Family fare

Assessments from a parent's perspective of films opening today:

Rated PG for sequences of action, some violence, language and brief smoking.

Translation: Intense action-style sequences of fighting, perilous car races and crashes, sabotage. There is some smoking, potty humor, bleeped (but obvious) four-letter words and some mild language.

Recommendation: Ages 8 years old and up.

Family discussion: Why didn't Speed Racer want to accept Royalton's offer? Why couldn't Racer X tell the truth?

If you like this, try: The original "Speed Racer" cartoon series of the '60s and the new "Speed Racer" comic books.

Rated PG-13 for some violence and reckless behavior.

Translation: Teen kissing, smoking, drinking and misbehavior (kids make a movie with very dangerous stunts). Characters are injured.

Recommendation: Ages 12 years old and up.

Family discussion: If you had the opportunity, what movie would you like to make?

If you like this, try: Check out some of the amateur films posted on the Web site YouTube and try to make some of your own.

As for movies, you might want to try "The Outsiders" (1983), "The History Boys" (2006), "This Is England" (2006), and for more mature children, the original "Rambo" series.

Rated R for strong language.

Translation: Drinking, smoking, drug references, strong language, suicide and brutal mixed martial arts fighting.

Recommendation: Mature high schoolers.

Family discussion: Do you think the marble selection system developed by the character in this film is fair? Were you more surprised by the characters who were corrupt or the characters who demonstrated some integrity?

If you like this, try: David Mamet's "The Spanish Prisoner" (1997), "Things Change" (1988) and for more mature children, "Heist" (2001), rated R primarily for language.

Nell Minow is the film critic of the Web site beliefnet.com.