What to watch with your kids: A Real Bugs Life, Ted and more
The Wizard of Oz (G)
Back in theaters this weekend to celebrate the film’s 85th anniversary
Age 6+
One of the best family films ever made; has scary moments.
“The Wizard of Oz” is a 1939 fantasy based on the L. Frank Baum book and stars Judy Garland as Dorothy. It has several scenes of peril, almost all of which involve the green-skinned Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) and her band of creepy flying monkeys. Most parents who’ve seen the movie before know that the plot includes a disastrous tornado and an enchanted forest full of red-eyed creatures and talking trees. By today’s rating standards, this Hollywood classic is downright tame, but between the twister, the peril, and the witch’s general menacing, murderous intentions, some younger or more sensitive kids could be frightened. (112 minutes)
A Real Bug’s Life (TV-PG)
Age 6+
Funny nature docuseries has a little insect peril.
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“A Real Bug’s Life” is a nature documentary narrated by Awkwafina. While it’s not overly gross, it does have some bug hunting and eating scenes. A fair amount of bug peril is played up through the narration, ominous music and dramatic tension. Brief bug innuendo includes mentions of “breeding,” but nothing is shown on-screen. Otherwise, it’s a fun, educational look at the lives of some of Earth’s tiniest creatures. (Five episodes)
Available on Disney Plus.
American Girl: Corinne Tan (TV-G)
Age 6+
Upbeat doll-inspired tale of girls growing up; some peril.
“American Girl: Corinne Tan,” based on the popular American Girl dolls, is a story about kids needing both family love and a sense of individual purpose. There are some potentially scary moments when little sister Gwynn (Kai Cech) gets lost in the snow at night and a search party is sent out to find her. Characters discuss dogs searching for people and items in avalanches. Main character Corinne (Miya Cech), unlike her sister, hasn’t quite come to terms with her parents’ divorce and new blended family, and she feels she hasn’t found her “true calling.” The film suggests that young girls and teens are capable of a lot and learn responsibility when given opportunities and support from loving, thoughtful parents and other adults. The girls, who are Chinese American, find inspiration in Asian American celebrities and professional athletes, and aspects of their background are part of their everyday life. (61 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
Ted (TV-MA)
Age 15+
TV prequel has swearing, drinking, innuendo and family.
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“Ted,” a TV comedy series about a living teddy bear, serves as a prequel to the popular movie of the same name — and it has much of the same irreverent humor, albeit dialed down a little. Characters swear, drink, and sell and smoke marijuana. There’s also lots of strong innuendo, plus high school crushes and crude references to sex acts. People use bigoted language, family members argue, and there’s bullying among kids and adults. All of that said, though, family, friendship and loyalty are key themes. Seth MacFarlane reprises the character of Ted. (Seven episodes, ranging from 33 to 50 minutes)
Available on Peacock.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. Go to commonsense.org for age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites and books.
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