PG and PG-13 movies include a broad amount of violence, foul language, and adult situations, all which parents and guardians need to consider to wisely supervise their children. The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has established that PG stands for parental guidance because the movie may not be suitable for children under 12. PG-13 also indicates that the film contains material that may not be suitable for children under the age of 13 and that the movie could go “beyond the PG rating in theme, violence, nudity, sensuality, language, adult activities or other elements, but does not reach the restricted R category.”
Families should take these facts into account before viewing any of the top box office movies out in theaters which have PG or PG-13 ratings. These include Minions (#1 at the box office, PG), Jurassic World (#2, PG-13), Inside Out, (#3, PG), Self/Less (#8, PG-13), Max (#9, PG), Avengers: Age of Ultron (#16, PG-13), Home (#18, PG), and Faith of Our Fathers (#20, PG-13). Ant-Man comes out this weekend (PG-13).
“Minions” topped the box office this week, but is it right for your family? Photo Courtesy of Illumination Entertainment.
The PG and PG-13 ratings (which are broad, general, and vague) are not helpful enough, especially if parents value redemptive stories, moral messages, and positive role models. After all, the MPAA ratings do not necessarily factor in moral or redemptive content and stories. Furthermore, a study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center and University of Pennsylvania states, “There is essentially no difference between the most popular movies rated PG-13 for younger viewers and restricted, R-rated films in showing main characters engaged in both violence and alcohol use or violence and sexual behavior.”
Parents, guardians, and those in loco parentis are well-served by movie reviews from credible, reputable reviewers with advanced education and professional breadth of experience in film. Preferably, these reviewers will factor in knowledge of stages of development in young people, genres of movies, practices of studios and more. Credible reviewers also understand genres: comedy supports acceptance of foibles, tragedy encourages a will not to repeat hurtful behavior, and dramas reflect authentic situations that facilitate insight. They understand that these genres have different degrees of exaggeration, reality, and truth. Furthermore, valuable reviews include an understanding and reporting of the moral and redemptive content and story arcs in the movies.
“Home” is still one of the best family films in theaters, sticking around for months; Photo Courtesy of DreamWorks.
In Minions, the little villainous minions, albeit cute and funny, display rude humor. The movie is without moral, redemptive content. Although it is comical, it entertains with slapstick humor about crime, villains and violence.
Jurassic World not only has strong violence throughout but also profanity (including one use of Jesus Christ’s name).
Inside Out has a strong moral worldview, redemptive content, and commendations of sacrifice, joy and family, with no foul language or sexual content.
Self/Less has obscenities (including the “f” word), intense action violence, and strong sexual content.
“Self/Less” features an interesting premise, but is too problematic for most families; Photo Courtesy of Focus Features.
Max has a redemptive, moral worldview, themes of sacrifice, and values the father/son relationship.
Avengers: Age of Ultron has a strong moral worldview with redemptive content. The characters model good values and behaviors, fight to defend humanity, and sacrifice their lives for others. Moral relativism is seen as wrong, and there are themes of teamwork, goodness, traditional values. Captain America is an admirable hero and leader.
Faith of Our Fathers has a Christian, moral, patriotic worldview with no foul language, sex, or nudity.
“Ant-Man” has a moral message that’s great for your teens; Photo Courtesy of Marvel Studios.
Ant-Man has a moral, redemptive worldview. It values family and friendship, and its story includes redemption and striving to do the right thing. There are some obscenities and moderate violence, but no sexual content.
Home has a strong moral/biblical worldview, pursuit of justice, redemptive elements, and a celebration of freedom, family and truth, with no sex or nudity.
The best picks for mid-July for families with youths over 12 are Home, Inside Out, Max, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and Faith of our Fathers for content and quality.
Written by Diane Howard, Ph.D. (Performance Studies), dianehoward.com.
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