Twenty years ago, “Star Wars” (PG) cut through the calcified kid-film canon like a light saber. And, believe it or not, the spiffed-up “special edition” lives up to its inescapable hype.
Sure, the acting’s cheesy, the commercialism is overwhelming, and many of the bells and whistles don’t measure up to the “Twister”/”Independence Day” state of the art. But the adventure still enthralls, and the lessons of the Force are timeless.
Except for the space-age violence and a few jokey double entendres, this is a terrific training course for junior Jedis.
“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.
“Beverly Hills Ninja” (PG-13) — With plenty of belly flops and geeky adolescent humor, Chris Farley’s latest should go over well with “Dumb and Dumber” lovers. Parents shouldn’t fret too much over the mild violence, language and feeble double entendres. But Farley’s talent and charm deserve better than this.
“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.
“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.
“Fierce Creatures” (PG-13) — This is a zany comedy about cuddly critters and a strange zoo, but the wackiness isn’t aimed at tots. The late-breaking comic bite — not to mention the cleavage shots, incessant sex talk and an accidental murder played for laughs — make this a joke-fest for only the most mature teens.
“First Strike” (PG-13) — Jackie Chan kicks international butt in this stunt-filled, violence-packed action romp. With no sex, very little swearing and a brief bit of nonsexual male nudity, First Strike is more harmless than your average Hollywood shoot-’em-up.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
“Mother” (PG-13) — There’s no violence, no sex and only a few off-color conversations and references to lingerie. But parents might find the subject matter of this adult comedy irksome: A grown man moves back home with Mom after his second divorce to sort out his relationships with women.
“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.
“101 Dalmatians” (G) — Disney’s live-action remake of the 1961 animated classic features a deliciously wicked Cruella De Vil (Glenn Close) and bushels of cuddly pups. The four villains — a little-seen taxidermist, two bumbling burglars and Cruella — are more cartoonish than menacing. Still, it’s a darker, less endearing comedy than the original.
“The Portrait of a Lady” (PG-13) — Although it’s usually a good thing to entice kids to literature through the movies, this Jane Campion (“The Piano”) adaptation of Henry James’ drama may do more to turn away teens with its brooding, dark storytelling.
“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.
“Prefontaine” (PG-13) — Tale of a running champ’s brief life inspires, but there are snatches of strong language.
“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.
“Zeus and Roxanne” (PG) — A dog and a dolphin. Spells romance, doesn’t it? This tale of an unlikely interspecies relationship that ends up getting two humans hitched is OK, inoffensive kiddo entertainment, with a couple of threatening scenes of underwater endangerment.
