The Cat in the Hat (PG)
Age 6+
Wild, whimsical Dr. Seuss adventure is full of heart.
Inspired by Dr. Seuss’s classic children’s book, this colorful, action-packed animated adventure follows siblings Gabby (Xochitl Gomez) and Sebastian (Tiago Martinez) and the mischievous cat (Bill Hader) who arrives to cheer them up in a new city. Expect frequent slapstick violence and cartoonish mayhem, with characters falling, crashing into objects, slapping each other and narrowly escaping danger. A frightening monster with sharp teeth, glowing eyes and claws chases our heroes, hurts other creatures and holds a child hostage. Other potentially scary moments involve a giant paper shredder, a talking fish nearly getting flushed down a toilet and a chaotic battle. Infrequent language includes “crap,” “twit,” “stupid,” “shut up,” “dang it,” “good Lord,” “oh, jeez” and “loser.” There are a couple of mildly suggestive jokes that will probably go over younger viewers’ heads, plus a brief kiss and some potty humor. Despite the cat’s impulsive, chaotic behavior, the movie has positive messages about empathy, sibling teamwork, embracing change and appreciating parents’ sacrifices. (107 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Wild Horse Nine (R)
Age 16+
1970s-set crime story is vulgar, violent, funny and touching.
This dark comedy film from writer-director Martin McDonagh follows two CIA operatives (John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell) on a special mission to Easter Island in 1973. People are fatally shot, badly wounded and run over. There’s also a dead horse, vomiting, disturbing news footage and references to upsetting events. One character is dying of cancer. Constant, extremely strong language includes “f—,” “motherf—er,” “s—,” “a–hole,” “c—,” “p—-,” “goddamn,” “Jesus,” “Christ,” “b—-” and “retarded.” There’s sex-related dialogue, and a married woman is said to have slept with other men. One character injects heroin (he’s referred to as a “junkie” and a “dope head”), and another injects morphine. There’s social drinking and cigarette smoking, and one person appears drunk. (118 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Godzilla Minus Zero (R)
Age 14+
Bloodier monster sequel has great effects but less depth.
The sequel to 2023’s “Godzilla Minus One” brings back not only the titular monster but also the three-headed Ghidorah (plus human characters such as Ryunosuke Kamiki’s Kōichi and Minami Hamabe’s Noriko). Naturally, the two giant kaiju eventually battle it out, leading to mass destruction and deaths. The violence is more intense than in the previous film; there’s quite a bit of blood (especially in a scene showing injured people in the hospital), plus charred corpses and severed monster limbs and heads. Also expect bombs, missiles, gun threats, punches and someone falling to their death. Infrequent language (in English subtitles for the U.S. release) includes “a–,” “crap,” “damn” and “hell.” There’s also cigarette smoking and social drinking. (135 minutes)
Available in theaters.
The Greatest (TV-14)
Age 12+
Life of a boxing icon is mildly portrayed with minimal violence.
This limited series tells the life story of famed boxer Muhammad Ali (Jaalen Best), starting with his gold medal triumph as an 18-year-old at the 1960 Olympics. The series portrays the history of segregation in the South, and characters frequently use bullying and racist epithets toward African Americans (including the n-word). Domestic violence and alcohol abuse are also depicted. Infrequent boxing scenes don’t get too violent. While this may not be the most innovative telling of Ali’s story, it has positive messages about self-belief, perseverance and speaking truth to power. (Eight episodes)
Available on Prime Video.
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