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Parents Television Council Reviews Reviews for Parents PTC entertainment reviews provide parents with information concerning current entertainment offerings, including recommended ages suitable for a particular film and specific information about the content of sex, violence and profanity. Television, DVD and film reviews are all carefully evaluated using the stringent guidelines established many years ago by the PTC (see ETS for more information). You can trust PTC entertainment reviews to guide you through the process of selecting appropriate entertainment for you and your family. Armed with the information contained in PTC reviews parents can be the final arbiter of what they or their family sees. NEW IN THEATRES:
Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squequel
Release Date: December 25, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for some mild rude humor Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
The Chipmunks -- self-centered Alvin, brainy Simon and naïve Theodore – are back in this CGI adaptation of the cartoon favorite. This time around, the boys interrupt their concert tour and are taken in by slacker Toby and forced to attend high school. Despite being bullied and Alvin lured away by the “popular kids,” the Chipmunks stick together through thick and thin – until their embittered former manager Ian Hawke returns to steal their thunder with a new musical group, featuring three lovely Chipettes. ► more
Release Date: December 11, 2009 MPAA rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Set in 1920’s New Orleans, this movie based on the classic fairy tale of The Frog Prince – but with a twist. Tiana is a hard-working African-American girl, devoted to her dream of opening her own restaurant, while Prince Naveen is a lazy playboy who only wants to have fun. When Naveen gets mixed up with the evil voodoo doctor Facilier, he is transformed into a frog. To return to human form, he must convince Tiana to kiss him – but when she does, things don’t happen quite the way the fairy tale says… ► more
Release Date: December 18, 2009 MPAA rating: PG-13 for intense epic battle sequences and warfare, sensuality, language and some smoking Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
In the year 2154, an Earth corporation is mining an energy-producing ore found on the planet Pandora. Pandora’s natives, the tribal Na’vi, resent and resist mankind’s exploitative presence. To befriend and study the Na’vi, human scientists have created alien-looking bodies, or “avatars,” which are inhabited by human minds. Crippled Marine Jake Sully is embodied in an “avatar” as part of a mission to discover the Na’vi’s weaknesses and gain their trust; but as he comes to understand Na’vi culture and life on Pandora, Sully finds his sympathies beginning to change…► more
The Twilight Saga: New Moon
Release Date: November 20, 2009 MPAA rating: PG-13 for some violence and action Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
A sequel to the wildly-popular teenage vampire film Twilight, New Moon finds shy but determined teenager Bella Swan and young vampire Edward Cullen deeply in love. So great is Bella’s devotion that she begs Edward to make her a vampire so that she can spend eternity with him, a decision with which Edward’s vampire “family” concurs. But after Bella is threatened with harm, Edward believes it is best for him to leave her life completely. Bella is emotionally devastated, but over time her friendship and budding romance with teenager Jacob eases her pain. But Jacob has a supernatural secret of his own…► more
Release Date: November 20, 2009 MPAA rating: PG-13 for one scene involving brief violence, drug and sexual references Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
Based on the true story of Baltimore Ravens football star Michael Oher, The Blind Side shows how homeless African-American teen “Big Mike” is taken in and eventually adopted by the Touhys, a well-to-do Southern family who help him fulfill his potential. At the same time, Michael's presence gives the Touhys insight about themselves and their lives. ► more
Release Date: October 16, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for some action and peril, and brief mild language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Toby is a boy genius, son of the robotics expert Dr. Tenma. When Toby is tragically killed, his father implants Toby’s memories and personality into a robot copy of his son. But when Tenma and the government of Metro City turn against him, the robot Toby befriends a group of fellow orphans – and ultimately finds his destiny as the super-heroic Astro Boy! ► more
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs
Release Date: September 18, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for brief mild language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
