Red Cliff
Chinese battle epic is violent but masterful for teens+.
Release Date: 11/18/2009

Gamer
Ultra-violent sci-fi action film aims to shock and offend.
Release Date: 9/4/2009

Inglourious Basterds
Tarantino's World War II epic is both bloody and talky.
Release Date: 8/21/2009

G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Too violent for kids, too childish for grown-ups.
Release Date: 8/7/2009

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
Violent, crude, pointless sequel just isn't kids' stuff.
Release Date: 6/24/2009

Call of the Wild
Dog-centric adventure drama is age-appropriate but bland.
Release Date: 6/12/2009

The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Remake of '70s thriller is riveting but violent and intense.
Release Date: 6/12/2009

Land of the Lost
Ferrell's reboot of '70s show is rife with gross-out laughs.
Release Date: 6/5/2009

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian
Fun, fast-paced sequel is more upbeat than the original.
Release Date: 5/22/2009

X-Men Origins: Wolverine
More brutal action than in earlier X-Men films.
Release Date: 5/1/2009

Fighting
Street-fighting saga is stylish but cliched and violent.
Release Date: 4/24/2009

Crank: High Voltage
Grisly, gory, over-the-top action-parody isn't for kids.
Release Date: 4/17/2009

Dragonball Evolution
Movie based on anime series has lots of martial arts action.
Release Date: 4/10/2009

Fast & Furious
Better than the last two, but still pretty mindless action.
Release Date: 4/3/2009

12 Rounds
So-so action movie has lots of fighting, other iffy stuff.
Release Date: 3/27/2009

Watchmen
Not a superhero movie; a dark, gory, complex morality tale.
Release Date: 3/6/2009

Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li
Video game adaptation is violent, jarringly inept.
Release Date: 2/27/2009

The Spirit
Violent, sexy superhero flick is all style, no substance.
Release Date: 12/25/2008

The Day the Earth Stood Still
Sci-fi remake has big effects but no real power.
Release Date: 12/12/2008

The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice
Third movie in adventure series explores vampirism.
Release Date: 12/7/2008

Punisher: War Zone
Violent vigilante comic book story is gory, grim stuff.
Release Date: 12/5/2008

Transporter 3
Smash-up action sequel is a little rough for young teens.
Release Date: 11/26/2008

Quantum of Solace
Craig's 2nd Bond grittier, angrier than his first.
Release Date: 11/14/2008

Max Payne
Video game adaptation is bloody but boring.
Release Date: 10/17/2008

RocknRolla
Stylish, edgy British crime caper for grown-ups.
Release Date: 10/10/2008

Eagle Eye
Explosion-filled thriller is clever but confusing.
Release Date: 9/24/2008

Bangkok Dangerous
Slow action thriller from bored-looking Nic Cage.
Release Date: 9/5/2008

Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow
Rollicking young superhero tale; lots of cartoon violence.
Release Date: 9/2/2008

Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Tamer than live-action, but still moody, violent.
Release Date: 08/29/2008

Death Race
Violent action remake races to a high body count.
Release Date: 8/21/2008

Hell Ride
Bikers, babes, blood, booze ... and blah.
Release Date: 08/06/2008

Crocodile Dundee II
Aussie hero returns in mindless shoot-'em-up.
Release Date: 08/06/2008

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
Violent action sequel should've stayed buried.
Release Date: 7/31/2008

The Dark Knight
Excellent sequel much darker, more violent than the first.
Release Date: 7/18/2008

Journey to the Center of the Earth (2008)
Formulaic-but-exciting family action-adventurer.
Release Date: 7/11/2008

Batman: Gotham Knight
Dark, bloody, animated flock of Bat-stories.
Release Date: 07/08/2008

Hancock
Has action, heart, but superhero is an alcoholic.
Release Date: 7/2/2008

Wanted
Explosive action film is extremely violent.
Release Date: 6/26/2008

The Incredible Hulk
Bloodier action than other comic book adventures.
Release Date: 06/12/2008

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Fourth Indy isn't perfect, but it's tons of fun.
Release Date: 05/22/2008

