You, Me & Tuscany (PG-13)
Age 13+
Delicious Italian rom-com is salty but not too saucy.
This sweet romantic comedy stars Halle Bailey as Anna, a young woman who has lost her direction after her mother’s death but is poised to find it again amid the vineyards and villas of Tuscany. Characters flirt and kiss (and in one case seem on the verge of sex), but things stay fairly chaste. That said, co-star Regé-Jean Page’s abs do get a lingering close-up when he’s shown wet and bare-chested, and there are sexual jokes and references to infidelity. Wine flows freely, and romance sparks for people who are drinking pretty heavily. Two men bicker and ultimately throw punches. Strong language is fairly frequent, with one “f—,” as well as “s—,” “a–,” “b—-,” “oh my God” and more. Having two Black actors headline a Hollywood rom-com is a victory for positive representation, and there are clear messages about following your passion and not letting mistakes define you. (105 minutes)
Available in theaters.
The Testaments (TV-MA)
Age 15+
Dystopian sequel series has violence and language.
This “Handmaid’s Tale” sequel series — based on another dystopian novel from Margaret Atwood — follows the young woman Agnes (Chase Infiniti) and her experiences at a school for girls run by Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd, reprising her role). Expect lots of dark, violent imagery. Bodies hang from ropes, and a bird picks a piece of skin from one of them. A man accused of masturbating on school grounds has his hand sawed off as schoolgirls cheer. Language includes “f—,” “a–hole,” “Jesus Christ” and “b——.” Amid the intense content are messages that you should be brave, take chances and question your world when it doesn’t feel right. (10 episodes)
Available on Hulu.
Malcolm in the Middle: Life’s Still Unfair (TV-14)
Age 13+
Lively follow-up has same chaotic energy and some language.
This miniseries continuation of the hit early-2000s sitcom follows child genius Malcolm (Frankie Muniz) into adulthood. Co-starring Bryan Cranston as Malcolm’s hapless father and Jane Kaczmarek as his overbearing mom, the follow-up centers on the couple’s 40th wedding anniversary — and their desire to have all of their kids (including the estranged Malcolm) attend. Language includes “s—” and “frickin’,” and Cranston’s Hal repeatedly sings the lyric “Your sex takes me to paradise.” People are shown in bed together and talk about having sex. Although the characters are far from perfect, they do want the best for their families. (Four episodes)
Available on Disney+.
Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen (TV-MA)
Age 15+
Bride’s pre-wedding jitters get violent and gory.
Executive produced by “Stranger Things” creators Matt and Ross Duffer, this psychological horror series follows bride-to-be Rachel (Camila Morrone) and her fiancé, Nick (Adam DiMarco), as they prepare for their wedding at his family’s cabin. Expect intense peril and disturbing psychological threats. Scenes feature blood, injuries and mutilated animals, and characters frequently discuss murder. Sex scenes show partial nudity (no sensitive parts). Constant language includes “oh my God,” “f—,” “bulls—,” “hell,” “damn” and “a–hole.” Characters frequently smoke marijuana and drink alcohol. (Eight episodes)
Available on Netflix.
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