'JOE BELL'
Rated R for language including offensive slurs, some disturbing material and teen partying.
What it’s about: Based on a true story, this depicts a father walking across the country to bring awareness to bullying, spurred by his son's experiences.
The kid attractor factor: Not much, this is an adult drama, though the teen bullying themes may ring true.
Good lessons/bad lessons: All that matters is to love your kids, your family and stay true to them.
Violence: Some scenes of extreme bullying and harassment including physical assault. References to suicide.
Language: Some swearing and slurs.
Sex: References to sexuality and sexual orientation, a teen kiss.
Drugs: Teens smoking and drinking.
Parents’ advisory: Though this is rated R, the themes are resonant for teenagers and young adults. Watching and discussing this film as a family could be powerful for any tweens or teens who are dealing with bullying (or not). A good tool for opening up conversations about acceptance, tolerance and even suicide prevention.
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'JOLT'
Rated R for strong violence, sexual content and language throughout.
What it’s about: A woman with an anger problem lets her rage flow unchecked after a lover is killed.
The kid attractor factor: Teens might be into the action genre.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Love (or the potential of it) is worth fighting for.
Violence: Extreme bloody violence throughout — fisticuffs, combat, strangling, explosions, car chases, shooting, etc.
Language: Swearing and crude language throughout.
Sex: A sex scene and male nudity, graphic references to sex and body parts.
Drugs: None
Parents’ advisory: Pretty mature in violence and sexual content. This one is for teens only.
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