How Family-Friendly Are Arrival and Almost Christmas?

Rating: PG-13, for brief strong language.

Aliens have invaded earth. What do they want from us? That’s what Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner must determine in this subdued sci-fi drama from French-Canadian director Denis Villeneuve. Adams plays a linguist trying to understand the aliens’ intricate language; Renner plays the biologist hoping to study their complex makeup. The images are beautiful and haunting at the same time, with a mix of mystery and wonder. Older kids with a taste for science fiction will find this compelling, but they might be a bit confused by the film’s time-hopping narrative structure. There’s a bit of language and a few intense situations. And part of the film’s drama comes from the death of a little girl who’d been suffering from a disease. But for the most part, Arrival defies your expectations of the panicky, heart-pounding alien thriller. It’s beautifully shot and ultimately, surprisingly, hopeful.

Rating: PG-13, for suggestive material, drug content and language.

Christmas is coming, which means it’s time for your annual wacky, dysfunctional-family comedy. Danny Glover, Mo’Nique, Gabrielle Union, Romany Malco, Kimberly Elise, and JB Smoove are among the large ensemble cast, playing members of a family gathering for their first Christmas after the death of their beloved matriarch. Long-held resentments explode and madcap hilarity ensues. Director David E. Talbert’s film is actually better written and acted than most films of this sentimental genre, though. There’s quite a bit of language – most of which comes from the hilariously brash Mo’Nique — and some grown-up situations involving infidelity and drug abuse. But ultimately, its themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are worthwhile. Fine for kids around 10 and older.