As a boy, Flint Lockwood dreamed of being a great inventor. Flint’s father just wants Flint to join him working in the family bait shop, but Flint pursues his dream and invents a machine that can make any kind of food rain from the sky. Suddenly, Flint is popular and the hero of his town – until the machine goes out of control…► more
Release Date: August 14, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for some thematic elements and mild language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Bandslam is the story of Will Burton (Gaelan Connell), a high-school student who’s bullied and disliked by everyone. But Will is also a talented and passionate student of music; and when he moves to a new school, he’s dragged into helping the beautiful Charlotte (Michalka) organize her garage band. Will’s musical talent forges the band into a contender at Bandslam, the nation’s largest amateur band competition. But will his friendship with Charlotte and commitment to her band threaten his growing romance with his shy classmate Sa5m (Hudgens)? And will Charlotte and her band beat the hunky, wildly popular Ben’s band at Bandslam? ► more
Release Date: August 14, 2009 MPAA rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
A little boy, Sosuke, finds a goldfish near his seaside home and names her Ponyo. But Ponyo is a magical being, the daughter of an undersea wizard and the Goddess of the Sea. When Ponyo falls in love with Sosuke, the power of her love transforms her into a little girl. But it also throws Nature out of balance, causing storms and flooding – and only the innocent love of the little boy and magical girl can save the world. ► more
Shorts: The Adventures of the Wishing Rock
Release Date: August 21, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for mild action and some rude humor Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Toby Thompson’s life is miserable. His older sister picks on him. His parents, obsessed with their job at Black Box Industries, barely know he exists. Worst of all, Helvetica Black (the daughter of his parents’ boss) hates him and has her brother’s gang bully him every day. But when the magical Rainbow Rock, which has the power to grant any wish, appears and makes the rounds of the neighborhood kids and parents, Toby – and everyone in Black Falls – is launched on the adventure of a lifetime! ► more
Release Date: July 31, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for action violence, some suggestive humor and language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
It looks like just another boring summer vacation for Tom Pearson. His older sister Bethany is obsessed with her obnoxious boyfriend Ricky; his elderly grandmother, irresponsible uncle and irritating cousins are also along for the trip; and, worst of all, his father Stuart is insistent that he and Tom bond by fishing every day. But when Tom and his cousins discover tiny aliens in the attic of their rented summer house, their vacation turns into a desperate attempt to save the Earth from an alien invasion in which adults are helpless – and the kids are in charge! ► more
Release Date: July 24, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for some mild action and rude humor. Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
G-Force - the covert government program that uses animals for espionage – must prove that it is worthy of continued government funding. So guinea pig super-agents Darwin (Sam Rockwell), Blaster (Tracy Morgan), Juarez (Penelope Cruz), and star-nosed mole, Speckles (Nicholas Cage) infiltrate the headquarters of sinister industrialist, Leonard Saber. They hack into Saber’s network and uncover a devious plot for world-wide domination. Unfortunately, they lose the key evidence to implicate Saber and save their program. With the agents sold off as pets, they must find a way to regroup and save the world from total destruction. ► more
Release Date: July 1, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for some mild rude humor and peril. Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Mammoths Manny and Ellie, saber-tooth tiger Diego, Sid the sloth and the rest of the Ice Age gang return in this latest installment in the animated series. With Ellie pregnant and Manny preparing for a life of fatherhood, the goofy Sid becomes jealous. Wanting a family of his own, Sid “adopts” three giant eggs – which hatch to reveal young tyrannosauruses! Though his “children” wreak havoc among his Ice Age friends, Sid is thrilled with his new family…until their real mother comes to reclaim them, leading Manny, Ellie and Diego on a dangerous mission to rescue Sid from the dinosaur’s hidden land at the Earth’s center. ► more
Up
Release Date: May 29, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for some peril and action. Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green.
