Handpicked by Our Editors

Barney: Jungle Friends
Age 2+
3

Barney: Jungle Friends

Why We Recommend It

Eco-Barney's jaunty message? You're never to young to save the Earth -- and you can sing and dance along the way!

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Absolutely! While most movie reviews tell you about how good a movie is (we do that, too), our family movie reviews do more. Common Sense reviews give you what you need to know to make a great choice for your family. They also offer ways to talk to your kids about the movies they see. Our users tell us that our movie reviews even settle arguments about what's appropriate! So read, decide, and enjoy.

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Movies New in Theaters

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2012 (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that Roland Emmerich's latest big-budget, all-star, end-of-the-world disaster film (like his earlier movies Independence Day and The Day After Tomorrow) promises to strike a little too close to home for families to enjoy worry-free. In ... read more

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2012
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Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that indie director Wes Anderson's adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic children's story Fantastic Mr. Fox is being marketed to both kids and Anderson's older fans. The movie's star-studded voice cast (including George Clooney, Meryl ... read more

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Fantastic Mr. Fox
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Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that, unlike The Polar Express, this Robert Zemeckis adaptation of a classic holiday tale is too intense both visually and in content for families with very young children. At its heart, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol is a ghost ... read more

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Age 8+
Disney's A Christmas Carol
3
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The Fourth Kind (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this sci-fi thriller from director Olatunde Osunsanmi mixes supposedly real footage of alien abductees with re-creations played out by actors (including Milla Jovovich and Will Patton). That mix makes it hard to know what to believe, ... read more

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Age 14+
The Fourth Kind
2
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The Box (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this high-concept thriller from the director of Donnie Darko stars Cameron Diaz and James Marsden as a cash-strapped couple faced with a terrible proposal: Kill a stranger (by pushing a button on the box referenced in the title) and ... read more

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The Box
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Gentlemen Broncos (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that although this comedy from the folks behind Napoleon Dynamite -- which co-stars Flight of the Conchords' Jemaine Clement -- is pretty light on sexuality and swearing (particularly for a PG-13 movie), it's quite uncomfortable to watch. ... read more

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Age 12+
Gentlemen Broncos
1
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Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (2009, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that this powerful indie drama based on the novel Push by Sapphire is a harsh, raw depiction of a Harlem teen’s brutal life that may be too intense for many viewers, even older teens. The main character is abused in every way imaginable ... read more

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Age 17+
Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire
4
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The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that this offbeat war comedy based on the same-named book by Jon Ronson is going to be a magnet for teens drawn in both by the loopy humor and by stars George Clooney and Ewan McGregor.  Drug use -- presented in a humorous context -- ... read more

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Age 15+
The Men Who Stare at Goats
3
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Michael Jackson's This Is It (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that this hugely anticipated Michael Jackson concert movie is age-appropriate for King of Pop fans in the older tween range and up. Expect a few of Jackson's standard suggestive dance moves (there's plenty of crotch-grabbing, for ... read more

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Age 10+
Michael Jackson's This Is It
4
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Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that amped-up violence and language make The Vampire's Assistant movie too mature for younger tween fans of the Cirque du Freak books it's based on. There are several disturbing scenes of vampires stabbing, punching, kicking, and ... read more

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Age 12+
Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
2
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Saw VI (2009, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that this "torture porn" film, like all of the movies in the Saw series, revolves around cruelty, gore, and diabolical deathtraps -- all smothered in horrific make-up and special effects. A person is injected with acid until ... read more

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No Kids
Saw VI
2
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Astro Boy (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that this animated robot superhero adventure based on the 1960s anime series Astro Boy is age-appropriate for elementary-schoolers. It has fairly sophisticated themes (grief, loss, and war), as well as plenty of cartoon action violence -- ... read more

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Age 7+
Astro Boy
3
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Motherhood (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this Uma Thurman dramedy offers a fairly unvarnished look at parenthood that will appeal much more to moms and dads (who will be able to relate to the subject matter) than to their kids. Teens who do opt in will find some humor in ... read more

