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Age: 4+ Why Buy? These 12 short films are sure to mesmerize and charm both kids and adults. Familiar faces from "Cars" and "Toy Story" make appearances, plus there are some truly lovely new characters, like the sweet boy in "La Luna," who learns how to clean the moon. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Pixar Short Films Volume 2" is a collection of 12 short animated movies made by the world's leading animators at Pixar. A few of the shorts will seem familiar to those who've seen Disney/Pixar films on the big screen, because they preceded full-length theatrical features. There is some mild cartoonish violence in a few of the shorts, but it's of the slapstick variety that is more humorous than upsetting (like when a rock nearly flattens the dogs in "Dug's Special Mission"). Although they're short, many of the films encourage the importance of unconditional friendship and loyalty. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Disney/Pixar) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
Great Holiday DV...No matter how much planning you do ahead of time, shopping for holiday gifts can feel overwhelming. Let Common Sense Media help! Our guide is packed with holiday gift ideas hand-selected to inspire, educate, and entertain kids of all ages and stages. Whether your list includes young children, tweens, or teens, now it’s easy to find presents that kids and parents will both feel good about. All of our picks are arranged by age. Our expert editors are completely independent, so their selections are based solely on kids' best interests. Giving without guessing makes for happier, and more fun, holidays for everybody. —Common Sense Media(Photo: iStock) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'How the Grinch ...Age: 4+ Why Buy? Three feature-length movies make a great gift for Dr. Seuss fans of all ages. From the seasonal "Grinch" to the environmentally friendly "Lorax," kids will enjoy the timeless stories and super-silly language and images that Seuss is famous for. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this classic children's tale -- read line-by-line by Boris Karloff -- contains moments of extremely mild peril. The Grinch's dog is abused -- slammed into snow drifts and run over by the sleigh. And very young or sensitive children may become slightly distraught at the Grinch stealing all the Whos' Christmas presents. But there's far more to recommend in this TV special than there is to worry about. It's a classic that should be required holiday viewing for every family that celebrates Christmas. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Warner Home Video) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Pixar Short Fil...Age: 4+ Why Buy? These 12 short films are sure to mesmerize and charm both kids and adults. Familiar faces from "Cars" and "Toy Story" make appearances, plus there are some truly lovely new characters, like the sweet boy in "La Luna," who learns how to clean the moon. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Pixar Short Films Volume 2" is a collection of 12 short animated movies made by the world's leading animators at Pixar. A few of the shorts will seem familiar to those who've seen Disney/Pixar films on the big screen, because they preceded full-length theatrical features. There is some mild cartoonish violence in a few of the shorts, but it's of the slapstick variety that is more humorous than upsetting (like when a rock nearly flattens the dogs in "Dug's Special Mission"). Although they're short, many of the films encourage the importance of unconditional friendship and loyalty. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Disney/Pixar) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Tinker Bell and...Age: 4+ Why Buy? In this sweet tale of sisterhood, Tinker Bell's adventure in the Winter Woods threatens Pixie Hollow but broadens her horizons and strengthens her family. Young fairy fans will delight in the music and animation. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Secret of the Wings" is the latest direct-to-DVD Tinker Bell movie and features a sweet story about sisterhood and teamwork. There's not much to worry parents -- even those with preschoolers -- but a few tense scenes might make little kids a bit sad at the thought of Tink or her sister Peri not being able to fly. In one sequence, it seems like a weather-related disaster will demolish Pixie Hollow. A fairy couple kisses and another fairy overtly flirts with a brawny male fairy. Overall, however, this is an upbeat tale about the power of family in fairydom. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Disney) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Cinderella'Age: 5+ Why Buy? This already gorgeous classic princess story has been buffed and polished to an HD sheen for this special Blu-ray edition. Parents will enjoy the nostalgic journey, and kids will delight in the simple story and Cinderella's adorable animal pals. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this Disney classic is one that families can enjoy together. Kids will likely already be familiar with Cinderella and her Disney Princess colleagues due to a massive marketing effort behind the ladies; their images appear on everything from backpacks to toothpaste. As for other issues of concern, little ones might be upset by the wicked stepsisters and stepmom, who can be very mean and even destructive. In today's world of blended families, it might also be worth discussing that not all stepparents and siblings are mean. And Cinderella is the quintessential passive heroine rescued by a male character (in this case, the Prince), so discussions about her meekness might be in order. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Disney) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Prep & Landing:...Age: 5+ Why Buy? Now out on DVD with equally charming predecessor "Prep & Landing," this clever holiday story will delight young elves with short attention spans, since (like the first one) it's only about 25 minutes long. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this comical special has a little something for viewers of all ages, from darling little elves and festive Christmas scenery for kids to a funny slant on holiday-induced family drama for grown-ups. You don't have to have seen the original "Prep & Landing" to enjoy this story, although it doesn't hurt to know the history behind Wayne and Lanny's partnership. There are a few scenes with weapons -- if you can call glitter-blasting ornament grenades and a gift-wrap gun "weapons." Sweet messages about weathering the storm with family are a big part of the story, so you'll walk away from watching with a warm fuzzy in your heart. