Reminders of Him (PG-13)
Age 13+
Messy and predictable romance adaptation features dark themes.
Based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling 2022 novel, this romantic drama follows Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe) as she looks to reconnect with her young daughter (Zoe Kosovic) after getting out of prison. Expect many references to the tragic crash that led to Kenna’s involuntary-manslaughter conviction, and a scene depicting the incident and its bloody aftermath. One person punches another out of grief. A central character owns a bar, and several scenes show adults drinking socially. Teens possess a bong and share an edible gummy. Occasional strong language includes “s—,” “a–hole,” “b—-,” and exclamations such as “Jesus Christ” and “goddamn.” There are a few love scenes; a man’s bare chest and a woman’s back are shown, as well as a glimpse of a man’s bare backside. As in many of Hoover’s romances, the plot centers on an emotionally complicated love story rooted in trauma, forgiveness and redemption. (115 minutes)
Available in theaters.
War Machine (R)
Age 16+
Explicit violence, gore and language in alien action thriller.
This gory, action-packed sci-fi thriller portrays the Army Rangers as heroes who undergo brutal boot camp training but demonstrate resolve, courage and teamwork. A staff sergeant (Alan Ritchson) is haunted by his brother’s death and can’t sleep; he’s told he could use therapy after a scene in which he appears to not care about his potential death. People experience fear, and see friends and loved ones die. Graphic scenes include blood, dismemberment, broken bones, objects piercing bodies, falls and crashes. An enormous alien invader hunts and kills humans. Language includes “f—,” “s—,” “goddamn,” “hell,” “b—-,” “a–hole,” “idiot,” “numbnuts” and “moron.” (107 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger (Unrated)
Age 13+
Strong language in enjoyable but lesser sequel.
This sequel follows up on 2023’s “Bank of Dave,” which was based on the true story of a small-town British man who confronted the world of finance and set up his own fairer bank. Expect references to debt and poverty as Dave (Rory Kinnear) takes on payday loan companies this time around. Several scenes take place in a pub, and characters drink alcohol (but not to excess). Language includes “f—,” “s—,” “twat,” “a–,” and exclamations of “God” and “Jesus.” There’s little violence, though threatening people do follow characters and wait for them outside an event. One person experiences a brief panic attack. Characters demonstrate courage, perseverance, compassion and integrity in this heartfelt underdog story. (104 minutes)
Available via video on demand.
Undertone (R)
Age 15+
Unique sound-forward horror movie frightens.
This horror movie follows the podcaster Evy (Nina Kiri) as she records in her mother’s home while her mom is in a coma. Strange things unfold as Evy and her podcasting partner, Justin (voiced by Adam DiMarco), listen to mysterious tapes. There’s plenty of scary stuff — mostly in the form of audio, but also ghostly figures and jump scares. Expect to hear stories about infants’ deaths, references to sinister origins of children’s songs and verses, and mentions of suicide and drowning. An audio file includes the sounds of two people kissing and going to bed together. Infrequent language includes several uses of “f—” or “f—ing,” plus “s—,” “Jesus,” “Christ” and “God.” A character drinking whiskey is implied to have a history of alcohol abuse, and one person takes a prescription pill. (85 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. Go to commonsense.org for age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites and books.
The post What parents need to know about ‘Reminders of Him,’ ‘War Machine’ and more appeared first on Washington Post.