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Age 15+
Motherhood
3
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Amelia (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that this biopic about iconic female pilot Amelia Earhart (played by Oscar winner Hilary Swank) has a strong female role model for preteen girls and older. Although the film addresses Earhart's tumultuous personal life (including issues ... read more

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Age 11+
Amelia
3
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Where the Wild Things Are (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that director Spike Jonze's adaptation of Maurice Sendak's Where the Wild Things Are isn't appropriate for younger kids, even those who adore the book (there's a big difference between looking at a beautifully illustrated children's story ... read more

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Age 9+
Where the Wild Things Are
4
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Law Abiding Citizen (2009, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that Law Abiding Citizen contains several scenes of extremely bloody violence -- in addition to the home invasion/robbery/attempted rape/murder sequence that it begins with, there's a brutal stabbing and a horrifying torture scene in ... read more

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No Kids
Law Abiding Citizen
3
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New York, I Love You (2009, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that this collection of shorts about living in New York City -- whose large ensemble cast includes Shia LaBeouf, Bradley Cooper, Natalie Portman, Blake Lively, and many more -- runs the gamut from sweet to seductive to sexually (at least ... read more

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Age 16+
New York, I Love You
3
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The Stepfather (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this thriller/horror remake of 1987's The Stepfather has plenty of tension, scares, and violence, though most of it is relatively bloodless. Three murders take place on screen (as well as fighting, attacks, etc.), and several other ... read more

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Age 14+
The Stepfather
3
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Couples Retreat (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau was originally rated R for sexual content and language, but the MPAA lowered the rating to PG-13 after an appeal. But there's no shortage of sexual innuendo remaining, as well as ... read more

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Age 15+
Couples Retreat
3
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Adventures of Power (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this tedious Napoleon Dynamite wannabe has some comedic violence (including beatings and martial arts), some kissing and suggestive talk, and a bit of strong language (including words like "p---y" and "ass"). ... read more

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Age 13+
Adventures of Power
1
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Good Hair (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this Chris Rock documentary includes some mature themes related to race, femininity, and class. There's a fair amount of strong language (a couple of "f--k"s, as well as "s--t," "bitch," and the like), ... read more

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Age 14+
Good Hair
4
more new in theater

New on DVD

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The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that this action-packed remake of the gritty, same-named 1970s thriller is intense and violent and not meant for young kids. The fast-paced story is accompanied by heaping doses of realistic, bloody (expect lots of gunplay ... and ... read more

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Age 16+
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
3
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Food, Inc. (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that this documentary is a hard-hitting exposé on the food industry, especially the elite group of powerful corporations behind most of the food on supermarket counters. Most teens may not be interested, even though the documentary is ... read more

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Age 13+
Food, Inc.
4
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I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a review of the movie shown in theaters and not the unrated version with an alternate ending available on DVD.Parents also need to know that this deplorable teen comedy targets teens especially since it stars Heroes ... read more

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Age 14+
I Love You, Beth Cooper
1
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Aliens in the Attic (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that this alien adventure comedy stars Disney Channel and Nickelodeon veterans like Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical) and Austin Robert Butler (Zoey 101),so expect tweens and younger elementary schoolers to be interested.There's a ... read more

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Age 8+
Aliens in the Attic
3
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G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this relentless action adventure inspired by the '80s cartoon/toy line is filled with extreme (albeit minimally bloody/gory) violence. Kids will want to see it because they're the ones who play with the toys, but there's no end to ... read more

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Age 13+
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
1
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Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse (2009, Rated NR)
Parents Need to Know...

that though this feature is hailed as a full-length movie, it is actually a collection of shorts, some of which can be found on the Mickey's Christmas Carol DVD. The pace is almost manic, bringing to mind a sugar rush, and some sword ... read more

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Age 4+
Mickey's Magical Christmas: Snowed in at the House of Mouse
2
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Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure (2009, Rated NR)
Parents Need to Know...

that this addition to the Dora collection features a multi-ethnic cast of traditional Christmas characters. Santa speaks some Spanish and has brown skin. Dora and her friends celebrate Nochebuena, or Christmas Eve, with a table of baked ... read more

