Parents who have to give their kids permission to see a film such as “Mother” (PG-13) might want to think twice. It’s not that much is objectionable in the film. No violence. No sex. Only a few off-color conversations and references to lingerie.
It’s the subject matter parents might find irksome: A grown man moves back home with Mom after his second divorce to sort out his relationships with women. (Wouldn’t want to give the kids any ideas.)
Not that the film makes the proposition of moving home seem like fun. Albert Brooks is a master of neurotic sarcasm, and his character heads home only as a last resort. The outrageous comedy comes from their edgy interaction. The dialogue and situations border on genius, but it’s adult humor that will probably go over most kids’ heads.
“Beavis and Butt-Head Do America” (PG-13)–The movie’s objectionable content is the same as the MTV show’s; there’s just a lot more of it. The animated duo’s mission to score is a hopeless failure, so they never venture into “Fritz the Cat’s” turf. And there are few expletives. But the crude jokes never stop.
“The Cable Guy” (PG-13)–Jim Carrey fans, look out! This dark, offbeat movie could scare young kids who look upon Jungle Jim as some sort of anarchic hero. In the scary comedy, he’s emotionally needy and mean-spirited. But older teens could be more responsive. The rating is for language, comic violence, one love scene and lots of innuendo, including a game of Porno Password.
“The Crucible” (PG-13)–This is no teen witch flick like “The Craft,” but Winona Ryder does play an impressively evil young woman who sparks the infamous 1692 Salem witch trials. Sometimes-harsh history, some sexual innuendo and lots of drama.
“Daylight” (PG-13)–If your kids aren’t afraid of torrents of water, big explosions, cramped enclosures or rats, then this might thrill them, because the plot holes and horrid acting certainly won’t. The violence mostly stems from forces of nature instead of human meanness, and there’s some language.
“D3: The Mighty Ducks” (PG)–Disney’s latest foray into the world of kids’ hockey will offend only those who value their intelligence. The sportsmanship lessons can be valuable if you don’t mind the saccharin.
“Emma” (PG)–Though there’s nothing objectionable about this adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel other than a few examples of bad manners, it’s a movie that won’t appeal to anyone younger than 12. But those teens caught up in romance will adore Gwyneth Paltrow’s performance.
“The Evening Star” (PG-13)–Riveting funny/sad sequel to “Terms of Endearment” was rated R the first time around. Upon appeal, it was changed to PG-13 for some brief language and sexual situations, including Shirley MacLaine’s love affair with a therapist half her age.
“Evita” (PG)–In spite of the PG rating, this is no kiddie flick. The spectacular, fast-moving film version of the Broadway musical traces the controversial life of Eva Peron (Madonna), the powerful wife of Argentina dictator Juan Peron. There are scenes of violence, sexual references and some language.
“First Kid” (PG)–Kids will relate to the troubles of the teenage presidential son, and then, wacky Secret Service agent Sinbad arrives to protect and preserve. Young kids will get into the antics and absurdity; parents and teens might remember the plot as a retread of 1982’s “The Toy” with Richard Pryor.
“The First Wives Club” (PG)–Abandonment, divorce, plastic surgery and retribution aren’t subjects to keep small fry glued to the screen. But this is a comedy without sex or nudity–but with sensuality, language, a sequence in a lesbian bar and a death scene.
“Fly Away Home” (PG)–Triumphant tale of a 13-year-old who teaches orphaned Canada geese how to fly south for the winter. Hunters bang away at the geese, a car wreck kills a parent and there’s some mild language, but don’t let that keep youngsters 8 and up from this affecting film.
“Ghosts of Mississippi” (PG-13)–Decidedly placid for a film about a racist killer and his victim’s wife, “Ghosts” does contain one violent scene and strong language. It doesn’t have the action or the look to hold a tot’s attention.
“Harriet the Spy” (PG)–Based on the kids’ book by Louise Fitzhugh, this stands out as one of the few summer films that lives up to its own hype. This adventure’s 11-year-old spy is an especially good role model because she’s one of the few young girl characters who can be a hero to girls as well as boys.
“High School High” (PG-13)–Early teens might enjoy this scatter-shot send-up of Dangerous Minds, but what little humor there is will elude the youngsters. Parents might beware some of the more off-color jokes.
“House Arrest” (PG)–Two kids lock their divorce-bound parents in the basement with orders to work it out. Light-hearted, wacky romp with underlying message about the impact of divorce on children. Gets its rating for some language and parent-trap plot.
“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” (G)–One of Disney’s most ambitious animated efforts is definitely its most provocative. Some kids will be fascinated with this upbeat version of Victor Hugo’s tragic novel. Others will be frightened. The villain is a model of oppression who sings of his lust for a street-dancing gypsy.
