A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms (TV-MA)
Age 15+
Fantasy violence and language in “Game of Thrones” prequel.
Based on novellas by George R.R. Martin, this series unfolds about 90 years before the events of “Game of Thrones.” Like its predecessor, “Seven Kingdoms” is set in a world in which knights and noblemen have power and women and people of color are often subject to abuse. Violence is frequent: Expect combat with medieval-style weaponry and clashes on horseback. Characters suffer bloody wounds and die suddenly. There’s nudity (a man’s buttocks and a woman’s breasts, for example) and references to sex work. Language includes “f—,” “s—,” “c—” and “arse.” Ale is frequently served at dinners and parties; drunk characters get lively, sloppy and sometimes violent. (Six episodes)
Available on HBO.
Mercy (PG-13)
Age 14+
Intense AI thriller puts viewers in the detective’s seat.
Set in the near future, this Chris Pratt-starring sci-fi thriller centers on an artificial intelligence used to solve crimes. Intense action includes shootings, wince-inducing fistfights, and car chases and crashes. People on fire scream, and the film opens with images of civil unrest, police brutality, riots and guns. An AI-led judicial system has full access to every file, camera and social media post, and it won’t take viewers long to realize that most of these tools are already at the disposal of law enforcement — perhaps prompting teens to think twice about what they put online. (Case in point: A teenage girl’s social media account reveals vaping, pot smoking and drinking.) Drug use and manufacturing plays a role, and the protagonist has an alcohol dependency. Strong language includes a couple of uses of “f—,” plus “s—,” “a–hole,” “b—-” and “Jesus Christ.” (100 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Hey A.J.! (TV-Y)
Age 3+
Loving family dynamics, imaginative play and tunes in fun show.
Based on the books by former NFL player Martellus Bennett, this animated musical series centers on A.J. (voiced by Amari McCoy), a kind, curious girl with a big imagination. She turns everyday problems into exciting adventures; trouble baking a cake, for example, becomes stopping a chocolate volcano from erupting. Since these events happen in the land of make-believe, there’s no real danger. The heart of the show is A.J.’s relationship with her parents, who are present, supportive, fun and helpful. At its core, this series celebrates imagination and spending time with your loved ones. It also has catchy songs that kids will want to play on repeat. (14 episodes)
Available on Disney Jr.
Return to Silent Hill (R)
Age 16+
Spooky atmosphere in violent video game adaptation.
Expect graphic, gory violence in the third film of the video-game-based horror movie series, with suicides, a blood-smearing ritual, creepy monsters and bugs, melting flesh, a severed head, jump scares, impalements, wounds, blood spurts, fights and more. Expect kissing, flirting and sexual moments. A monster with female-like anatomy has nonrealistic and nonsexual naked breasts and buttocks. Language includes sporadic use of “f—,” “s—,” “a–hole” and “hell.” There’s brief pot smoking, and one character abuses alcohol. (106 minutes)
Available in theaters.
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