This week is relatively slim pickings for family-friendly moviegoing. In theaters, we’ve got The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2, the conclusion to the teen-centric vampire franchise; and on DVD we’ve got Brave, Pixar’s animated ode to girl power. In addition, Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln, which we profiled last week, opens in wide release. However, other noteworthy releases, including Anna Karenina (in limited release) and The Watch (on DVD) are rated R, so proceed with caution. Without further ado, check out the best bets for family viewing this week!
What’s it about? It’s the concluding chapter of a wildly popular franchise in which vampires and werewolves do battle for the affections of a stubborn teenage girl.
Who’s it for? It’s rated PG-13 for “sequences of violence including disturbing images, some sensuality and partial nudity.” Several media reports indicate it came close to getting an R, so you might think twice about letting middle schoolers see it, but it’s probably fine for young teens.
Is it any good? The Twilight movies have never been critical darlings, though that matters not a whit to Twi-hards. For what it’s worth, Breaking Dawn Part 2 is getting the best reviews in franchise history, so it looks like they saved the best for last.
What’s it about? It’s the story of a Scottish princess who eschews stereotypically girly pursuits to ride horses and shoot arrows in the forest – and who must rescue her mother from a magic spell.
Who’s it for? Brave is rated PG “for some scary action and rude humor.” Take that seriously, especially if you’ve got Kindergartners — there are a couple dark moments that are likely to give the wee ones nightmares.
Is it any good? Brave is Certified Fresh, and though some critics found it to be a step down from previous Pixar triumphs, they largely appreciated its visuals and its strong female characters — a rarity in the studio’s output.