Speed Racer
Action-packed kids' film fun, with a few sputters.
Release Date: 5/7/2008

Iron Man
Great action, lots of style, some iffy stuff.
Release Date: 5/2/2008

The Forbidden Kingdom
Mostly bloodless Chan/Li martial arts adventure.
Release Date: 04/18/2008

Never Back Down
Bloody fight film has heart, but it's no champion.
Release Date: 03/14/2008

10,000 B.C.
Violent, poorly conceived prehistoric action.
Release Date: 3/6/2008

Fool's Gold
Matthew McConaughey goes beefcake in blah romcom.
Release Date: 2/7/2008

Rambo
Non-stop violence is too overpowering for kids.
Release Date: 01/24/2008

Cloverfield
Tense monster movie is loud, hectic -- and scary.
Release Date: 1/17/2008

National Treasure: Book of Secrets
Action-packed treasure hunt offers few surprises.
Release Date: 12/20/2007

Saving Private Ryan
Bloody, tragic war epic doesn't hold back.
Release Date: 12/11/2007

Hitman
Violent, video game-based mayhem. Pass.
Release Date: 11/21/2007

Beowulf
Violent animated adventure is no kiddie movie.
Release Date: 11/15/2007

Dragon Wars (D-War)
Monsters unleash explosions, death, and more.
Release Date: 09/14/2007

3:10 to Yuma (2007)
Crowe and Bale captivate in Western remake.
Release Date: 09/07/2007

Shoot 'Em Up
Over-the-top action with guns, guns, and ... guns.
Release Date: 09/06/2007

Ladron Que Roba a Ladron
Subtitled heist movie for teens and up scores.
Release Date: 08/31/2007

A Fistful of Dollars
Guns galore in intro "spaghetti Western" serving.
Release Date: 08/27/2007

War
What is it good for? Bloody fighting, apparently.
Release Date: 08/24/2007

The Last Legion
Mr. Darcy trades Austen for Excalibur. Only OK.
Release Date: 08/17/2007

Rush Hour 3
Just like the first two, but in Paris.
Release Date: 08/09/2007

Rescue Dawn
Intense POW film explores torture, survival.
Release Date: 7/4/2007

Transformers
Toys come to life in big, boomy explosion fest.
Release Date: 7/2/2007

Live Free or Die Hard
First non-R Die Hard still a big blow-out.
Release Date: 06/27/2007

Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Much better than the first; OK for tweens and up.
Release Date: 06/15/2007

DOA: Dead or Alive
Sexed-up game adaptation is heavy on bikinis.
Release Date: 06/15/2007

Ocean's Thirteen
More of the same from Clooney and company.
Release Date: 06/07/2007

Death Proof
Tarantino's very bloody half of Grindhouse.
Release Date: 5/31/2007

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
Swashbuckling action, but too many puzzling plots.
Release Date: 5/24/2007

Spider-Man 3
Kids'll be dazzled, but story falls short of #2.
Release Date: 05/03/2007

The Condemned
Convicts fight to the death in reality-TV debacle.
Release Date: 04/26/2007

Redline
Mindless auto racing film a drag for teens and up.
Release Date: 4/13/2007

Pathfinder
Bloody actioner pits Vikings vs. Native Americans.
Release Date: 04/12/2007

Shooter
Gory vigilante political thriller for adults only.
Release Date: 03/23/2007

300
Bloody, fanboyish retelling of an ancient battle.
Release Date: 3/8/2007

Ghost Rider
Devilish Nic Cage action flick isn't on fire.
Release Date: 02/16/2007

Smokin' Aces
Chaotic, violent, and unoriginal. Not for kids.
Release Date: 01/25/2007

Night at the Museum
Stiller dodges CGI creations in cute adventure.
Release Date: 12/22/2006

Apocalypto
The bloody end of a civilization. Not for kids.
Release Date: 12/07/2006

The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines
Adventures of nerdy hero find a fun, if rough, groove.
Release Date: 12/6/2006

Casino Royale (2006)
Strong new Bond in a darker re-imagining.
Release Date: 11/16/2006

