Family fare: Movie reviews for parents

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Updated: February 14, 2012 8:09AM

Assessments from a parent’s perspective of new and recently released movies:

‘Beauty and the Beast 3D’

Rated G

Translation: Some scary peril, with a character chased by wolves. The presence of the Beast. Fight scenes. Characters drink beer in scenes set in a bar.

Recommendation: Ages 7 to adults.

Family discussion: What made Belle change her mind about the Beast? Gaston and the Beast both loved Belle; how were their reasons different?

If you like this, try: The animated films “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin” from Disney, and other versions of this story, such as Jean Cocteau’s “La Belle et La Bete” (1946) and the “Faerie Tale Theatre” version with Klaus Kinski.

‘Joyful Noise’

Rated PG-13 for some language, including a sexual reference.

Translation: Tense and unhappy family situations. Sexual references and a non-explicit situation. Sexually suggestive jokes. Strong and earthy language (s-word, b-word). A fight scene.

Recommendation: High school ages to adults.

Family discussion: What was the biggest difference between Vi Rose and G.G.? Who was right?

If you like this, try: “The Fighting Temptations” and “Bandslam,” and the recent documentary “Rejoice and Shout,” about gospel music.

‘Contraband’

Rated R for violence, pervasive language and brief drug use.

Translation: Constant very strong language. Frequent peril and violence (guns, chases, explosions, car crashes), sometimes graphic, with characters injured and killed. Smuggling and drug dealing. Alcohol and drug use.

Recommendation: Mature teens to adults.

Family discussion: What made the hero Chris, a former criminal pressed back into a schemes of smuggling and drug dealing, different from the people he was working with?

If you like this, try: “Gone in 60 Seconds” with Nicolas Cage and Angelina Jolie, or “Out of Sight” (1998) with George Clooney.

Nell Minow is the film critic for the website beliefnet.com.