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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
Best: Really engaging, excellent learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.
Our child development rating guidelines

All reviews for arts and dance & book characters, popular with kids

187 results
  • Review
    Beautiful Creatures

    Lush book adaptation mixes romance, fantasy, some violence.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Jack Reacher

    Serviceable but forgettable Cruise thriller is very violent.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Silver Linings Playbook

    Offbeat dramedy mixes light and dark; some intense moments.
    AGE
    16
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Les Miserables

    Excellent film adaptation of gritty, heartbreaking musical.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

    Tolkien tale isn't as great as LOTR, but better for tweens.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Rise of the Guardians

    Holiday icons defend childhood in gorgeous adventure.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Life of Pi

    Beautiful, emotional, intense story of faith and friendship.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Oz the Great and Powerful

    Colorful prequel is scarier, less magical than the original.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning
    Select
    (Movie, 2013)
  • Review
    The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Part 2

    Final Twilight focuses on Edward and Bella's legacy.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Jack the Giant Slayer

    Fantasy violence eased by humor in tween-friendly adventure.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning
    Select
    (Movie, 2013)
  • Review
    The Perks of Being a Wallflower

    Book-based drama for mature teens tackles tough subjects.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2013)
  • Review
    Warm Bodies

    Despite violence, book-based zombie romance is OK for teens.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (Movie, 2013)
  • Review
    Total Recall (2012)

    Remake is better looking, less violent, less thoughtful.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days

    More Wimpy Kid fun mixed with worthy messages, potty humor.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    The Hunger Games

    Intense adaptation is violent, thought-provoking for teens.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    The Lorax

    Dr. Seuss classic is cute, but watch for product tie-ins.
    AGE
    5
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

    Master sleuth returns in entertaining but violent adventure.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    The Woman in Black

    Macabre ghost story is slow but creepy enough for teens.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    The Secret World of Arrietty

    Deeply felt anime about loneliness and friendship.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    War Horse

    Spielberg's sweeping horse drama is beautiful but intense.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

    Drama about child's 9/11 loss stirs up sadness.
    AGE
    14
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond

    Dark, haunting alt-rock/country soundtrack; best for teens.
    AGE
    13
     
    Learning
    Select
    By Various Artists
    (Music, 2012)
  • Review
    The Adventures of Tintin

    Whirlwind animated adventure is a visual treat for tweens.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    Hugo

    Spectacular book adaptation is great for tweens and up.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning
    Select
    (DVD, 2012)
  • Review
    Dance Academy

    This fun Australian teen drama paints a more realistic picture of teen life than many other shows targeted at this age group.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning
    Select
    (TV, 2012)