The Marine
WWE star is no Rock; violent actioner falls flat.
Release Date: 10/13/2006

Alex Rider: Operation Stormbreaker
Teen spy hero makes leap from book to screen.
Release Date: 10/12/2006

The Guardian
Waterlogged rescue flick is nothing new.
Release Date: 09/28/2006

Jet Li's Fearless
Jet Li's final fight; teens OK.
Release Date: 09/22/2006

Flyboys
WWI pilots make like heroes in bland adventure.
Release Date: 9/22/2006

The Protector
Violent martial arts action; older teens and up.
Release Date: 9/8/2006

Snakes on a Plane
Bloody B-movie spoof isn't for kids.
Release Date: 8/18/2006

Miami Vice
Dark, violent update of TV series. Not for kids.
Release Date: 07/28/2006

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
An action-packed but too-long flick for kids 12+.
Release Date: 7/7/2006

Superman Returns
Thrilling return for the man of steel; tweens OK.
Release Date: 06/28/2006

Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
Inventive movie that families can watch together.
Release Date: 06/16/2006

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift
Car crashes, drinking, guns. You can do better.
Release Date: 6/16/2006

X-Men: The Last Stand
X-Men battle for their lives yet again. Tweens OK.
Release Date: 5/26/2006

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang
Choppy L.A. thriller. Absolutely not for kids.
Release Date: 5/18/2006

Poseidon
Graphic disaster flick. Not for younger kids.
Release Date: 5/12/2006

Mission: Impossible III
More boisterous and violent action; teens and up.
Release Date: 05/05/2006

Spymate
So-so spy movie for kids featuring Emma Roberts.
Release Date: 04/11/2006

V for Vendetta
Complex but heavy-handed action film. Adults only.
Release Date: 03/17/2006

Ultraviolet
Incoherent video gamey sci-fi action movie.
Release Date: 3/3/2006

King Kong (2005)
Boisterous, spectacular remake of 1933 classic.
Release Date: 12/14/2005

The Legend of Zorro
Loud sequel to the Mask of Zorro.
Release Date: 10/28/2005

Doom
Bloody and gory. Not for kids.
Release Date: 10/21/2005

Serenity
A bit clunky, but entertaining sci-fi.
Release Date: 9/30/2005

Into the Blue
Tedious adventure; too scary for younger kids.
Release Date: 9/30/2005

Transporter 2
Violent sequel; older teens and up.
Release Date: 9/2/2005

Four Brothers
A rowdy, brutal revenge movie -- not for kids.
Release Date: 8/12/2005

Stealth
Explosion movie is too violent for little ones.
Release Date: 07/29/2005

The Island
Explosive movie is best for teens and up.
Release Date: 7/22/2005

Earthsea
Youthful folly and magic mix in wondrous Earthsea.
Release Date: 07/14/2005

Fantastic Four
Campy but often violent comic book movie.
Release Date: 7/8/2005

Batman Begins
Smart and entertaining, but also very violent.
Release Date: 06/15/2005

Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Married assassins thriller isn't for kids.
Release Date: 6/10/2005

Unleashed
Martial arts and melodrama -- not for children.
Release Date: 5/13/2005

XXX: State of the Union
Loud, raucous, and predictable action flick.
Release Date: 4/29/2005

Kung Fu Hustle
Rowdy martial arts comedy. Older teens and up.
Release Date: 4/8/2005

Sahara
Some exciting action, but overall not satisfying.
Release Date: 4/8/2005

The World's Fastest Indian
Hopkins' joyous romp is a little slow for kids.
Release Date: 4/2/2005

Sin City
This extremely violent movie is NOT for kids.
Release Date: 3/31/2005

Steamboy
Animated film is too violent for younger kids.
Release Date: 3/11/2005

Hostage
Very violent hostage drama.
Release Date: 3/11/2005

Constantine
Visuals and attitude -- not for kids.
Release Date: 2/17/2005

Assault on Precinct 13
A satisfying thriller for adults only.
Release Date: 1/19/2005

