The Devil Wears Prada 2 (PG-13)
Age 13+
Fun sequel about growth, integrity and media has language.
The highly anticipated sequel to 2006’s “The Devil Wears Prada” follows Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) as she returns to Runway magazine as a features editor working under its still-glamorous — and exacting — editor in chief, Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). Infrequent language includes at least one use of “f—ing,” in addition to occasional insulting and dismissive remarks about appearance, status and career choices. There’s mild sexual content (flirting, kissing and implied sex) but no explicit scenes. The sequel explores workplace dynamics such as demanding bosses, shifting power structures and staying relevant in a downsizing industry. Characters are competitive, blunt, materialistic and image-conscious, but the story also emphasizes personal growth, mentorship and maintaining integrity (particularly in journalism) despite corporate influence. (120 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Animal Farm (PG)
Age 8+
Farm-to-fable Orwellian comedy encourages critical thinking.
Based on George Orwell’s 1945 novella, this animated satire is lighter and more kid-friendly than the text, with plot points simplified, minimal iffy content and a happy ending. Narration explains how a human farmer (voiced by writer-director Andy Serkis) overworked and underfed his animals, and their rebellion includes a slapstick chase in which humans carry but don’t use electric prods. Although several of the book’s characters are altered or omitted, the villain is still Napoleon (Seth Rogen), a pig who sustains his leadership position through lies. His hench-dogs menace and attack, but they threaten more than harm. That said, the animals do find themselves in peril, and a beloved aging horse is sold to a glue factory. The animals rotate through different forms of governmental and economic systems: dictatorship, democracy, communism, capitalism and totalitarianism. Those labels aren’t applied, but it could be a great teaching device when explained by adults. The spoken message is that “absolute power absolutely corrupts,” though the takeaway may be more about the importance of developing critical thinking skills. There’s some insulting language (“stupid,” “loser,” “idiot”) and fart jokes, and alcohol is called “naughty juice.” (96 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Swapped (PG)
Age 8+
Animals show courage, empathy and teamwork in face of danger.
This animated adventure-comedy features the voices of Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple as a woodland creature and a majestic bird who switch bodies. Our heroes must flee from threatening, predatory animals and a raging wildfire. They fall, hit their heads, hear frightening stories and confront loneliness while being taught to fear and distrust others. Characters also sling mild insults, including “dumb,” “stupid,” “idiot,” “dung” and “poo.” Characters demonstrate teamwork and courage to escape scary situations, and show empathy for those who’ve lost loved ones or face extinction. Despite its peril, the movie has a happy ending. (102 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
My Brother the Minotaur (TV-Y7)
Age 8+
Charming coming-of-age tale has peril and positive messages.
This animated fantasy epic — with great role models for tweens — follows a teenage minotaur (voiced by Ely Solan) raised by humans. Expect moderate scariness and violence; central figures are threatened, though it always seems like it will turn out okay. Characters engage in mild physical hostility without weapons, but injuries occur because of their magical powers. Dialogue includes some put-downs and verbal hostility, along with cursing-adjacent words such as “stupid” and “lousy” (that aren’t directed at people). There’s no iffy content otherwise, and parents will appreciate the positive coming-of-age messages. (10 episodes)
Available on Apple TV.
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