'BARBIE'
Rated PG-13 for suggestive references and brief language.
What it’s about: Barbie and Ken leave Barbieland and discover both the good and the bad of the real world.
The kid attractor factor: Kids might be drawn to this film based on the popular doll, but this is much more meta and mature, dealing with complex emotional themes.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Humanity is complicated but worthwhile. All emotional journeys are valid.
Violence: A beach-based battle of the Kens (no real violence).
Language: A bleeped-out swear word.
Sex: References to genitalia but no sex scenes or kissing.
Drugs: None
Parents’ advisory: This is fine for older kids. The thematic content might go over the heads of younger kids.
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'OPPENHEIMER'
Rated R for some sexuality, nudity and language.
What it’s about: A psychological exploration of J. Robert Oppenheimer, "the father of the atomic bomb."
The kid attractor factor: Not much — this is a big, roaring, confounding biopic about the nuclear arms race.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Beware of building a nuclear bomb for the United States.
Violence: Discussion of horrific effects of the nuclear bomb when dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Language: Some swearing and strong language.
Sex: Two sex scenes with graphic nudity, one scene of prolonged nudity.
Drugs: None
Parents’ advisory: This has no real appeal for kids. But it's fine for teens.
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