Elektra
Violent comic book movie with lingerie costumes.
Release Date: 1/14/2005

Flight of the Phoenix
Exciting (but intense) adventure for older kids.
Release Date: 12/17/2004

Ocean's Twelve
A top-rate cast makes up for the thin plot.
Release Date: 12/10/2004

Blade: Trinity
For series fans only. Definitely NOT for kids!
Release Date: 12/8/2004

House of Flying Daggers
Gorgeous, but also very violent.
Release Date: 12/3/2004

National Treasure
Big, dumb, stunts-and-explosions movie.
Release Date: 11/19/2004

After the Sunset
Unappealing characters and a dumb story. Skip it.
Release Date: 11/12/2004

Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence
Visually dazzling, but no better than the first.
Release Date: 9/17/2004

Paparazzi
Pointless and violent.
Release Date: 9/3/2004

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear
Brainy Indiana Jones wannabe is a so-so adventure.
Release Date: 8/30/2004

Hero
Gorgeous martial arts movie for older kids.
Release Date: 8/27/2004

Thunderbirds
Fans of the Spy Kids series will enjoy it.
Release Date: 7/30/2004

The Blind Swordsman: Zatoichi
This non-traditional samurai movie isn't for kids.
Release Date: 7/23/2004

Catwoman
This movie is kitty litter.
Release Date: 7/23/2004

The Bourne Supremacy
A smooth but violent thriller.
Release Date: 7/23/2004

King Arthur
Entertaining, but ultimately forgettable.
Release Date: 7/7/2004

Spider-Man 2
A popcorn pleasure with heart, soul, and insight.
Release Date: 06/04/2004

The Day After Tomorrow
Some cool special effects...that's about it.
Release Date: 5/28/2004

Man on Fire
The story is a mess -- save your money.
Release Date: 4/22/2004

The Punisher
Bad big screen adaptation of comic book.
Release Date: 4/15/2004

Kill Bill: Vol. 2
Sequel just as over-the-top explicitly violent.
Release Date: 04/15/2004

Walking Tall
OK as a WWE grudge match, but not as a movie.
Release Date: 4/2/2004

Never Die Alone
Violent movie starring rapper DMX is not for kids.
Release Date: 3/25/2004

Torque
Silly and violent, mostly comprised of stunts.
Release Date: 01/16/2004

Paycheck
This movie just sags, even in the action scenes.
Release Date: 12/25/2003

The Last Samurai
Outstanding action and performance; lots of blood.
Release Date: 12/4/2003

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
Balanced action and a strong story of friendship.
Release Date: 11/14/2003

Kill Bill: Vol. 1
Visually striking, but also very violent.
Release Date: 10/09/2003

Out of Time
Best for older teens and their parents.
Release Date: 10/2/2003

The Rundown
Mildly entertaining action movie with The Rock.
Release Date: 09/26/2003

Once Upon a Time in Mexico
Like an R-rated, violent Roadrunner cartoon.
Release Date: 09/04/2003

The Medallion
Die-hard Jackie Chan fans may be disappointed.
Release Date: 8/22/2003

S.W.A.T.
By-the-numbers explosion flick -- no surprises.
Release Date: 08/08/2003

Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life
Better than the first, but not by much.
Release Date: 7/25/2003

Gigli
Misbegotten mess of a not family-friendly movie.
Release Date: 7/24/2003

Bad Boys II
Generic, loud and violent action; not for kids.
Release Date: 07/17/2003

The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
Enough deaths here for a more restrictive rating.
Release Date: 07/11/2003

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
Rip-roaring fun for kids who don't mind skeletons.
Release Date: 7/9/2003

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
Basically one long, exciting chase scene.
Release Date: 07/02/2003

Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle
Mini skirt girl power continues.
Release Date: 06/27/2003

The Hulk
The Hulk lacks personality; not a great movie.
Release Date: 06/20/2003

Hollywood Homicide
Despite a talented cast, this movie doesn't work.
Release Date: 6/13/2003

2 Fast 2 Furious
Death by sequel. Extremely violent sequel.
Release Date: 06/06/2003

The Italian Job
Exciting heist film for teens and their families.
Release Date: 5/30/2003