Disney/Pixar’s first 3-D movie, Up follows the adventure of Carl Fredricksen, a 78-year-old man who uses thousands of balloons to uproot his house and travel to South America to find the legendary Paradise Falls. Carl and his wife Ellie always dreamed of visiting this place and following in the footsteps of their favorite explorer, Charles Muntz. After his wife passes away, and Carl is threatened with the prospect of moving into a retirement home, he decides to leave it all behind him. However, he doesn’t realize that he has an eight-year-old stowaway on board -- a zealous Boy Scout named Russell. Together, they make it to Paradise Falls and find the rare and wondrous Skype bird, while Carl also befriends a devoted dog named Dug. ► more
Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Release Date: May 22, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for mild action and brief language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
This sequel to Night at the Museum finds former night watchman Larry Daley now a successful businessman and inventor. Larry is dismayed to learn that his secret friends – the exhibits at the Natural History Museum, who magically come to life at night – are being boxed up and shipped to the Smithsonian for storage. But when the evil ancient pharaoh Kahmunrah is also returned to life with the goal of conquering the world, Larry is launched on a wild adventure alongside General Custer, Abraham Lincoln, Amelia Earhart and many others, in a battle to save the world from Kahmunrah – and his museum exhibit friends from being forgotten. ► more
Release Date: May 9, 2009 MPAA rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action and violence, and brief sexual content Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
This "reimagined" version of the iconic science-fiction TV show tells the story of young rebel-turned-starship officer James T. Kirk, who must learn to work with stoic Vulcan officer Spock to stop an invading alien's plan. Along the way, Kirk assembles his team of familiar characters and assumes command of his famous ship, the U.S.S. Enterprise. ► more
Release Date: May 1, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and some thematic elements Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: green
The alien world of Terra is a paradise, inhabited by gentle beings...but the Terrians' idyllic existence is cut short when their world is invaded by human beings. Can humans and Terrians learn to live together in peace? ► more
Release Date: May 1, 2009 MPAA rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, and some partial nudity Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
Following the pattern established by other recent movies based on Marvel Comics characters, X-Men Origins: Wolverine faithfully recreates much of the atmosphere and plot of the comics, but with language and levels of intense violence which make it inappropriate for younger viewers. The Parents Television Council does not recommend this movie for viewers under age 13.► more
Release Date: April 22, 2009 MPAA rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Filmed by the creators of the Emmy-winning Discovery Channel series
Planet Earth, Disney Nature's Earth continues the tradition of Disney's
"True-Life Adventure" series by showcasing the drama and beauty of the animal kingdom and the natural world. Because of its brilliant photography, gentle narration and poignant vignettes of nature, the Parents Television Council is proud to award
Earth the
PTC Seal of ApprovalTM.
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more
Release Date: April 10, 2009 MPAA rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
This Friday, Disney’s mega-hit teen TV singing sensation Miley Cyrus comes to theaters in Hannah Montana: The Movie. The Parents Television Council is thrilled to recommend Hannah Montana to parents and families as a delightful family-friendly film, and is honored to award it the coveted PTC Seal of ApprovalTM. ► more
Release Date: April 10, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for intense sequences of action/violence and brief mild language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: green
Based on the Japanese comic, cartoon and video game franchise Dragon Ball, this movie tells the story of Goku, an unusual teen. Though trained in magic and martial arts by his adoptive grandfather, Goku is bullied and shunned at school. But when the demonic Lord Piccolo kills Goku's grandfather, Goku learns about the Dragon Balls. ► more
Monsters vs. Aliens
Release Date: March 27, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for sci-fi action, some crude humor and mild language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Susan Murphy‘s wedding day is
ruined when she is hit by a meteor and transformed into a fifty-foot tall
woman dubbed “Ginormica.” Suzy is imprisoned with other monsters the
government has captured: Dr. Cockroach, a mad scientist who is also a giant
roach; the Missing Link, a girl-crazy half-fish/half-ape; Bob the blob; and
the 350-foot Insectosaurus. Suzy and the monster team are called upon to
stop a giant alien robot terrorizing San Francisco. Will Suzy and her new
friends be able to defeat the evil alien Gallaxhar? And will Suzy ever
return to her normal size? ►
more
Alien Trespass Release Date: April 3, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for sci-fi action and brief historical smoking Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
