New Reviews & Advice for You

Movies in Theaters & Coming Soon

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid (2010, Rated PG)
Parents Need to Know...

that this adaptation of Jeff Kinney's best-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid books is full of tween-friendly jokes and mischief. There are no full-blown swear words, but the dialogue includes a lot of insults like "moron," ... read more

Age 9+
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
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The Runaways (2010, Rated R)
Parents Need to Know...

that this music biopic is way too mature for Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning's young teen Twilight fans. It's full of drinking, drugging, and high-heeled swaggering, as well as plenty of sexy stuff, including kissing between teen ... read more

Age 16+
The Runaways
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The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (2010, Rated NR)
Parents Need to Know...

that this third installment in the hugely popular Twilight series of teen vampire movies, starring Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart, and based on Stephanie Meyer's bestselling novels, looks to be more of the same intense, broody ... read more

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse
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Hot New Video Game

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Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions (Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi)
Parents Need to Know...

that Pokemon HeartGold and Pokemon SoulSilver are two slightly different versions of the same game. Each version contains some exclusive creatures that kids can "capture" and then trade with friends who also have one of the ... read more

Age 7+
Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver Versions
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Napoleon: Total War (Windows)
Parents Need to Know...

Napoleon: Total War is a real-time strategy game with some profanity, moderate violence, sexual themes, and open online text chatting. It’s focus is to create an accurate interactive depiction of famous French general Napoleon Bonaparte ... read more

Age 14+
Napoleon: Total War
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God of War III (PlayStation 3)
Parents Need to Know...

God of War III is a breath-takingly violent and gory action game. In fact, it's one of the most violent videogames we have ever reviewed. Where some parents allow teens to play M-rated games, this is one that we do not recommend at all in ... read more

No Kids
God of War III
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Website Reviews for Kids

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ClubCahootie
Parents Need to Know...

that this simple social networking site stems from the success of a popular kids product that is available in stores: The Cahootie (you probably know it as a “cootie catcher”). This spinoff site is unique because it puts the focus on ... read more

Age 7+
ClubCahootie
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Scholastic Kids Press Corps
Parents Need to Know...

that this news-filled website from Scholastic features stories created by a team of kid reporters from all over the country. Kids ages 9-14 are encouraged to apply each year to become part of the 50-person press corps and are selected ... read more

Age 9+
Scholastic Kids Press Corps
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Worksheetlab
Parents Need to Know...

that the site has dozens of fun, free printable worksheets for kids to practice counting, coloring and other activities. read more

Age 4+
Worksheetlab
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More website reviews

New TV for Tweens and Teens

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Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (ABC)
Parents Need to Know...

that this series, which is hosted by British chef/TV personality Jamie Oliver, promotes good eating habits and better food education at home and in school cafeterias. While his overall mission is a positive one, some viewers might find ... read more

Age 10+
Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution
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The Family Crews (BET)
Parents Need to Know...

that this reality series featuring actor Terry Crews, his wife, and family is full of positive messages about marriage, parenthood, and family with subtle references to God and Christianity. Adults occasionally drink (wine, beer, ... read more

Age 10+
The Family Crews
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Pink Panther and Pals (Cartoon Network)
Parents Need to Know...

that this updated version of the 1960s classic cartoon The Pink Panther is a fun choice for kids. The show has its fair share of cartoon-style violence (explosions, crashes, knocks to the head, for instance), but the tone is light and ... read more

Age 5+
Pink Panther and Pals
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More TV reviews

Great New Books

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Lunch Lady Series by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
Parents Need to Know...

that there is some minor violence in these very funny comic books, but it all stays very exaggerated and cartoony. The Lunch Lady is an admirable and surprising heroine. read more

Age 8+
Lunch Lady Series
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The Heartbreakers by Pamela Wells
Parents Need to Know...

this is a pretty frothy romance somewhat similar to the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants series but with fewer mature topics -- just some teen drinking and a bit of swearing. The girls support each other and exhibit loyalty; most of the ... read more

Age 12+
The Heartbreakers
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Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales by Lucy Cousins
Parents Need to Know...

that this a faithful treatment of classic favorite tales: funny and sometimes instructive, but also dark and even a bit gruesome. Parents who miss the edgy fairy tales of their youth will enjoy this, but those who prefer the stories tamed ... read more

Age 4+
Yummy: Eight Favorite Fairy Tales
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More book reviews

Download This Music

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Almost Alice by Various Artists
Parents Need to Know...

that this movie soundtrack includes songs whose lyrics are on the darker side, exploring the complex emotions related to being a young adult. That said, the lyrics are free of swearing, and aside from a couple of references to drinking ... read more

Age 12+
Almost Alice
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"Up Out My Face" (CD single) by Mariah Carey
Parents Need to Know...

that although the song talks about unfaithful romantic partners, Mariah Carey and her rapping collaborator, Nicki Minaj, don't swear or make explicit sexual references.  read more

Age 12+
"Up Out My Face" (CD single)
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My Best Days by Danny Gokey
Parents Need to Know...

that MY BEST DAYS, the debut record from country-oriented American Idol Season 8 contestant Danny Gokey, is wholesome through and through. It includes no swearing or references to sex and substances. read more

Age 10+
My Best Days
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