“Jingle All the Way” (PG)–This holiday semifarce offends not in the traditional Hollywood manner (except for a smattering of language), but in deeper ways. Some fun does come through, but very young Santa believers might be shaken by a smuggling ring run by Santas and elves gone bad.
“Kingpin” (PG-13)–In this comedy about a one-time bowling champ who tries to coach an Amish farmboy to victory, kids will roar during the rambunctious moments, but everyone will grow restless during the many lethargic passages. Considering the language, violence and sexual innuendo, the rating is lenient.
“Larger Than Life” (PG)–Given his track record with adult comedies, parents may be skeptical of Bill Murray. But in this movie, he spends a week on the road with an elephant, and there aren’t even any poop jokes. You can’t get much cleaner than that.
“Mars Attacks!” (PG-13)–Director Tim Burton has the kind of colorful imagination children adore. While his irony may go over some heads, his ‘toon-inspired cinematography, with its wild colors and amazing shapes, is a kid magnet. This farce is heavy on explosions and people dying, but Burton and his cast of thousands never lose their sense of fun.
“Marvin’s Room” (PG-13)–Beautifully acted black comedy, adapted from Scott McPherson’s play, takes on serious themes–family love-hate, living with the dying and the value of caring for others. Arson, salty language and power of the material account for rating.
“Michael” (PG)–John Travolta’s angel drinks, smokes and picks up cute rural waitresses, but Nora Ephron’s comedy is as light as a celestial wing feather. With no overt sexuality or offensive material, “Michael” is about as safe as a lewd-angel flick could be.
“Microcosmos” (G)–It’s not made for kids, but this unique documentary offers an extremely close look at ants, ladybugs, bees, spiders, wasps and a couple of amorous snails. Many amazing, witty moments, but as Woody Allen said: It’s a banquet out there. So expect battling beetles, a spider shrink-wrapping grasshoppers and a hungry, ant-pecking pheasant.
“The Mirror Has Two Faces” (PG-13)–Life-affirming romantic comedy about two academics (Barbra Streisand and Jeff Bridges) who agree to a sexless marriage. Adult situations and a bit of language, but its exploration of sexual and beauty myths is rich and reassuring.
“My Fellow Americans” (PG-13)–For an ostensibly harmless grumpy-old-presidents comedy, this Jack Lemmon-James Garner flick has an amazing amount of potty humor and profanity, with a little violence thrown in among the laughs for good measure.
“One Fine Day” (PG)–This romantic comedy plays like a snappy, modern-day love story–but it gives its young co-stars plenty of screen time as well. There’s a little too much mugging, but on the whole, it’s a pleasant-spirited romance with just a smidgen of adultish content.
“The Preacher’s Wife” (PG) — Sweet Christmas comedy about an angel who comes down to help a pastor too busy to spend time with his choir director/wife. Youngsters will relate to the kids, but the whole family will dig the giggles, gospel music and messages about love, faith, hope and community.
“Romeo and Juliet” (PG-13)–Baz Luhrmann adapts Shakespeare to a modernized, tragically hip setting that has teen fave written all over it. Open-minded parents will also be pleased, but the gunplay and other spontaneous violence should keep tots home with the sitter. Best of all, it’s compelling enough to send Shakespeare newcomers searching for the other plays.
“Shine” (PG-13)–This often mesmerizing tale of a troubled piano prodigy contains some non-sexual nudity and addresses prickly issues of family trauma and mental illness. Still, its uplifting message should win over parents who are willing to answer a few questions.
“Small Wonders” (G)–Moving, Oscar-nominated documentary about a violin teacher in East Harlem who refused to give up when school budget cuts killed her job. Inspirational portrait of a dedicated teacher and her spectacular young students. A must-see for anyone working with children.
“Space Jam” (PG)–Don’t worry if your kids aren’t Michael Jordan fanatics or steeped in Looney Tune minutiae; they’ll be thrilled anyway. Lola Bunny may seem like a crass commercial creature who’s only there to hook in little girls, but funny thing, it works.
“Star Trek: First Contact” (PG-13)–It’s time for the next generation to take a big-screen “Trek”, and this imaginative sequel shouldn’t bore anyone. Aside from the usual ray-gun violence, a couple of drinking scenes and hints of an intergalactic tryst or two, “First Contact” is a safe, peppy night of planet hopping.
“That Thing You Do!” (PG)–It won’t be a fave of the Nine Inch Nails set, but Tom Hanks’ directorial debut is a boppy ’60s-era tribute to a time when rock ‘n’ roll meant turtlenecks instead of torn T-shirts.