X2: X-Men United
Bigger and badder than #1, but still a blast.
Release Date: 05/02/2003

Confidence
Con man meets the mob. Violent, grown-up tale.
Release Date: 04/25/2003

Bulletproof Monk
Violent but cool martial arts movie.
Release Date: 4/21/2003

A Man Apart
Pretentious, incompetent, dumb explosion movie.
Release Date: 4/4/2003

The Core
This is a big, dumb, explosion movie.
Release Date: 03/28/2003

Basic
Basically bad and sorry attempt at a thriller.
Release Date: 3/28/2003

The Hunted
An awful and graphically violent movie.
Release Date: 3/14/2003

Tears of the Sun
Shamelessly one-sided with cheesy wooden dialogue.
Release Date: 03/07/2003

Cradle 2 the Grave
A mess. Don't try to make it make sense.
Release Date: 2/28/2003

Daredevil
Superhero is darker, more violent than Spiderman.
Release Date: 02/14/2003

Biker Boyz
Think MTV does biker movie with great cast.
Release Date: 01/31/2003

The Recruit
Above-average thriller, but not very memorable.
Release Date: 1/31/2003

NARC
Intense cop movie for adults.
Release Date: 12/27/2002

Star Trek: Nemesis
A few good action sequences and some solid acting.
Release Date: 12/13/2002

Extreme Ops
Good extreme snowboarding, poor everything else.
Release Date: 11/27/2002

Die Another Day
Bond flick pushes the PG-13 limits.
Release Date: 11/21/2002

I Spy
TV classic remade as a forgettable buddy movie.
Release Date: 11/1/2002

Formula 51
Missing: plot, dialogue, characters.
Release Date: 10/18/2002

The Transporter
Pure popcorn pleasure for older teens and up.
Release Date: 10/11/2002

Vertical Limit
Mediocre disaster flick.
Release Date: 10/03/2002

Ballistic: Ecks vs. Server
This explosion movie is a complete bomb.
Release Date: 9/20/2002

The Four Feathers
A decent film with some intense battle violence.
Release Date: 9/20/2002

XXX
Vin Diesel, every teen's fantasy action hero.
Release Date: 9/9/2002

City by the Sea
Ambitious, improbable and very violent cop drama.
Release Date: 9/6/2002

Blood Work
Disappointing, predictable, and graphic.
Release Date: 8/9/2002

Men in Black II
Not as good as the original.
Release Date: 7/3/2002

Bad Company
Nuclear-bomb-in-NYC plot leaves sour aftertaste.
Release Date: 6/7/2002

The Tailor of Panama
Not a great movie -- for adults only.
Release Date: 06/03/2002

The Art of War
Espionage kill-fest isn't for teens.
Release Date: 6/3/2002

The Sum Of All Fears
Generic action film not good for kids, or anyone.
Release Date: 5/31/2002

Spider-Man
A fun movie; may be too intense for younger kids.
Release Date: 5/3/2002

The Scorpion King
On the silly popcorn scale, it works pretty well.
Release Date: 4/19/2002

Clockstoppers
Fun action comedy with nifty special effects.
Release Date: 3/29/2002

Showtime
A funny movie for adults and older teens.
Release Date: 3/15/2002

Collateral Damage
Schwarzenegger in very violent vigilante film.
Release Date: 2/2/2002

Ocean's Eleven
Fun heist movie for older kids and their families.
Release Date: 12/7/2001

Behind Enemy Lines
Action movie with intense peril and devastation.
Release Date: 11/30/2001

Heist
Captivating David Mamet movie for grownups.
Release Date: 11/9/2001

Bandits
Adults will get this movie, but kids won't.
Release Date: 10/12/2001

Jurassic Park III
It's not art, but it's good scary fun.
Release Date: 7/17/2001

Kiss of the Dragon
Jet Li film is not for kids.
Release Date: 7/6/2001

Tomb Raider
Some great action sequences, but not much else.
Release Date: 6/15/2001

