Kung Fu Panda 4 (PG)
Age 6+
Peril, some potty humor in Dragon Warrior buddy comedy.
“Kung Fu Panda 4” — the next movie in the popular franchise — finds unlikely hero Po (again voiced by Jack Black) charged with selecting his successor as Dragon Warrior so he can take on new responsibilities. But first he must face the ruthless new villain Chameleon (Viola Davis) while joined by the quick-witted fox Zhen (Awkwafina). Expect lots of martial-arts action (both one-on-one and group fighting), including sometimes-intense scenes of widespread destruction and coercion and characters having their powers stolen to be used for evil. There’s also some potty humor and infrequent language (“butt,” “screw-up,” “stupid,” etc.). But there are positive messages about redemption, the importance of teamwork and serving the greater good. Po and his two dads are a loving blended family, and there are a few more Asian actors in supporting roles this time, making the movie more representative of the ancient culture the franchise has been celebrating for so long. (94 minutes)
Available in theaters.
Damsel (PG-13)
Age 14+
Graphic violence in suspenseful woman vs. dragon adventure.
Advertisement
“Damsel” is a fantasy adventure film that stars Millie Bobby Brown as a woman who must fight a dragon to save her life, leading to lots of graphic violence. This woman vs. beast battle makes it clear that Brown’s character, Elodie, is a fierce, clever warrior who survives all manner of physical and emotional trauma. She’s married off by her father to a man she’s just met, only to be dropped as a sacrifice into a deep network of caves ruled by a vengeful dragon. She runs for her life, suffering falls, cuts and burns. She experiences deep fear as the dragon chases and taunts her and threatens and kills loved ones in front of her. She sees ghosts, skeletons and the remains of dead people; other characters and animals are also injured or killed in violent ways (burned alive, stabbed, crushed, etc.). A married couple kisses, and language includes “damn.” Elodie demonstrates perseverance and courage as the “damsel in distress” who can rely only on herself to be saved. (107 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
Share this articleShareMegamind vs. the Doom Syndicate (TV-G)
Age 6+
Fun, kid-friendly sequel has cartoon violence, mild insults.
Advertisement
“Megamind vs. the Doom Syndicate” is the sequel to 2010’s “Megamind” and is connected to a spinoff series as well. It’s chock full of cartoon violence that isn’t too scary — threats, weapons and injuries — and characters unfailingly survive and get back up to fight another day. There’s mild language like “butt,” “poop,” “half-wit” and “idiot,” and adults drink from plastic cups at a party called a “rager.” Main character Megamind (voiced by Keith Ferguson) and his friend Roxanne (Laura Post) continue their potential romance, pretending to be engaged and hugging. (It’s suggested that there’s “romantic tension” between them.) Expect positive messages about teamwork and valuing your friends. A tween character named Keiko (voiced by Japanese American actor Maya Aoki Tuttle) says she was teased and excluded because of her name and looks. Female characters repeatedly correct, explain, pick up the slack for and outwit their male counterparts. (85 minutes)
Available on Peacock.
Shogun (TV-14)
Age 16+
Storytelling reigns in violent, mature period epic.
Advertisement
“Shogun” is a historical drama based on James Clavell’s 1975 novel (which was previously adapted for a miniseries in 1980). Set in 1600 Japan, this limited series has brutal, graphic violence, including decapitations and characters being boiled alive. A baby is taken from his mother and sentenced to death, a man shoots himself (off-screen), and multiple characters consider the suicidal act of seppuku. Strong language includes “f---ing,” “s---,” “a--,” “b-----d” and “b----.” A man grabs his genitals while insulting another man verbally, and one man urinates on another as a form of punishment. A man appears fully naked from behind, and a woman undresses, showing her bare breasts. There are also strong themes of bravery, courage, loyalty and doing what’s right, and this take on the story is an improvement, representation-wise, from the 1980 version. (10 episodes)
Streaming on FX and Hulu.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. Go to commonsense.org for age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites and books.
ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7uK3SoaCnn6Sku7G70q1lnKedZLGkecydZK%2BZX2d9c4COaWpoaGhksLC5zKilZquVo8Cmecyem6KZXaDCr7OMn6xmqJGjsaJ5k2abmqWjmrlw