‘Where the Wild Things Are’
Rating: PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language.
What it’s about: A little boy invents his own imaginary forest world, which he visits in his wolf-suit PJs.
The Kid Attractor Factor: It’s one of the most beloved children’s books of recent history. And here, Wild Things come to life.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Tantrums, being selfish and only caring about yourself hurt the feelings of parents and Wild Things.
Violence: Mildly scary bits of monster mashing.
Language: The H-word. Once.
Sex: Not a hint of it.
Drugs: Mom and her date have some wine.
Parents’ advisory: This slow-footed, downbeat adaptation doesn’t appear to be aimed at kids — rather at adults looking for deeper meaning in a favorite childhood book.
‘The Boys Are Back’
Rating: PG-13 for some sexual language and thematic elements.
What it’s about: A widowed dad decides the best way to raise his son is by the ethos “Just Say Yes.”
The Kid Attractor Factor: Kids, out of control, while Dad grins and skips off to work.
Good lessons/bad lessons: There’s a line between not wanting to inhibit your kids’ growth and simple absentee parenting.
Violence: A bit of the rough stuff in a bar.
Language: Profanity, here and there.
Sex: Flirtation between adults.
Drugs: A bit of the other rough stuff in a bar, and some teen partying.
Parents’ advisory: “Free range”
‘The Invention of Lying’
Rating: PG-13 for language including some sexual material and a drug reference.
What it’s about: A world that knows only “truth” meets its first fibber in this comic satire.
The Kid Attractor Factor: Jennifer Garner, Ricky Gervais, edgy British wit.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Little white lies, fibs and exaggerations make the world go round.
Violence: None, although someone dies.
Language: A bit of profanity.
Sex: Discussed.
Drugs: Wine is served, one drug joke.
Parents’ advisory: If they’re old enough to know what “satire” is, your teens may get something out of this.
‘Couples Retreat’
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and language.
What it’s about: Troubled couples go for a “healing” resort vacation.
The Kid Attractor Factor: Vince, Faizon, Jason, Kristen Bell, frat-boy humor.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Even happy couples need to be reminded of why they’re together.
Violence: A punch is thrown.
Language: Some profanity.
Sex: Bumping and grinding and a not-quite “happy ending.”
Drugs: Alcohol is served.
Parents’ advisory: This was edited down from an R rating, so the raw stuff you see in the TV commercials is missing. Still not much here for kids younger than 15.
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rmoore2@tribune.com
