IF (PG)
Age 6+
A poignant fantasy about loss and the power of imagination.
“IF” is a live-action/animated fantasy starring Ryan Reynolds that explores the idea of what happens to our forgotten imaginary friends (IFs). That might sound a little sad, and it is: After losing their connection to children as they grow, the IFs end up living in a retirement home, listless and abandoned. Also sad — but handled gently through a montage (not unlike “Up”) — is the fact that the loving mother of 12-year-old protagonist Bea (Cailey Fleming) has died, and now her good-natured dad (writer-director John Krasinski) is in the hospital. But Bea is distracted from her worry by busying herself with purposeful work (helping the IFs) and learns that accessing familiar music, smells, sights and tastes can bring her back to a happy memory or feeling and help calm anxious or overwhelming emotions. Only very young or sensitive kids are likely to be distressed by the mild scares, such as a character appearing out of nowhere or a creepyish neighbor who steps into the hallway at night. And while another key character, Blue (voiced by Steve Carell), is a giant purple monster, viewers will quickly understand that he’s as huggable and non-threatening as a big stuffed animal. Mild language includes “butt,” “hell” and “good God!” All the characters, both live and imaginary, demonstrate positive traits, and there are clear themes of curiosity, compassion and teamwork. (104 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Back to Black (R)
Age 15+
Amy Winehouse biopic shows drinking, drugs and addiction issues.
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“Back to Black” is a biopic about singer Amy Winehouse (Marisa Abela) and her rise to international stardom before her death at age 27 following struggles with addiction. Winehouse and her partner, Blake Fielder-Civil (Jack O’Connell), have a volatile and often violent relationship. This is mostly because of the couple’s excessive drinking and drug use, both of which are significant parts of the movie. Drugs seen include cocaine, crack and pot. Winehouse is shown passed out, vomiting and smoking, and she has self-inflicted injuries caused by her drinking. While drunk, she lashes out at a fan and Fielder-Civil, who is later seen with cuts and scratches on his face. The film doesn’t demonize Winehouse or Fielder-Civil, but it doesn’t absolve them, either. Language is very strong, with several variants of “f---.” There is also a discussion about some of Winehouse’s lyrics being homophobic, plus references to self-harm and bulimia. There is a sex scene and some nudity — Winehouse and Fielder-Civil go skinny dipping — but none of it is particularly graphic. (122 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Thelma the Unicorn (PG)
Share this articleShareAge 6+
Positive lessons and some rude humor in book-based animated film.
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“Thelma the Unicorn” — which is based on the books by Aaron Blabey (“The Bad Guys”) and was brought to the screen by some of the folks behind “Napoleon Dynamite” — has positive, easy-to-grasp life lessons as well as some rude humor and animated violence. Most of the humor revolves around flawed characters, like a smarmy music manager, a boy-band-style horse and a jealous celebrity. There are also potty jokes throughout the film, as well as language like “poo,” “butt,” “bum,” “nipple,” “moron,” “dang” and “heck.” Animated characters experience falls, crashes, near misses, fights, explosions, electrocutions and other accidents. Characters are threatened, including with an online video after someone digs up dirt on them, and there is a mention of murder. Characters must learn to withstand insults and see their true value, even if the world wants to judge them on appearances. They must do this despite the appeal and trappings of fame or the popularity of an invented image, including on social media. (93 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story (Unrated)
Age 6+
Beautiful, heartwarming nature documentary has positive messages.
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“Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story” is a tender documentary about a man named Billy Mail who befriends a young wild otter named Molly and develops a strong bond with the animal as he nurses her back to health. Both Billy and his wife, Susan, demonstrate empathy, compassion and communication skills, and are gentle and kind toward the otter and each other, though they do experience some struggles in their marriage. The film has little iffy content, though there is a mention of a dead otter, and an otter’s body is shown washed up on the coast and is later buried. Landscapes in Scotland’s Shetland Islands are beautifully filmed, and there’s plenty of footage of Molly and other otters that will delight nature lovers. The film can be a tear-jerker at times, but it’s ultimately a heartwarming story that shows the healing power of nature and connection. (77 minutes)
Available on Disney Plus and Hulu.
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