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Disney) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'The Pirates! Ba...Age: 6+ Why Buy? Mateys of all ages will enjoy this offbeat high-seas tale from the studio behind "Wallace and Gromit." It's a delightful mix of swashbuckling pirate adventure, Charles Darwin biography, and fractured Victoriana history lesson. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "The Pirates! Band of Misfits" isn't your typical pirate adventure, but there's still action, mild high-seas peril, a little bit of colorful language ("hell," etc.), and some parent-targeted jokes about the two historical characters depicted in the movie: Queen Victoria and Charles Darwin. Although the pirates use guns and swords and have hand-to-hand fights, they don't face any real danger until the climactic battle with the queen; before that, their enemies are schoolchildren, lepers, and ghosts. That said, the queen is quite menacing, and Darwin is greedy in his attempts to steal from the pirates. But the pirates themselves, rather than being bloodthirsty and selfish, are more like a family that sticks together, loot or no loot. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Sony Pictures) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Singin' in the ...Age: 6+ Why Buy? This delightful Gene Kelly musical -- just out in a special 60th-anniversary Blu-ray edition -- is one of the all-time greats. Even young kids will enjoy the lighthearted humor, physical comedy, catchy songs, and sweet romance. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Singin' in the Rain" is widely considered to be the best Hollywood musical ever made, and while it's on and working its magic, that's hard to dispute. There's some flirting and kissing and brief incidents of smoking and drinking, and some characters argue. The characters are a bit on the rowdy and/or naughty side here and there, but they're good-hearted and good-natured at the core. This movie will make anyone's day, provided kids are about 6 or older. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Warner Home Video) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Brave'Age: 6+ Why Buy? Pixar's latest animated gem centers on a wild-haired, bow-and-arrow-wielding Scottish princess and her troubled but ultimately tender relationship with her mother. Watch out for the scary bears, but enjoy the humor and gorgeous animation. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Brave" is a new kind of "princess movie." The first Pixar movie to revolve around a female main character, "Brave" has a strong message about family relationships and open communication between parents and kids (particularly mothers and daughters). There are several intense/scary sequences involving a large angry bear that attacks the main characters -- which are even more so when seen in 3-D -- and (possible spoiler alert) a possibly disturbing but mostly comical transformation of a mother into a bear. A moment when the mom-turned-bear temporarily forgets she's human and growls at her daughter could upset younger kids. There's also a lot of brawling among the Scotsmen, who use both weapons (arrows, swords, etc.) and their bodies (fists, teeth) on each other. There's no romance for Princess Merida, but you can expect a few jokes about men being naked under their kilts; a couple of scenes even include quick glimpses of naked cartoon bums belonging to men and three young boys. Although there are no product placements in the movie, there's a ton of "Brave" merchandise available, particularly aimed at girls. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Pixar) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'E.T.: The Extra...Age: 7+ Why Buy? Parents who grew up loving Steven Spielberg's touching, sometimes intense family classic about family, friendship, and the meaning of home will be excited to share the new 30th-anniversary Blu-ray edition with the next generation. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that Steven Spielberg's classic has some scenes of mild peril that may be too intense for younger children. For example, E.T. looks like he has died in one scene. There is brief but strong language by today's standards for a PG movie. E.T. contains one of the most memorable product placements ever, Reese's Pieces, as well as a scene in which Elliott feels slightly drunk, because E.T. has indulged in a beer. Families should also be aware of the fact that the movie was criticized for having a complete absence of non-white characters. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Universal Pictures) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Harry Potter an...Age: 7+ Why Buy? J.K. Rowling's fantasy series has captured kids' imagination from the first scene of the first movie. Potterphiles will delight in the amazing eight-film Wizard Collection, even if someone has to raid Gringotts to pay for it... What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that this first movie in the Harry Potter series has some intense and scary moments. Harry Potter and friends -- who are only 11 years old here -- are in peril and get hurt, but not seriously, and most of the scares come from fantasy creatures. There's a flashback to the (bloodless) death of Harry's parents and discussion about how they died and the one who killed them. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Warner Bros.) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'A Cat in Paris'Age: 9+ Why Buy? This Oscar-nominated French film is grittier than most U.S. kiddie fare, with a story that mixes action, revenge, and more. But the lovely hand-drawn animation and sophisticated tone will appeal to tweens and teens who want something different. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "A Cat in Paris" is a French animated drama that was nominated for an Academy Award in 2012 and was subsequently dubbed in English. With its cops vs. robbers plot and several gripping action sequences -- not to mention a story that touches on grief, loneliness, moral ambiguity, betrayal, and revenge -- it's not ideal for preschoolers used to lighter cartoon fare. The violence includes gunfire, hallucinations, a man plunging to his death, and a woman who betrays a little girl's trust and then places her in harm's way. Some children will also be disturbed by the fact that Dino (the titular cat) routinely hunts and kills lizards. With a couple of exceptions, the characters are all flawed, and since the story is set in Paris, adults smoke and drink wine and Champagne. —Common Sense Media (Photo: New Video Group) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Indiana Jones a...Age: 11+ Why Buy? Action movies simply don't get better than the fedora-wearing, whip-wielding hero's first big-screen adventure. Joining the three other Indiana Jones movies in a beautiful Blu-ray edition, "Raiders" is the definition of popcorn fun. