'LIFE ITSELF'
Rated R for language including sexual references, some violent images and brief drug use.
What it's about: A sprawling story of two families and their tragic yet happy destinies.
The kid attractor factor: This one is for moms _ can't imagine kids will be too interested in an adult romantic drama.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Love the ones you're with, while you're with them, live your life for the ones you aren't with.
Violence: A couple of violent and disturbing images _ shooting, bus accident.
Language: Swearing throughout.
Sexuality: References to sex but no sex scenes.
Drugs: Drinking, etc.
Parents advisory: Fine for teens, but kids won't be into this one.
'THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS'
Rated PG for thematic elements including sorcery, some action, scary images, rude humor and language.
What it's about: Based on the 1973 novel, a young orphan boy goes to live with his uncle and discovers he's a warlock.
The kid attractor factor: The kid star, Owen Vaccaro, and family-friendly spooky action adventure story.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Embrace your weirdness.
Violence: Some scary scenes of magical fighting, chasing, battling, etc. Nothing too gory.
Language: One or two instances of strong language, some toilet humor.
Sexuality: None.
Drugs: None.
Parents advisory: Great seasonal adventure film for families just in time for Halloween. Probably too scary for the littlest ones.