The year: 1957. The place: Mohave, California. The incident: a flying saucer crash. When his prisoner, the monstrous Ghoti, escapes from the saucer, the alien space marshal Urp possesses the body of astronomer Ted Lewis. Will Urp-as-Dr. Lewis, waitress Tammy, and teenagers Dick, Penny and Cody be able to convince Police Chief Dawson of the monster’s existence…or will the Alien Trespasser DEVOUR THE EARTH?! ► more
Race to Witch Mountain
Release Date: March 13, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for sequences of action and violence, frightening and dangerous situations, and some thematic elements Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Las Vegas cabdriver Jack Bruno picks up an unusual fare: Seth and Sarah, two children who ask him to drive them out into the middle of the desert. Seth and Sarah claim they are from another world, on a mission to retrieve an important alien artifact -- a claim Jack comes to believe when the children demonstrate their otherworldly powers. ► more
Watchmen
Release Date: March 6, 2009 MPAA rating: R for strong graphic violence, sexuality, nudity and language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
Although based on a comic book and set in a universe with costumed superheroes, the newly-released movie Watchmen contains extremely graphic violence, full-frontal nudity, explicit sex, frequent profanity and greatly disturbing imagery. Parents are strongly cautioned that the PTC does not recommend this movie for any viewer under age 18. ► more
Release Date: February 13, 2009 MPAA rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
The producers of the award-winning IMAX films Deep Sea 3D and Into the Deep 3D score another success with Under the Sea 3D. Featuring spectacular scenes of the undersea world of Papua New Guinea’s Coral Triangle, the Great Barrier Reef and the sea life native to the regions around Southern Australia, Under the Sea 3D offers an intimate look into the underwater world, and the exquisitely beautiful, treacherous and sometimes comical creatures that live there. ► more
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Release Date: February 13, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for some mild language and thematic elements Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
Journalist Rebecca Bloomwood is a “shopaholic” – a reckless spendthrift who has run up huge debts due to her love of clothing and uncontrolled use of her credit cards. Aspiring to a position at a top fashion magazine, Rebecca catches the eye of financial magazine editor Luke Brandon, who is impressed by Rebecca’s writing. Rebecca’s column, “The Girl in the Green Scarf,” makes Brandon’s magazine wildly popular. But Rebecca’s addiction to shopping, her increasing debt – and the lies she tells to hide them – soon jeopardize her job, her relationship with her best friend Suze, and her growing attraction to Luke. ► more
MPAA rating: PG for fantasy adventure action, some scary moments and brief language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Based on the best-selling novel by Cornelia Funke, this movie tells the story of Mo Folchart, a “silvertongue” – a person possessing a magic power which makes characters in any book he reads aloud appear in the real world, and sends real individuals into the world of the book. Having inadvertently exiled his wife and brought to life villainous characters from the rare fantasy novel Inkheart, Mo and his daughter Meggie search the world for another copy of the book in an attempt to bring her back. The rougish character Dustfinger wants Mo to send him back into the book to rejoin his family; but the book’s villain Capricorn wants to remain in our world – and will stop at nothing to do so…► more
Hotel for Dogs
Release Date: January 16, 2009 MPAA rating: PG for brief mild thematic elements, language and some crude humor. Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Andie and Bruce are teenage siblings forced to live with grungy foster parents. While saving their dog Friday from the pound, the teens find an abandoned hotel inhabited by stray dogs. With the help of several other teens and Bruce’s skill at inventing machines to feed, bathe and care for the dogs, the siblings transform the building into a “Hotel for Dogs,” and by defying the evil Animal Control Office, round up all the strays in the city. In the process, the lonely teens make a family for the dogs…and for themselves. ► more
Marley & Me
Release Date: December 25, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for thematic material, some suggestive content and language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red Marley & Me is a slice-of-life movie based on the book by real-life columnist John Grogan, following him and his wife Jennifer through their marriage, first jobs, the birth and growth of their children, and John’s advancement through his career as a journalist. Throughout it all, the presence of their dog Marley lends humor and pathos to their lives. ► more
Bedtime Stories
Release Date: December 25, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for some mild rude humor and mild language Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Skeeter Bronson is a bumbling handyman at the gigantic Nottingham hotel. When his divorced sister Wendy must go out of town, she leaves her young children Patrick and Bobbi with Skeeter. Tellling the children bedtime stories, Skeeter discovers that the elements the children add to the stories come true for him in real life. Manipulating the stories, Skeeter attempts to gain wealth, romance and a management position at the hotel for himself; but when he discovers the hotel’s plans to destroy the children’s school, it’s up to Skeeter to save the day. ► more
Release Date: November 21, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for some mild action and peril.
Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: green
Bolt is a dog who believes he is endowed with incredible superpowers – lightning speed, heat-ray vision and a mighty “superbark” – who defends his owner Penny against the evil genius Dr. Calico, who wants to rule the world. There’s just one problem: none of it is true. In fact, Bolt is an ordinary dog starring on a TV show, and doesn’t realize his mighty feats are all done with special effects. When Bolt is accidentally shipped to New York, he believes Penny is in danger and sets off across the country to save her. Along the way he is befriended by street-smart alley cat Mittens and wacky hamster Rhino, who idolizes Bolt for his TV heroics. Though he learns that his TV “powers” are not real, Bolt discovers that with true friends, anything is possible! ► more
Release Date: November 21, 2008 MPAA rating: PG-13 for some violence and a scene of sensuality Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
Based on the best-selling book series by Stephenie Meyer, Twilight tells the story of Bella, an intelligent, shy teenage girl forced to move from her mother’s home in Phoenix to live with her father in the tiny town of Forks, Washington. Though the other teens in Forks welcome Bella, she is attracted to brooding loner Edward Cullen. After Edward saves her from a car accident – by shoving the oncoming car out of the way – Bella pieces together the truth: Edward is a vampire. Though Edward fears he will accidentally harm her, Bella and Edward fall in love; and Bella, though mortal, is welcomed into Edward’s vampire “family.” But there are other vampires who view humans only as prey… ► more
Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa
Release Date: November 7, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for some mild crude humor. Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
The zany escapees from the New York Zoo are back in this sequel to the 2005 animated hit Madagascar. With the “help” of their penguin engineer friends, the animals escape the island – only to crash on a game preserve in Africa, where the animal friends face new problems: Marty learns that, surrounded by zebras, he is no longer as unique as he thought; Melman the giraffe must cope with being the animals’ new doctor – and with Gloria the hippo’s newfound romance with male hippo Moto Moto; and Alex is reunited with his parents…only to prove a disappointment to his father, “alpha lion” Zuba. Along with their wacky friend, the lemur King Julien, can the animals find a way out of their troubles? And will they return safely to New York? ► more
R MPAA rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Friday marked the premiere of the latest installment of Disney's mega-hit franchise, High School Musical. Rather than being released on Disney's flagship cable network, High School Musical 3: Senior Year was released in movie theaters across the country. The Parents Television Council is thrilled to recommend HSM3 to parents and families as a delightful family-friendly film, and is honored to award HSM3 with the coveted PTC Seal of ApprovalTM. ► more
Release Date: October 17, 2008 MPAA rating: PG-13 for thematic material and some violence Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
Fourteen-year-old
Lily Owens has grown up in squalor with an abusive father, and fantasizes about
the mother she hardly knew. When her black nanny/friend Rosaleen is attacked by
racists, Lily and Rosaleen flee. Inspired by an icon of the Virgin Mary her
mother had owned, Lily seeks refuge at the home of loving and wise beekeeper
August Boatwright. Lily is inspired by August and her sisters, peppery and
cultured June and mentally disturbed but upbeat May, and their devotion to the
Virgin Mary. Over time Lily makes peace with the loss of her mother -- and hope
for her future.
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more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date:
October 17, 2008
MPAA rating:
PG-13 for thematic material and some violence
The color of football
changed forever after Ernie Davis (played by Rob Brown) began playing for Syracuse
University. Based on a true story, The Express follows the challenges faced by
the skilled athlete and his coach (Dennis Quaid) that eventually led to him
becoming the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy.
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more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date:
October 17, 2008
MPAA rating:
PG-13 for thematic material and some violence
The lights are beginning
to go out in the underground City of Ember. Although they are only a
teenagers, Lina (Saoirse Ronan) and her friend Doon (Harry Treadaway)
think they have uncovered a clue that may allow their fellow
citizens to escape before the metropolis is plunged into darkness.
But can convince the others and find the way before time runs out?
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more
Beverly Hills Chihuahua
Release Date: October 3, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for some mild thematic elements Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Chloe
is the spoiled, pampered pet of Beverly Hills fashion designer Aunt Viv, beloved
by Papi, the pet of Viv’s landscaper Sam. When Viv goes on a business trip, she
entrusts Chloe to her irresponsible niece Rachel, who takes Chloe along on a
trip to Mexico. Chloe is “dognapped” and placed in a dogfighting arena, but
escapes with the help of former police dog Delgado. While Rachel, Sam and Papi
frantically search Mexico for her, Chloe and Delgado try to get back
to Beverly Hills –encountering adventure and romance along the way.
