Avatar: Fire and Ash (PG-13)
Age 13+
Stunning visuals in sci-fi franchise’s violent third chapter.
The third installment in writer-director James Cameron’s hit franchise sees Jake (Sam Worthington) and Neytiri’s (Zoe Saldaña) family face off against a new foe: the Ash People and their ruthless chief (Oona Chaplin). All the while, Pandora’s escalating warfare brings forth more life-and-death obstacles. Again, expect intense action violence, including explosions, gunfire and stabbings. Several prominent characters are injured or die. There’s also occasional strong language (one “f—,” plus “s—,” “bulls—,” “b—-” and more) and a brief scene that implies sex. Characters use a drug as a ritualistic hallucinogen that also acts like a truth serum. The story continues to deal with issues of colonialism, grief, and the tension between nature and those who seek to control it. (195 minutes)
Available in theaters.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants (PG)
Age 7+
“Yo ho ha!” pirate adventure is fun, with some scares.
This animated adventure comedy follows the famous sponge (voiced by Tom Kenny) as he tries to prove he’s not “yellow” (i.e., scared) during a quest involving a curse and the spine-chilling ghost of the Flying Dutchman (Mark Hamill). Be ready for some frights: SpongeBob and his pal Patrick (Bill Fagerbakke) take on cartoon menaces such as a three-headed bird, hostile eyeballs and a skeleton crew. But these moments are quickly alleviated by laughter and potty humor. (Expect plenty of fart, butt and poop jokes.) As is typical for this franchise, characters often use insults such as “dummy,” “fool” and “nitwit.” That said, SpongeBob’s sweet silliness is his secret weapon in fighting mythical monsters and zombie pirates, and the message is that we shouldn’t feel shame for our emotions or think we need to be something we’re not. (96 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Taylor Swift: The End of an Era (TV-MA)
Age 11+
Plenty of surprises in Eras Tour docuseries, plus some language.
This engaging behind-the-scenes series documents Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour. Expect to witness perseverance and high-level teamwork, plus Swift’s gratitude for her family, friends and colleagues. Aware that she’s at a career high, Swift strives to surprise and delight her fans. Heavy subject matter includes a thwarted terrorist attack on a leg of the European tour and the killing of children at a Swift-themed dance class. These episodes are briefly explained in news clips, and Swift takes time to speak with victims’ families (off camera), processing her nerves but moving forward with shows nonetheless. Strong but brief language includes “f—” and its variants, plus “s—,” “Jesus,” “God” and “hell.” (Six episodes)
Available on Disney+.
Man vs. Baby (TV-PG)
Age 8+
Slapstick dangers in a cute physical comedy.
This comedy series (the follow-up to “Man vs. Bee”) centers on a clueless house sitter named Trevor (Rowan Atkinson) who has agreed to watch a large, luxurious London home over Christmas. But there’s a catch: He’s unexpectedly found himself in possession of a baby, and he repeatedly puts himself and the child in risky situations. The show draws laughs from slapstick mishaps, property destruction and exaggerated peril. While the baby is never harmed, scenes frequently depict unsafe behavior that shouldn’t be imitated, and the humor may encourage rough play if it’s not discussed with younger viewers. Trevor also drinks champagne and gives the cork to the baby as a pacifier. (Four episodes)
Available on Netflix.
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