Michael (PG-13)
Age 13+
Oversimplified Michael Jackson biopic includes abuse.
This musical biopic follows the rise of Michael Jackson (his nephew Jaafar Jackson) from Jackson 5 child star to global pop icon. The movie glosses over anything controversial in his life outside of controlling patriarch Joe Jackson (Colman Domingo). There are scenes of emotionally controlling family dynamics, as well as child abuse and corporal punishment: A belt is wielded, and young Michael is shown crying. There’s also some smoking and drinking by adults, and Michael is prescribed Demerol after suffering burns. Sexual content is limited to a couple of suggestive jokes and performance choreography, such as pelvic thrusting and crotch-grabbing. Occasional language includes “s—” and “a–hole,” and mature themes deal with race, trauma and the costs of fame. (127 minutes)
Available in theaters.
I Swear (R)
Age 15+
Frequent strong language in acclaimed Tourette’s drama.
This biographical drama focuses on John Davidson, a Scottish man who grew up with Tourette syndrome and now works to raise awareness of the condition. Expect frequent strong language caused by the protagonist’s disorder, including “c—,” “f—,” “s—” and “damn,” plus “Jesus,” “Christ” and “God” as exclamations. A violent attack sees John punched, kicked and hit with a crowbar, leaving him unconscious in the hospital. Kids bully John, and he’s constantly punished by adults for involuntary actions. At one point, John tries to take his own life. People drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes and marijuana, and there are occasional sexual references (mostly in the form of involuntary vocal tics). John (played by Scott Ellis Watson in childhood and Robert Aramayo as an adult) is portrayed with complexity and empathy, and he shows courage and perseverance. The movie has positive messages about the importance of education, understanding and acceptance. (121 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 (TV-14)
Age 10+
Animated spin-off is lighter and less violent than live-action series.
This animated series is set in the same universe — and features many of the same characters — as the science fiction hit “Stranger Things.” It’s intended to be less scary and more appealing to younger viewers, though there’s still plenty of action: Giant monsters loom over characters with wide-open, toothy maws, and creatures suddenly kill people by flinging them, eating them or pulling them under the ground. But there’s no blood, and the main characters aren’t in as much mortal danger. Bullies menace our heroes by chasing them, pushing them off their bikes and slamming them against lockers. Language includes “hell,” “jeez” and near-curses (“oh shirt”), as well as insults such as “dork,” “scumbag,” “nerd,” “geek” and “dirtbag.” Expect flirting, dating and a few brief kisses. Friendship and loyalty are key positive themes. (10 episodes)
Available on Netflix.
Apex (R)
Age 16+
Fear, language and gruesome violence in gritty thriller.
This survival thriller puts its starry cast (including Charlize Theron, Taron Egerton and Eric Bana) in situations involving gory, frightening violence. An unstable man hunts a woman through the Australian wilderness; she experiences extreme fear and threats of torture, and discovers corpses and acts of cannibalism. Characters endure falls, bloody injuries, broken bones, near drownings, concussions and vomiting. Weapons used include arrows, pepper spray and painful traps. A couple snuggles and kisses, and song lyrics mention a “filthy little horny dog.” A man jumps naked into a river (his bare bottom is visible), and dead naked bodies hang in a cave. Language includes “f—,” “s—,” “damn,” “hell,” “a–” and “Jesus.” Characters drink, and there’s a joke about roofies. (96 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
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