28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (R)
Age 16+
Zombie sequel is visually inventive, intelligent and gory.
The fourth movie in the zombie franchise, which began with 2003’s “28 Days Later,” deals with violent cult leader Jimmy (Jack O’Connell), Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and their inevitable meeting. Expect to see heads and spines ripped from bodies, skulls cracked open, brains eaten, graphic torture, huge blood spurts, stabbings, people being skinned and burned alive, a large hook impaled in someone’s head, gory wounds, and more. There’s nonsexual full-frontal male nudity and a naked female zombie, as well as sex references and sexual situations. Strong language includes “f—,” “s—,” “c—,” “Jesus,” “Christ,” “b—-” and “b—–d.” Morphine-filled tranquilizer darts are used as sedatives, and a drug-like powder is blown in characters’ faces. (109 minutes)
Available in theaters.
The Rip (R)
Age 15+
Violence and strong language in tense police thriller.
This fact-based thriller stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck as law enforcement officials who discover millions of drug cartel dollars in a stash house. Expect gunfire (including shootings at close range), fistfights and car chases that result in injuries and deaths. The diverse characters experience suspicion, threats, fear and tension, and one is said to have struggled with his mental health after his son’s death of cancer. A conversation revolves around drug-centric Colombian stereotypes, and cartel representatives all speak Spanish. Characters smoke cigarettes and talk about getting “cranked.” Language includes “f—,” “s—,” “damn,” “hell,” “b—-,” “a–hole,” “d—,” “c—” and “Christ.” (133 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
Charlie the Wonderdog (PG)
Age 7+
A super pooch shows the joy of service.
This animated comedy follows a family pet (voiced by Owen Wilson) who gets superpowers from aliens. The story is mostly silly fun, but a villainous cat named Puddy (Ruairi MacDonald) might scare very young or sensitive viewers: He grows as big as a person, with glowing, angry eyes, and he’s abusive toward his owner. Puddy also makes humans act like cats, and amused kids may meow and lick themselves long after the credits roll. Charlie’s rescues are the stuff that superheroes are known for: gently landing out-of-control planes, lifting teetering buses to safety and catching someone falling through the sky. Charlie often says that helping others makes him feel good about himself, and viewers come to understand all the ways he helped his community before he had powers. Unpleasant characters use insults such as “morons” and “stupid.” (95 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Star Trek: Starfleet Academy (TV-14)
Age 13+
Language and violence in vibrant, adventurous Star Trek series.
This sci-fi series centers on a group of students and their instructors at Starfleet Academy, which has reopened after being dormant for over 100 years. Led by intrepid captain Nahla Ake (Holly Hunter), the cadets are wildly diverse, from holographic students such as SAM (Kerrice Brooks) to gentle Klingons with a penchant for birdwatching. Our protagonist is expert hacker Caleb Mir (Sandro Rosta), who was taken from his mother at an early age and spent his youth running from trouble. Students and teachers find there’s a lot to learn, with strict schooling peppered with adventures and challenges. Violence features sci-fi weapons, knives, fistfights and explosions. Expect a bit more language than in other Star Trek shows, including “s—,” “a–,” “b—-” and “a–hole.” (10 episodes)
Available on Paramount+.
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