Posted on: Friday, October 17, 2008
'Express,' 'Ember' kid-worthy
By Roger Moore
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
'THE EXPRESS'
Rating: PG for thematic content, violence and language involving racism and brief sensuality.
What it's about: A young man growing up in segregated America goes to college, where he becomes the first African-American to win football's Heisman trophy.
The kid attractor factor: A good-looking young cast, lots of football, and a history lesson.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Waiting for equal rights and equal treatment to be handed to you is no way to change history.
Language: There's a football coach. He curses. And some folks use racial slurs.
Sex: A little romance in a hotel.
Drugs: None.
Parents' advisory: Budding football fans and kids who need to learn a little of America's civil rights history will get a lot out of this sports drama.
'CITY OF EMBER'
Rating: PG for mild peril and some thematic elements.
What it's about: In the future, humanity has been stuck in an underground city for generations, but food and energy are running out.
The kid attractor factor: A science-fiction tale featuring heroic teens who question authority and try to solve the mystery of their existence and save humanity.
Good lessons/bad lessons: Question authority, study science, don't live in fear of the unknown.
Violence: A gigantic mole gives chase.
Language: Profanity has apparently been banned in the City of Ember.
Sex: Nothing of the sort.
Drugs: The beer ran out ages ago.
Parents' advisory: A dense, smart kids' sci-fi film, dark enough for tweens, perhaps a bit over the heads of 9-and-unders.