Swordfish
Cool explosions are the best thing here.
Release Date: 6/8/2001

Evolution
Uneven, unfocused with some inspired silliness.
Release Date: 6/8/2001

A Knight's Tale
Slightly edgy medieval tale with rock music.
Release Date: 5/11/2001

The Mummy Returns
Very violent, mostly in comic-book terms.
Release Date: 5/4/2001

The 6th Day
A decent movie for teens, if they can endure it.
Release Date: 3/27/2001

Exit Wounds
Very violent honest-cop corruption story.
Release Date: 3/16/2001

Titan A.E.
A so-so animated feature aimed at an older crowd.
Release Date: 03/06/2001

Rush Hour 2
Less compelling than the first, but fun for fans.
Release Date: 03/03/2001

The Mexican
An interesting mess for older teens and up.
Release Date: 3/2/2001

3000 Miles to Graceland
Extremely violent Elvis-based robbery for 17+ only.
Release Date: 02/23/2001

Left Behind
Mix of apocalyptic book series and the Bible.
Release Date: 2/2/2001

Brotherhood of the Wolf
Werewolf thriller set during French revolution.
Release Date: 1/1/2001

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Amazing, magical martial arts fairy tale.
Release Date: 12/22/2000

Charlie's Angels
Edgy girl power fun. You go, girls!
Release Date: 11/3/2000

The Legend of the Drunken Master
One of Jackie Chan's best, but not for everyone.
Release Date: 10/20/2000

The Lost World: Jurassic Park
Nastier beasts. Nastier people.
Release Date: 10/10/2000

The Way of the Gun
Exceptionally violent movie -- not for kids.
Release Date: 9/8/2000

Arabian Nights
A fresh, but long, take on the classic stories.
Release Date: 7/18/2000

X-Men
Grab some popcorn and enjoy.
Release Date: 7/14/2000

The Perfect Storm
Scary and sad are the main concerns here.
Release Date: 6/30/2000

The Patriot
Many graphic battle scenes, not for all teens.
Release Date: 6/28/2000

Shaft
A guilty pleasure for adults and older teens.
Release Date: 6/16/2000

Gone in 60 Seconds
Check your brain at the door, enjoy with popcorn.
Release Date: 6/9/2000

Mission: Impossible 2
Good thrill ride of a movie for teens and older.
Release Date: 5/24/2000

U-571
A very tense and exciting war movie.
Release Date: 4/21/2000

Where the Money Is
Decent movie that pushes the PG-13 envelope.
Release Date: 4/14/2000

The Price of Glory
Dances a fine line between PG-13 and R.
Release Date: 3/24/2000

Romeo Must Die
This hip-hop Romeo and Juliet is awful.
Release Date: 3/24/2000

End of Days
Tired dud of an over-the top violent action movie.
Release Date: 12/9/1999

The Green Mile
Thoughtful, intelligent movie for older teens.
Release Date: 12/9/1999

Three Kings
Violent, liberal George Clooney Gulf War caper.
Release Date: 10/01/1999

Chill Factor
Generic, unoriginal and pretty stupid.
Release Date: 9/18/1999

Run Lola Run
Teenagers with a taste for the offbeat may enjoy.
Release Date: 7/29/1999

Wild Wild West
We never thought we'd miss Robert Conrad...
Release Date: 6/30/1999

The Mummy
A cut above most action films. Not for children.
Release Date: 5/7/1999

Entrapment
Heist film with reliable plot. Teens OK.
Release Date: 5/1/1999

Go
Graphic sex and drug use -- a go for adults only.
Release Date: 04/07/1999

Rush Hour
Funny moments amidst explosions and bad guys.
Release Date: 1/31/1999

Man in the Iron Mask
Slow-moving swashbuckler.
Release Date: 8/1/1998

Out of Sight
Clooney and Lopez sizzle in gun-happy heist flick.
Release Date: 07/18/1998

The Mask of Zorro
Competently made action-adventure epic.
Release Date: 07/17/1998

Lethal Weapon 4
Hong Kong action plus buddy cop formula.
Release Date: 07/10/1998

