‘HERE COMES THE BOOM’
Rating: PG, for bouts of MMA sports violence, some rude humor and language.
What it’s about: A burnt-out teacher takes up mixed martial arts fighting to earn the money to save his school’s music program.
The kid attractor factor: Cuddly Kevin James, wacky teachers, quirky students
Good lessons/ bad lessons: “Without music, life would be a mistake." And perseverance in the face of hopeless odds builds character.
Violence: Lots and lots, but the consequences of it are shown.
Language: Quite tame.
Sex: Well, Salma Hayek is in it, so there’s that.
Drugs: None.
Parents’ advisory: An awfully violent variation on the “Mr. Holland’s Opus" formula — but OK for 10 and older.
‘PITCH PERFECT’
Rating: PG-13 for sexual material, language and drug references.
What it’s about: A motley crew of college girls takes their a cappella chorus into national competition with other college choruses.
The kid attractor factor: It’s like “Glee," only funnier and less sexual.
Good lessons/ bad lessons: No coed is an island. Music’s better when you’re creating harmony.
Violence: None.
Language: A smattering of mild profanity and innuendo.
Sex: Hinted at, flirted with, discussed.
Drugs: Drug jokes.
Parents’ advisory: Pretty tame, for a rude-and-funny college comedy. Suitable for 10 and older.