By Roger Moore, McClatchy-Tribune News Service –
THE DARKEST HOUR
Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some language
What it’s about: Young American travelers are in a country where they don’t speak the language — Russia — when the aliens invade.
The kid attractor factor: Aliens, special effects, and Olivia Thirlby, Rachael Taylor, Emile Hirsch and Max Minghella.
Good lessons/bad lessons: “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And never go out in shoes you can’t run for your life in.
Violence: Abstract sci-fi disintegrations.
Language: Pretty clean, considering the cast and the situation.
Sex: Provocative attire is as far as it goes.
Drugs: Bar hopping entails a bit of drinking.
Parents’ advisory: Pretty mild stuff for this genre, OK for 9-and-up.
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YOUNG ADULT
Rating: R for language and some sexual content
What it’s about: A former prom queen and high school beauty goes home, years later, to take a second shot at her high school beau.
The kid attractor factor: Charlize Theron; seeing alleged adults act as if they’re still in high school.
Good lessons/bad lessons: “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” and once a mean girl, always a mean girl.
Violence: Discussed.
Language: The main reason for the R-rating.
Sex: Nothing that graphic; partial nudity.
Drugs: Lots and lots of alcohol is consumed, comically, at first.
Parents’ advisory: Adult in theme, this is still closer to a PG-13 and has teachable moments for any would-be Kardashian-vapid, pretty mean girl in your household — OK for 14-and-up.