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more
Igor
Release Date: September 19, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for some thematic elements, scary images, action and mild language. Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
The Kingdom of Malaria is populated entirely by mad scientists and their assistants, the hunchbacked Igors. But one Igor dreams of becoming a mad scientist himself, and creates the Frankenstein-like Eva in order to win the annual mad scientist competition. Igor plans to have Eva go on a rampage and destroy the other mad scientists’ inventions, thereby gaining their respect. His problem: Eva is sweet and loving, and only wants to be an actress. When the cheating Dr. Schadenfreude kidnaps Eva, Igor faces two questions: will Schadenfreude succeed in turning Eva evil? And will Igor admit to himself that he really loves her? ► more
Release Date: September 26, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for thematic material and some peril Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Caleb and Catherine Holt are in a troubled marriage. Over the years their relationship has soured, and now they are on the point of divorce. But when Caleb’s father challenges him to take “The Love Dare,” a course of counseling designed to save his marriage, Caleb is launched on a journey of self-discovery – which brings him closer to his wife, and both of them to faith in Jesus Christ. ► more
The Longshots
Jasmine Plummer is a young girl who struggles with issues of self-confidence. Her father abandoned her at a young age and her schoolmates tease her; but when her uncle Curtis discovers that Jasmine has a talent for football, he urges her to join the middle-school team, the Minden Browns. With Curtis’ help, Jasmine overcomes the sexist resistance of her teammates, leads the Browns to the Pop Warner Super Bowl…and inspires the entire town of Minden. ► more
Fly Me to the Moon
MPAA rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
The animated 3-D film Fly Me to the Moon focuses on Ned, a young fly who is enthralled by his Grandpa’s tales of adventure. Ned convinces his pals, the brainy I.Q. and the overweight Scooter, to join him on the ultimate adventure – stowing away on the historic Apollo 11 flight and landing on the moon! As word of the trio’s heroic exploit spreads throughout the insect community, Communist flies in the Soviet Union vow to stop them. Will the Soviet spy fly Yegor’s sabotage succeed? And will Ned, I.Q., and Scooter make it back to Earth safely? ► more
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Release Date: August 15, 2008 MPAA rating: PG for sci-fi action violence throughout, brief language and momentary smoking Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
Set in the period between the Star Wars prequel movies Attack of the Clones and Revenge of the Sith, the animated movie Star Wars: The Clone Wars features the wartime adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. Now a full-fledged Jedi Knight, Skywalker is given a difficult assignment: the evil Count Dooku has kidnapped the child of gangster Jabba the Hutt; while Obi-Wan tries to negotiate with Jabba, Skywalker must retrieve the baby Hutt, battle Dooku and his evil apprentice Ventriss…and deal with the cocky attitude of his own new apprentice, the beautiful padawan Ahsoka. ► more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date: August 1, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sex related comments
As if he didn't dig up enough trouble in the last two Mummy movies, Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) is getting his hands dirty again! This time he's in China with his wife (Maria Bello) and son (Luke Ford), where a terra cotta army has been unearthed. When they accidentally awaken these clay warriors, their tyrannical Emperor (Jet Li) resumes his 2000 year-old quest to conquer the world. ► more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date: August 1, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sex related comments
Usually, Bud Johnson (Kevin Costner) is an unshaven, beer-loving man, content to be the victim of life's circumstances. But that all changes when his proactive daughter (Madeline Carroll) registers him for the vote. Due to some problem with the election processes, Bud finds himself in the middle of the American presidency champagne -- with the daunting responsibility of casting the deciding ballot. ► more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date: July 25, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sex related comments
Reprising their roles from the successful TV series, Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) use their skills to investigate another paranormal mystery. ► more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date: July 25, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sex related comments
This documentary follows some real life American Teens from Warsaw, Indiana, chronicling the social, emotional and educational challenges of completing their senior year. ► more