Godzilla
Updated classic is Jurassic Park with one monster.
Release Date: 6/10/1998

Tekken: The Motion Picture
Colorful, imaginative visuals bolster a weak story.
Release Date: 1/1/1998

Tomorrow Never Dies
Bond, James Bond. For mature eyes only.
Release Date: 12/19/1997

Air Force One
Ford makes farfetched action-hero-prez electable.
Release Date: 07/25/1997

Face/Off
Overwrought, sci-fi crime thriller. Not for kids.
Release Date: 6/27/1997

Batman & Robin
Same bat-time, same bat-movie.
Release Date: 06/12/1997

Con Air
A schmaltzy action-adventure at 8,000 feet.
Release Date: 6/6/1997

Mission: Impossible
Sensational, implausible, irresistible to teens.
Release Date: 11/12/1996

The Rock
An explosive, violent, mile-a-minute actioner.
Release Date: 01/01/1996

Cutthroat Island
Geena Davis brings girl power to the pirate ship.
Release Date: 12/22/1995

Hackers
Jolie's high-tech thriller falls flat.
Release Date: 09/15/1995

Batman Forever
A flashy movie that's more like a video game.
Release Date: 06/13/1995

Die Hard: With a Vengeance
John McClane takes NYC in this thrilling sequel.
Release Date: 05/18/1995

Crimson Tide
War Games in the water; older teens and up.
Release Date: 5/12/1995

Street Fighter
Campy video game-derived action-fest.
Release Date: 12/23/1994

The Next Karate Kid
Violent sequel doesn't benefit from gender change.
Release Date: 8/12/1994

Speed
Explosive bus ride for mature action lovers.
Release Date: 6/10/1994

The Three Musketeers
Frothy '90s Disney remake offers light amusement.
Release Date: 11/12/1993

The Fugitive
Heart-pounding thriller with great acting.
Release Date: 8/6/1993

Last Action Hero
Arnold spoofs action movies, adds more violence.
Release Date: 06/18/1993

The Last of the Mohicans
Violent historical drama. Not for young kids.
Release Date: 9/25/1992

Batman Returns
A darkly violent take on the comic-book hero.
Release Date: 06/16/1992

Far and Away
Intense, treacly Cruise-Kidman immigrant epic.
Release Date: 05/22/1992

Lethal Weapon 3
Violent action sequel on par with rest of series.
Release Date: 05/15/1992

Backdraft
Ron Howard popcorn-muncher is sappy, not smokin'.
Release Date: 10/03/1991

Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Tons of action, violence, and special effects.
Release Date: 07/01/1991

The Rocketeer
More Deco-era style than substance -- but fun.
Release Date: 06/21/1991

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves
Solid effort weighed down by bloodshed.
Release Date: 06/14/1991

Shipwrecked
An exciting adventure, and a lot of fun to watch.
Release Date: 3/1/1991

Dances with Wolves
A grand, sweeping journey of the heart.
Release Date: 11/17/1990

Arachnophobia
Creepy/clever creature feature with touches of humor.
Release Date: 7/18/1990

Die Hard 2: Die Harder
John McClane spreads vigilante Christmas cheer.
Release Date: 07/02/1990

Dick Tracy
Artful, colorful, light comics adaptation.
Release Date: 06/15/1990

Lethal Weapon 2
Sequel adds Joe Pesci to the buddy cop formula.
Release Date: 07/07/1989

Batman (1989)
Stylish, violent, and often dull Batman adventure.
Release Date: 6/23/1989

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Thrilling third Indy actioner hunts for the grail.
Release Date: 5/24/1989

Die Hard
Original Bruce Willis violent actioner.
Release Date: 07/15/1988

RoboCop
Cyborg actioner is more graphic than Terminator.
Release Date: 07/17/1987

Lethal Weapon
Mismatched cops spar in violent '80s action hit.
Release Date: 3/6/1987

Top Gun
Tom Cruise classic still revs engines.
Release Date: 10/24/1986

Space Camp
Teen dramedy about space shuttle never lifts off.
Release Date: 06/06/1986

