'STAR WARS: THE LAST JEDI'
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence.
What it's about: In Episode VIII, we reconnect with the characters from "The Force Awakens" as they try to maintain their resistance against the First Order.
The kid attractor factor: It's "Star Wars"! Spaceships and creatures and Finn and Rey! What's not to attract kids and teens (and the young at heart?)
Good lessons/bad lessons: You'll win when you save the things you love, not destroy the things you hate.
Violence: Many deaths, bombings, explosions, crashes, etc. Several lightsaber fights, showdowns with heavy machinery. There is violence and death but very little gore.
Language: None.
Sexuality: A chaste kiss.
Drugs: None.
Parents advisory: Too scary, violent and mature for little kids, but fun for older kids and teens (and parents!).
'FERDINAND'
Rated PG for rude humor, action and some thematic elements.
What it's about: Based on the 1936 children's book "The Story of Ferdinand," this is a modern reimagining of the bull who'd rather smell the flowers than fight matadors.
The kid attractor factor: The colorful animation, and broad humor.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Always be yourself. Don't judge a book by its cover. Help your friends. It's OK to be gentle and sweet.
Violence: It's a story about violence, and walking away from it, so there are scenes of bulls fighting each other, of matadors fighting bulls and of clumsy destruction. A chase scene through Madrid. But the message at the center is violence is not the answer.
Language: Some body humor jokes (barf, etc.).
Sexuality: None.
Drugs: None.
Parents advisory: Fun for kids of all ages, maybe too much for the smallest audience members.
