The Space Between Us (PG-13)
Age 12+
Teen sci-fi romance is sweet, if not out of this world.
"The Space Between Us" is a sci-fi romance starring Asa Butterfield as a teen born on Mars and Britt Robertson as the girl he hopes to meet once he finally travels to Earth. Strong language is pretty infrequent ("ass," "damn," etc.), and violence is limited to authorities pursuing the teen couple and a crash that causes an explosion (but no deaths). Expect some drinking (a parental figure is shown drunk and surrounded by beer bottles) and a whole lot of romantic tension that culminates in passionate kissing and one love scene. (Bare shoulders and backs are briefly visible.) With themes of courage and teamwork, the movie celebrates the need for connection and friendship. But it's likely to appeal a bit more to teens interested in love stories than anyone in the market for a sci-fi thriller. (108 minutes)
I Am Not Your Negro (PG-13)
Age 13+
Powerful documentary explores race, art and activism.
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"I Am Not Your Negro" is a documentary based on writer and activist James Baldwin's 1979 book proposal to write about three of his close friends: assassinated civil rights leaders Medgar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. Although Baldwin never wrote more than 30 pages of the manuscript, the film uses the author's own words (including letters, televised interviews, etc.) to imagine what such an exploration of race would look like. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson, the documentary includes contemporary examples of racial tensions in the United States as well as archival footage of lynchings, murdered civil rights leaders, the KKK, police officers hurting nonviolent protesters and white supremacists chanting or protesting in favor of segregation. The language can get understandably strong, including frequent uses of the n-word and more. But themes include perseverance and empathy, and Baldwin's views, despite being decades old, are still relevant and guaranteed to spark conversation. (93 minutes)
Babe (G)
Age 6+
Heartwarming farm story is touching and a bit scary.
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"Babe" (1995) is a live-action farm tale that's widely considered one of the best family films ever made. The story of this spunky little pig — who seems to have no future but to eat and be eaten — will inspire viewers of all ages. The harsh reality that farm animals are meant to feed humans may not sit well with some younger viewers — Christmas is equated to a bloodbath because of all the animals slaughtered to end up on a dinner table — and some other parts of the movie could frighten kids. A scene in which wild dogs attack the sheep and kill one is particularly intense and disturbing. But at its core, this is a beautiful tale of perseverance, friendship and making your dreams come true. (91 minutes)
Via Netflix streaming, iTunes and Amazon Video.
Queen of Katwe (PG)
Age 10+
Inspiring true tale of girl Ugandan chess champ.
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"Queen of Katwe" is the inspiring true story of a girl from the slums of Uganda who becomes a chess champion. It has strong themes of empathy, humility, integrity, perseverance and teamwork. But there are also many hard scenes that little kids might not understand — or could be upset by — making it best for tweens and older. A boy who is run over by a motorcycle gets stitches without painkillers, another child is almost swept away in a flash flood and a teen girl is lured from her family by an untrustworthy man who promises her a better life. The central family is homeless and must sleep on the street, and some scenes include background drinking and smoking. But in the end, this is a beautifully told, entertaining drama about a strong, smart, loyal girl that will give families a lot to talk about. (124 minutes)
Via iTunes, Amazon Video, YouTube and Google Play.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. Go to commonsensemedia.org for age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites and books.
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