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Age 3+
Dora the Explorer: Dora's Christmas Carol Adventure
3
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Whatever Works (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this tepid Woody Allen comedy tackles mature themes like threesomes, homosexual relationships, and infidelity, though there's little actual nudity or explicit sexual content. The main character tries to commit suicide (played ... read more

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Age 15+
Whatever Works
2
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Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs (2009, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that the third installment in the Ice Agefranchise is likely to appeal to kids (even the preschool set) as much as the first two. Thatsaid, it's the first one in 3-D, so some scenes --  especially the ones featuring dinosaurs -- may be a ... read more

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Age 6+
Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs
3
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Orphan (2009, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

  that this is a review of the movie shown in theaters and not the unrated version with an alternate ending available on DVD. Parents also need to know that this gory horror movie centers on extremely violent, sexual acts carried ... read more

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Age 16+
Orphan
1
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Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure (2009, Rated G)
Parents Need to Know...

that the subplot in this Disney movie is about an argument between friends. The two main characters argue and blame one another until they realize that they need to take responsibility for their actions and forgive each other. Younger ... read more

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Age 4+
Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure
3
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Nothing Like the Holidays (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that, like most contemporary holiday movies, this film features a large, loud, "dysfunctional" family dealing with lots of issues. One son has just come back from Iraq and could have post-traumatic stress, another has a Jewish ... read more

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Age 13+
Nothing Like the Holidays
3
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Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this sequel to 2007's Transformers is edgier and less kid-friendly than the first. Kids will want to see it because they're the ones who play with the toys the movie was inspired by, but it's packed with metal-on-metal mayhem and ... read more

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Age 13+
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
1
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Little Spirit: Christmas in New York (2009, Rated NR)
Parents Need to Know...

that this heartwarming holiday story is perfectly appropriate for the entire family. There's no worrisome content and plenty of adventure and Christmas spirit to be found in the main character's magical travels and encounters with ... read more

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Age 4+
Little Spirit: Christmas in New York
4
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Gotta Catch Santa Claus (2009, Rated NR)
Parents Need to Know...

that this CGI-animated movie ponders the existence of Santa Claus. The bad guys are an ice monster and his three evil snowmen sidekicks, and these characters, while silly and relatively harmless, threaten Santa Claus and make a lot of ... read more

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Age 6+
Gotta Catch Santa Claus
3
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Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas (2009, Rated NR)
Parents Need to Know...

that there is little to be concerned about in this holiday movie. George creates several messes and engages in semi-dangerous activities, like climbing to the top of a Christmas tree that then knocks down all the trees. In one scene, the ... read more

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Age 3+
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
3
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Snow 2: Brain Freeze (2009, Rated G)
Parents Need to Know...

that this sequel to Snow is as family-friendly as the original movie -- and slightly less bland to boot. A former big game hunter plays the meanie. Santa is depicted not only as real but all too human, and his zany antics and pratfalls ... read more

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Age 5+
Snow 2: Brain Freeze
3
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Drag Me to Hell (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this is a review of the movie seen in theaters and not the unrated version available on DVD. Many of the scares, jumps, and jolts in this horror/action movie from Spider-Man director Sam Raimi are played for comic effect. Still, it's ... read more

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Age 13+
Drag Me to Hell
4
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Land of the Lost (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this big-screen version of the cult-classic 1970s TV show has lots of vulgar language, as well as an extended sequence in which some of the main characters are clearly stoned on a natural narcotic/hallucinogenic substance. There's ... read more

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Age 14+
Land of the Lost
3
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The Proposal (2009, Rated PG-13)
Parents Need to Know...

that this charming romantic comedy starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds has a much talked-about scene in which the leads, both naked, accidentally crash into and fall down on top of each other. But since it's rated PG-13, all that's ... read more

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Age 14+
The Proposal
4
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Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (2009, Rated G)
Parents Need to Know...

that Disney's first animated film does contain a few scenes that might frighten young preschoolers. The scenes with the wicked queen are especially creepy, as are the parts when Snow White runs through the frighteningly enchanted forest, ... read more

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Age 5+
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
4
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