MPAA Rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Space Chimps tells the story of Ham III, a chimp whose grandfather was an astronaut in the early days of the space program. In contrast to his famous ancestor, Ham III makes his living being shot out of a cannon at a circus. Ham’s life changes when the U.S. space program’s new probe is lost in a space warp. Since the journey to recover the probe is too dangerous for humans, the space program recruits Ham to lead a team of “space chimps” who have been trained to fly a rocket. ► more
Release Date: July 18, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for intense sequences of violence and some menace Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
Batman returns in The Dark Knight, a film demonstrating the moral compromises that heroes (and movies about heroes) make in today’s world. When Batman, Police Commissioner Gordon and “White Knight” District Attorney Harvey Dent bring down all of Gotham City’s crime kingpins, the mob bosses hire the psychotic Joker to eliminate Batman. The Joker kills numerous Gotham citizens and threatens to continue unless Batman reveals his identity and turns himself in to the police. Batman agrees, but Dent refuses to allow Gotham to lose its defender. But when the Joker captures Batman’s girlfriend and turns Dent into the villainous Two-Face, Batman shows him the true meaning of revenge… ► more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date: July 18, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some sex related comments
It is traditional for a bride to be given away by her father, but that is a problematic custom for Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) because she doesn't know her Dad's identity. Nor will her mother (Meryl Streep) confess. Wanting to find out, the young woman invites three of her Mom's old boyfriends (Pierce Brosnan, Colin Firth and Stellan Skarsgaard) to the wedding, hoping one of them may be the right man. This movie is based on a Broadway musical that features songs from the 70's disco sensation ABBA. ► more
Release Date:
July
11, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG for intense adventure action and some scary moments Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Trevor Anderson is a professor of geology conducting an experiment to locate volcanic tunnels. He soon discovers a book called A Journey to the Center of the Earth. Within its pages he finds his missing brother’s notes -- showing that the story is fact and not fiction! Trevor, his nephew Sean, and mountain guide Hannah then set out on what will be the greatest journey of their lives! ► more
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date: July 11, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG for bawdy and suggestive humor, action and some language
Meet Dave (Eddie Murphy). He may look like a human being, but really he is an elaborately disguised spaceship for a crew of miniature aliens on a secret mission. The tiny extraterrestrials have obviously given great thought to each part of their plan -- except for the possibility of their machine deciding to fall in love with a sexy Earthling (Elizabeth Banks). ► more
Release Date: July 2, 2008 MPAA Rating: G
Overall
PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Kit Kittredge is a feature film based on characters from the American Girl book series. The lead character is Kit Kittredge, a young girl growing up in the early depression years of the 1930s. Kit and her friends are thrust into several adventures, during which they discover a group of thieves. The film has minimal violence – at one point a villain is hit on the head with a shovel. There is no foul language or sex depicted. ► more
Release Date: July 2, 2008
MPAA Rating:
PG-13 for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, and
language
Overall
PTC Traffic Light Rating:
Red
Hancock is the
resident superhero of Los Angeles. Over the years he has saved many
citizens’ lives; but Hancock’s rescues have cost the city millions of
dollars. As a result Hancock has become unpopular and lives on the streets
as a drunken homeless man. His luck changes when he saves public relations
man Ray Embrey from being hit by a train. Ray shows his gratitude by making
it his life’s mission to restore Hancock’s image.
►
more
Release Date: June 27, 2008 MPAA Rating: G
Overall PTC Traffic
Light Rating: Green
WALL*E (Waste Allocation Load Lifter Earth class) is the last robot left on earth. He has done the same thing, compacting trash, every day for the past 700 years. His extremely curious personality causes him to marvel at ordinary human possessions such as car keys and jewelry boxes, but even with all that distraction, he cannot help feeling lonely. The only other living thing to keep him company is his pet cockroach. This all changes when a space ship is sent to earth to determine if humans can return. ► more
► Click Here to read our exclusive interview with Wall*E creator Andrew Stanton.
