edited to receive an R rating instead of the original NC-17.
Directed by: Clint Eastwood Starring: Angelina Jolie, John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Colm Feore Rated: R for some violent and disturbing content, and language. Parental Notes: This is a film aimed squarely at adults. There is some nastiness involving missing and murdered children which, while not graphic, renders the film unsuitable for youngsters — but children of that age would probably find the movie boring anyway.
Directed by: Gavin O’Connor Starring: Edward Norton, Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, Noah Emmerich Rated: R for strong violence, pervasive language and brief drug content. Parental Notes: This film deserves its rating. The violence is nasty and dark, and while it’s not always graphic on screen, we’re given enough to have vivid images in our minds.
Directed by: Jon Avnet Starring: Robert DeNiro, Al Pacino, 50 Cent, Carla Gugino, John Leguizamo, Donnie Wahlberg Rated: R for violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and brief drug use. Parental Notes: This is a pretty solid R rating. Not for youngsters, though teens and mature preteens may be fine.
Written and Directed by: Joel and Ethan Coen Starring: Frances McDormand, George Clooney, Tilda Swinton, John Malkovich, Brad Pitt, Elizabeth Marvel Rated: R for pervasive language, some sexual content and violence.
Written and Directed by: Paul W. S. Anderson Starring: Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Natalie Martinez Rated: R for strong violence and language. Parental Notes: This is a big, bad, nasty action movie, and not suitable for youngsters. Teens will probably dig it if they like mindless violence, but the R rating is well-deserved.
Coming Up In FilmGot a film event you want listed? Email Ealasaid with details. AUGUST 2008 * August 21 8:30pm, National Treasure: Book of Secrets. Milpitas Civic Center Plaza, Free Admission. * August 22 at Camera 7, August 23 at Camera 12: Midnight Movie Madness, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” See www.cameracinemas.com for ticket information. * August 29 at Camera 7, August 30 at Camera 12: Midnight Movie Madness, “The Big Lebowski” See www.cameracinemas.com for ticket information. SEPTEMBER 2008 * September 22 6:00pm, The Metropolitan Opera’s opening night gala, broadcast live at local theaters. See www.fathomevents.com for details. Directed by: Ben Stiller Starring:: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr. Rated: :R for pervasive language including sexual references, violent content and drug material. Parental Notes:: This is not a kids’ movie. It’s a totally over-the-top comedy aimed at movie-savvy adults and includes plenty of vulgarity, violence, stupidity, and other inappropriateness.