The Jewel of the Nile
Reunited and it feels so bad.
Release Date: 12/11/1985

The Journey of Natty Gann
Compelling adventure too violent for some kids.
Release Date: 09/27/1985

American Ninja
Predictable martial arts movie not for kids.
Release Date: 8/30/1985

Rambo: First Blood Part II
Sly shoots up Vietnam in glorified '80s actioner.
Release Date: 05/22/1985

The Goonies
A classic '80s action-fantasy -- tweens will love!
Release Date: 4/6/1985

Romancing the Stone
Action, romance, sharp dialog; best for teens.
Release Date: 3/30/1984

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
More gore than the other Indy blockbusters.
Release Date: 1/1/1984

Never Say Never Again
Boobs, bombs, and Bond galore in epic 007 thriller.
Release Date: 10/7/1983

Superman III
Outdated superhero movie may interest older kids.
Release Date: 6/17/1983

First Blood
First and most popular Rambo; and yes, bloody.
Release Date: 10/22/1982

For Your Eyes Only
Sea and ski with 1981's Bond in an average outing.
Release Date: 06/24/1981

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark
A thrill ride and a half.
Release Date: 1/1/1981

Superman II
A witty, action-packed superadventure.
Release Date: 1/1/1981

Clash of the Titans
1981 Animated myth of the ancient Greek gods.
Release Date: 1/1/1981

Mad Max
Post-apocalyptic nightmare. NOT for children.
Release Date: 5/9/1979

Superman: The Movie
Super-nostalgic adventure still soars.
Release Date: 12/15/1978

Return from Witch Mountain
Creepy classic about mind control still provides thrills.
Release Date: 3/10/1978

The Spy Who Loved Me
1977's 007 still gettin' lucky in underwater lair.
Release Date: 7/7/1977

Candleshoe
Old-school Disney treasure hunt is fun but dated.
Release Date: 6/1/1977

Enter the Dragon
Legendary Bruce Lee actioner has some raw elements.
Release Date: 8/19/1973

The Poseidon Adventure
Titanic without the smarm.
Release Date: 12/13/1972

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Errol Flynn stars in swashbuckling family delight.
Release Date: 05/01/1938

King Solomon's Mines
Dated classic has colonial racial views.
Release Date: 1/1/1950

Treasure Island (1934)
Spry 1934 pirate yarn with a treasured cast.
Release Date: 08/14/1934

Kim
A street kid lives by wits in colonial India.
Release Date: 1/1/1951

The Crimson Pirate
Carnival-like 1950s pirate yarn is fun for all.
Release Date: 9/27/1952

True Lies
Exciting mix of thrills, comedy; older teens and up.
Release Date:

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
A classic action-adventure for older kids.
Release Date: 1/1/1954

Superman Batman: Public Enemies
Framed superheroes fight back -- and fight some more.
Release Date:

Donkey X
Those unfamiliar with Don Quixote might get lost.
Release Date:

Green Lantern: First Flight
Dark animated superhero yarn will entertain older viewers.
Release Date:

Armageddon
Rollercoaster thriller with deaths; not for all kids.
Release Date: 12/31/1969

For a Few Dollars More
More violence and Clint-itude in Italian Western.
Release Date: 12/16/1965

Thunderball
Even James Bond can miss his mark.
Release Date: 12/29/1965

Batman (1966)
1960s flick won't appeal to today's kids.
Release Date: 1/1/1966

On Her Majesty's Secret Service
007 in ski country -- and marriage territory?
Release Date: 12/18/1969

Goldfinger
Thrilling action comedy may be the best Bond.
Release Date: 01/01/1964

Jason and the Argonauts
A stop-motion animation masterwork.
Release Date: 6/19/1963

The Magnificent Seven
Classic shoot-'em-up not for young viewers.
Release Date: 01/01/1960

Dr. No
007's silver screen debut. Not for young kids.
Release Date: 01/01/1963

From Russia With Love
Creative Cold War thriller; best for 14+.
Release Date: 01/01/1963

Long John Silver
Ahoy matey! Classic character, so-so sequel.
Release Date: 12/16/1954