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Family reviews: 'Where the While Things Are,' 'The Boys Are Back'

Family reviews

A parents' guide to select new movies:

'Where the Wild Things Are'

Rating: PG for mild thematic elements, some adventure action and brief language.

What it's about: A boy invents his own imaginary forest world, which he visits in his wolf-suit PJs.

The Kid Attractor Factor: It's one of the most beloved children's books of recent history. And here, wild things come to life.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Tantrums, being selfish and only caring about yourself hurt the feelings of parents and wild things.

Violence: Mildly scary bits of monster mashing.

Language: The H-word. Once.

Sex: Not a hint of it.

Drugs and alcohol: Mom and her date have some wine.

Parents' advisory: This slow- footed, downbeat adaptation doesn't appear to be aimed at kids — rather at adults looking for deeper meaning in a favorite childhood book.

'The Boys Are Back'

Rating: PG-13 for some sexual language and thematic elements.

What it's about: A widowed dad decides the best way to raise his son is by the ethos "Just say yes."

The Kid Attractor Factor: Kids, out of control, while dad grins and skips off to work.

Good lessons/bad lessons: There's a line between not wanting to inhibit your kids' growth and simple absentee parenting.

Violence: A bit of the rough stuff in a bar.

Language: Profanity, here and there.

Sex: Flirtation between adults.

Drugs and alcohol: A bit of the other rough stuff in a bar, and some teen partying.

Parents' advisory: "Free range" parenting, with all its glories and shortcomings — it isn't really a movie for kids unless you want them to "try this at home."

Roger MooreThe Orlando Sentinel