The sight of Patrick Swayze, Wesley Snipes and John Leguizamo swishing around in drag clothing in “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar” (PG-13) is a funny premise and carries most of the entertainment load in director Beeban Kidron’s film.
Sexual references are numerous, with an emphasis on gay affection, especially in the budding affair between Leguizamo’s character and a naive Nebraska farm boy (Jason London). There are abundant profanities and sexual innuendo in the catty wordplay of three drag queens who change the thinking of an intolerant town.
Parents should be prepared to answer a lot of delicate questions about this alternative lifestyle. At least, Kidron’s movie raises the issues in a warm, funny manner that could get across to middle American moviegoers.
– “Last of the Dogmen” (PG), a slow-moving tale of a Cheyenne Indian group discovered in modern times, may be good for a few lessons to youngsters about the government’s early treatment of American Indians, but that’s about all. Most of the interesting action occurs off-screen, narrated by Wilford Brimley, and what remains is a sketchy adventure/love story that trades on “Dances with Wolves” memories.
Violence is common, and occasionally gross. No nudity or sex, but the filmmakers throw in handfuls of gratuitous profanities, to pass off this tame drama as adult fare. Recommended for ages 10 and over.
“The Amazing Panda Adventure” (PG)–An American boy, a Chinese girl and a wise, old guide try to return a lost baby panda to its mom. Along the way, the kids and cub fall off a high-hanging bridge, are carried along by a boiling current and emerge unscathed. The kids scuffle with poachers and learn lessons about friendship, tolerance and themselves.
“Babe” (G)–The brave little pig’s quest to become a “sheep-pig” conveys subtle lessons about overcoming prejudice and fulfilling ambitions. Farm life isn’t sugar-coated, but older kids will be able to handle it and tots will be distracted by the cute talking animals.
“The Baby-Sitters Club” (PG)–Cynical teens may think they’ll be bored by the sweetness, but there are enough rough edges to keep them interested. And the kid-book series’ legions of fans won’t be disappointed.
“The Bridges of Madison County” (PG-13)–Clint Eastwood directs and co-stars with Meryl Streep in this beautifully filmed and well-written romance. A photographer passes through a small town and falls in love with a lonely farm wife whose family is away. These two talented actors deliver a chemistry that is real, rich and rewarding. This is an incredible film for adults that tackles the subject of adultery with a realistic poignancy worth seeing.
“Casper” (PG)–Expect quick reflex laughs and lots of gooey, marshmallow-type special effects. But impressionable tots could be saddened by the realization that Casper is the lonely ghost of a 12-year-old boy. The film has broad slapstick comedy, mildly blue language and much talk of death and the afterlife.
“Circle of Friends” (PG-13)–This story of three small-town Irish women who discover romance at a Dublin university emphasizes loyalty and character. There’s plenty of talk about sex as well as some sexual situations.
“Clueless” (PG-13)–A refreshing and humorous look at a teenager’s matter-of-fact perspective on life. Because it’s set in a high school, many elements aren’t for young children, including dialogue about sex and drug use.
“Desperado” (R)–His guitar case full of guns, Antonio Banderas follows a trail that leads him to the drug lord who killed his wife. Extremely violent, but cleverly written with many elements from the best Western classics and action movies.
“Die Hard With a Vengeance” (R)–A very good action-adventure movie, especially for a sequel, but graphic violence and general chaos in a city beset with terrorism play very real in light of the Oklahoma bombing.
“Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hyde” (PG-13)–An unfunny, predictable comic update in which Dr. Jekyll’s great-grandson adds estrogen to the ancient potion and turns into a predatory female. The slapstick is broad and painful, and the gender jokes may go over some kids’ heads.
“A Goofy Movie” (G)–On a vacation with his teenager, Goofy learns his son is ashamed of him. Vibrant colors, six new toe-tapping musical numbers and a plot relevant for today’s kids make this a full-of-fun animated cartoon the whole family can enjoy.
“The Indian in the Cupboard” (PG)–Director Frank Oz brings us the “E.T.” of the ’90s with the story of a boy whose plastic toy Indian comes to life. Funny scenes, great dialogue, a sweet story and incredible special effects elevate this beyond a mere special-effects movie and give it a side of human spirit we all need to see.
“A Kid in King Arthur’s Court” (PG)–Although the moral is not to be afraid to take a swing at things, what kids will really learn is how to hit stuff. Most of the plot–especially the Camelot legends that are never explained–will fly over the heads of tots, but that’s a good thing. They’ll be the only ones not bothered by the bad acting.
“A Little Princess” (PG)–Based on the classic book by Frances Hodgson Burnett, this is one of those rare films that not only entertain in a beautiful and unusual way but also pack an important social message. May be confusing to younger children.
“Magic in the Water” (PG)–Wonderful themes for all ages, such as love, values and an understanding about the loss–and regaining–of innocence. The unusual, creative story about a gentle monster living in a lake sparks the imagination of adults as well as children.
“The Net” (PG-13)–The plot–Sandra Bullock, as a top computer analyst, discovers a top secret and has to fight for her identity and her life–may be too intense and hard to comprehend for kids younger than 12. The language, plot and everything else is geared for adults and teens.
“Operation Dumbo Drop” (PG)–Despite the language and Vietnam War action scenes, this is ultimately a family film about an unusual relationship between an orphan boy and a couple of men who try to be his hero and friend. Great tricks from the elephant keep the audience laughing.
“Pocahontas” (G)–Disney’s 33rd full-length animated feature has several wonderful songs, three delightful animal characters who almost steal the show and Mel Gibson playing (and singing) the man who steals the heart of Pocahontas. Will your children enjoy it? Yes! Will they understand it? Most older kids will know what’s going on.
“The Secret of Roan Inish” (PG)–Fiona is sent to live with her grandparents because her father can no longer watch her. She befriends her cousin and together they search for her missing brother who was washed out to sea from the Island of Roan Inish. This is a sweet yarn with plenty of beautiful scenery, a seal that turns into a woman, superstitions and Irish folklore.
“Something to Talk About” (PG-13)–Even though this comedy/drama handles the adultery theme with a light touch and uses Julia Roberts as a drawing card, this movie is not for children or even younger teens.
“Species” (R)–A good ensemble cast led by Ben Kingsley helps the minimal script, but in the end, the creativity resorts to grade-B science fiction with a lot of nudity and violence thrown in.
“Waterworld” (PG-13)–Look for terrific action and an over-the-top Captain Hook-type villain, as well as language, comic-book violence and some details about “recycling” that might gross out parents more than kids. Sexual innuendo is common.
