Wicked: For Good (PG)
Age 10+
More romance and darker moments in emotional musical sequel.
Director Jon M. Chu’s follow-up to last year’s megahit musical continues the story of best friends Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) as they step into their roles as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good. While it’s still appropriate for tweens and up, you can expect more intense themes and heavier emotional stakes this time around. There are scenes of fantasy and realistic violence, including the return of the flying monkeys, as well as mob aggression, fights, beatings, gun threats and a cyclone that causes an offscreen death. A character briefly expresses suicidal thoughts, and animals (and Munchkins) face discrimination. Romantic elements include a few passionate kisses, caresses and an implied sex scene; nothing remotely graphic is shown, but a man is shirtless and a woman’s shoulders are bare. There’s mild insult language (“shut up,” “crazy,” etc.) and euphemisms such as “oh my Oz.” The movie explores the dangers of rallying people through fear and misinformation. That said, it also has uplifting messages about friendship, integrity and standing up for the mistreated. (138 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Rental Family (PG-13)
Age 13+
Brendan Fraser is the heart of this thoughtful dramedy.
A gentle, moving dramedy about human connection, “Rental Family” centers on Phillip (Brendan Fraser), an American actor in Tokyo who begins working for an agency that hires performers to fill clients’ emotional needs. The story emphasizes the importance of empathy and treasuring those who love us, but it also suggests that a lie can be a loving act — a complicated idea. Phillip has recurring, non-graphic dalliances with a sex worker; they’re shown sharing a bubble bath and snuggling in bed (with no nudity). Characters drink beer, sake, champagne and liquor. A hard slap leaves a bruise, a character is hospitalized, and people yell and argue. Occasional language (some of it in English subtitles) includes “s—” and “goddamn.” (110 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Train Dreams (PG-13)
Age 13+
Violence and language in lyrical meditation on life and nature.
This thoughtful drama is based on Denis Johnson’s novella about the life of a logger and railroad worker (Joel Edgerton) in the early 20th century. He’s a thoughtful friend, husband and father who can’t shake the persistent feeling that he’s doomed to tragedy — yet he perseveres through hardship and heartache. People suffer injuries and die; mourn or fear for their lives; and describe being orphaned, widowed and deported. Two characters fall in love; they’re shown kissing and having sex (only their faces are seen). Adults smoke pipes and drink wine. Language includes “hell,” “damn,” “horses—,” “a–” and “gadabout.” (102 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
All Her Fault (TV-MA)
Age 14+
Intense missing-child drama has violence and trauma.
Based on Andrea Mara’s novel, this suspenseful limited series follows the case of a young child named Milo (Duke McCloud) who goes missing. Milo’s mother, Marissa (Sarah Snook), and father, Peter (Jake Lacy), fly into a panic when they realize that playdate pickup instructions lead Marissa to the wrong address. Adults yell and hurl accusations, and there are mentions of gambling and prescription drug addiction. Child abduction and mother shaming are prominent themes. Intense scenes depict an allergic reaction and a violent car accident, and characters carry guns. Strong language includes “f—,” “motherf—er” (in both English and American Sign Language), “b—-” and “a–hole.” (Eight episodes)
Available on Peacock.
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