Review by Parent Previews
Release Date: June 20, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for some rude humor, action violence and language
The world's safety is at risk when the terrorist organization KAOS starts killing operatives from CONTROL, the USA's top spy agency. There is only one person who can stop this terrible calamity: Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell), an unknown systems analyst. Paired up with Agent 99 (Anne Hathaway), the newly promoted operative sets out to save mankind-- but his bumbling ways soon prove to be the greatest threat of all. Get Smart is based on the TV series of the same name. ► more
Release Date: June 13, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for sequences of intense action violence, some frightening sci-fi images, and brief suggestive content Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
Bruce Banner is a man on the run. During a secret government experiment searching for a way to tap into the hidden strengths that all humans have, an accidental overdose of gamma radiation alters his body chemistry. Now, whenever Banner becomes angry or outraged, a startling metamorphosis occurs -- transforming him into the incredible Hulk, a superhumanly strong monster. Hunted by the Army’s corrupt General Ross, Banner goes into hiding, evading Ross and his top agent Emil Blonsky. Banner and his scientist girlfriend Betty believe the Hulk’s strength is a curse and seek a cure; but Blonsky, envious of the Hulk’s power, has other ideas… ► more
Release Date: June 6, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG for sequences of martial arts action. Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Po is a lazy panda who works at his father’s noodle shop. Po dreams of being a kung fu warrior, but lacks the necessary training and discipline to join his heroic idols the Furious Five. When Po is chosen to become the awesomely powerful “Dragon Warrior,” kung fu master Shifu and his other students are dismayed; but when faced with the task of protecting Happy Valley from the villainous Tai Lung, Po becomes a warrior -- and learns that anything is possible when you believe in yourself. ► more
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Release Date: May 22, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
Raiders of the Lost Ark hero Indiana Jones returns in this adventure set in 1957. When a Communist psychic pursues an ancient treasure holding the secret of mind control, Jones teams up with teenager Mutt Williams to trace the path of a mysterious crystal skull which leads to the fabled City of Gold, El Dorado. Along the way, Jones encounters thrilling perils, new enemies…and some old friends. ► more
Release Date: May 16, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG for epic battle action and violence Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green for all ages 8 and above
Prince Caspian, second of the Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, centers around four siblings who travel to the fantasy world of Narnia. Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy Pevensie had been to Narnia in the first installment (The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe) and were crowned kings and queens. In Prince Caspian they return to Narnia, which has aged hundreds of years since their last visit. ► more
Release Date: May 9, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG for sequences of action, some violence, language and brief smoking Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Yellow
The classic 1960’s Japanese cartoon series Speed Racer is given a fast and furious update in this hyperkinetic live-action movie. As a child, young Speed is obsessed with racing and idolizes his older brother, race car driver Rex. When Rex is reputed to have turned into a cheating, “dirty” driver and then is killed, Speed vows to redeem his family’s honor. ► more
Iron Man
Release Date: May 2, 2008 MPAA Rating: PG-13 Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Red
This live-action movie of the Marvel Comics hero tells the story of technological wizard and billionaire playboy Tony Stark. When arms manufacturer Stark visits Afghanistan, he is critically wounded and captured by warlords who demand he build weapons for them. To save his own life Stark builds a suit of powered armor and uses it to escape his captors. ► more
Release Date: 3/25/08 MPAA Rating: PG Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Inspired by true events involving a missing TV mascot, A Plumm Summer is a coming-of-age period film focusing on a teenage boy, Elliott Plumm, who faces family crises and new life experiences. Elliott’s challenges play out against the backdrop of the crime of a kidnapping: the local TV celebrity Foggy Doo is allegedly kidnapped, and Elliott enlists the help of his younger brother and a new girl in the neighborhood to uncover the mystery. ► more
Release Date: March 14, 2008 MPAA Rating: G Overall PTC Traffic Light Rating: Green
Based on the classic children’s book by Dr. Seuss, the animated children’s film Horton Hears a Who tells the story of an elephant named Horton who hears voices in a tiny speck. The speck turns out to be a minute world with inhabitants, but Horton’s community does not believe he is telling the truth. Horton, who is “faithful 100%,” must find a safe place for the speck so that it is not destroyed. The mayor of Whoville (voiced by Steve Carell) gains his citizens’ support once they realize that their world is in danger, and they all work together to help Horton prove they exist. ► more
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