Starring: Jason Statham, Qi Shu, Matt Schulze Directed by: Corey Yuen Rated: PG-13 for violent sequences and some sensuality. Parental Notes: Although “The Transporter” is a fairly bloodless film, it is quite violent. Younger teens may find it too intense but older ones will probably love it.
Starring: Barry Pepper, Vin Diesel, Seth Green, Andrew Davoli, John Malkovich, Dennis Hopper, Tom Noonan Directed by: Brian Koppelman and David Levien Rated: R for violence, language and some drug use. Parental Notes: “Knockaround Guys” may look like a comedy from the trailers but it has a number of intense sequences inappropriate for younger teens.
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Edward Norton, Emily Watson, Harvey Keitel, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Anthony Hopkins Directed by: Brett Ratner Rated: R for violence, grisly images, language, some nudity and sexuality Parental Notes: Older teens who liked the other films in the series will enjoy “Red Dragon” but younger teens may find the suspense and violence too intense.
Starring: Maggie Gyllenhaal, James Spader Directed by: Steven Shainberg Rated: R for strong sexuality, some nudity, depiction of behavioral disorders, and language. Parental Notes: “Secretary” is not appropriate for younger teens but may provide an opportunity for parents and older teenagers to discuss alternate lifestyles.
Starring: Susan Sarandon, Goldie Hawn, Geoffrey Rush Directed by: Bob Dolman Rated: R for language, sexual content and some drug use. Parental Notes: the content of this film is probably inappropriate for younger teens, but older teenagers, particularly girls, will doubtless get a kick out of the idea that women their Mom’s age can still rock the house.
Starring: Robert DeNiro, James Franco, Frances McDormand, Eliza Dushku Rated: R for language, drug use and some violence. Parental Notes: The violence and drug use in this film are brief but powerful, and the overall tone of faint hope in the midst of despair may make it too intense for younger teens.
Directed by: Andrew Niccol Starring: Al Pacino, Catherine Keener, Jason Schwartzman Rated: PG-13 for some sensuality Parental Notes: “Simone” is a film that will probably go over the heads of youngsters, but older teens may appreciate its mockery of the Hollywood machine.
Directed by: M. Night Shyamalan Starring: Mel Gibson, Joaquin Phoenix, Abigail Breslin, Rory Culkin, Cherry Jones Rated: PG-13 for some frightening moments Parental Notes: “Signs” is aimed at the adult crowd, and more mature teens may enjoy it. Youngsters will likely find it alternately dull and terrifying, as some of the more suspenseful scenes are quite intense.
Directed by: Ellory Elkayem Starring: David Arquette, Kari Wuhrer, Scott Terra, Scarlett Johannson, Leon Rippy Rated: PG-13, for sci-fi violence, brief sexuality and language. Parental Notes: There’s not much here to distress parents of older preteens and teenagers. Some sequences may be frightening to small children, but the violence is mostly cartoonish rather than truly frightening.
Stars: Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith, Lara Flynn Boyle Director: Barry Sonnenfeld Rated: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some provocative humor. Parental Notes: Like the first film, “Men in Black II” is primarily aimed at teens and sci-fi fans. Younger children may find some sequences too intense, but the violence is very cartoonish and completely lacking in gore.