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Raiders of the Lost Ark" is a rip-roaring adventure with lots of hand-to-hand battles (fists, swords, whips) and plenty of guns. There's not too much blood and gore (though many young children are likely to be scared by a climactic face-melting scene, as well as one in which a thug's head meets the business end of a plane propeller), but it's still way up there in the body count department. Much of the thrill of this beloved movie is in the fright factor, so cadavers, snakes, spiders, and nasty villains (mostly Nazis and Nazi sympathizers) also abound. A couple of scenes feature drinking, including one in which the heroine knocks back a dangerous amount of alcohol to win a contest. And there's a bit of language. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Paramount) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'The Amazing Spi...Age: 12+ Why Buy? Rebooting the webslinger's story only a few years after Tobey Maguire's final Spidey film, this action-packed adventure brings energy and charm to Peter Parker's transformation into Spider-Man. Emma Stone and Andrew Garfield lead a great cast. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "The Amazing Spider-Man" sticks pretty closely to the standard superhero template. There's an average guy (Andrew Garfield) who mysteriously receives amazing powers and is suddenly thrust into the unfamiliar role of savior, some tame romance (kissing, flirting), mild swearing, and lots of comic book-style action -- cars getting thrown off bridges, villains throwing heroes through walls, and assorted other mayhem, some with weapons and a bit of blood. Popular actress Emma Stone co-stars as Spidey's love interest, and Martin Sheen adds gravitas in the tragic role of Peter Parker's kind Uncle Ben. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Sony) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'The Avengers'Age: 13+ Why Buy? Quick-witted and nuanced, "The Avengers" takes the best of the comic book genre -- iconic heroes flexing their recognizable muscles fighting for truth and justice -- and dishes it out in a fanboy-pleasing, edge-of-your seat way. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "The Avengers" is a highly anticipated superhero adventure in which many of Marvel's major superheroes -- including Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Captain America (Chris Evans), Thor (Chris Hemsworth), and Black Widow (Scarlett Johansson) -- come together to battle an otherworldly enemy in a war to the end. From the first scene on, there's virtually nonstop comic book mayhem, including advanced weapons, epic-scale battle scenes, and thousands of casualties. Some of the fights are deeply personal as relatives face off, and some people do die, including characters the audience will care about. The heroes sometimes discuss their motivations for fighting crime, and the discussions can be intense, though it also leads to a good deal of camaraderie and cooperation. Expect some swearing, plenty of snarky quips from Iron Man, an off-hand joke about adoption that could upset some families, and intense 3-D action. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Disney) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'The Hunger Game...Age: 13+ Why Buy? Jennifer Lawrence stars as the fierce and selfless young Katniss in the dystopian thriller based on Suzanne Collins' bestseller. This action-packed story delivers messages about the dangers of oppressive government and an obsession with reality TV. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that although the bestselling "Hunger Games" books are enormously popular with tweens, there's a clear distinction between reading about violence and seeing it portrayed on screen. Developmentally, the 10- to 12-year-olds who've read the book may find the movie's visceral, sometimes bloody teen-on-teen violence upsetting -- especially the brutal scene that opens the Games, in which several teens are slaughtered by their fellow contestants. Even young teens need to be mature enough to deal with the 20+ deaths in "The Hunger Games;" characters are viciously dispatched with various weapons -- including spears, arrows, and swords -- as well as by having their necks broken, their skulls cracked, and their bodies ravaged by carnivorous and poisonous creatures. Despite the violence (which is, overall, less graphic than the novel's descriptions but is still very intense), the movie explores thought-provoking themes about reality television, totalitarian government, and screen violence as entertainment. And Katniss, the main character, is a strong heroine who's resourceful, selfless, and a true survivor. Her mentor, Haymitch, is initially depicted as a cynical drunk, but he ultimately proves to be a valuable ally. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Lions Gate) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Beasts of the S...Age: 14+ Why Buy? This devastatingly moving story is so unique that it's hard to classify. Part edgy drama, part heart-wrenching fable, it's both a celebration of the power of the imagination and an indictment of the deep divide that separates the rich and the poor. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Beasts of the Southern Wild" is a heart-wrenching fable that's so unique that it's hard to classify. It's a drama about an alcoholic father who means well but has few tools to convey his love to his spitfire 6-year-old daughter. It's a celebration of quirky friendships and the power of the imagination. It's an indictment of the deep divide that separates the rich and the poor. And much more. Expect some swearing. There's also lots of drinking, brutal depictions of abject poverty, an adult striking a child, and discussion about the death of a parent. —Common Sense Media (Photo: 20th Century Fox) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'The Dark Knight...Age: 14+ Why Buy? Christian Bale's final outing as Batman is as gritty and dark as both "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight." It's also a gripping, timely superhero story with great acting (especially scene-stealing Anne Hathaway) and themes of justice and sacrifice. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "The Dark Knight Rises" is the final installment in director Christopher Nolan's dark, violent Batman trilogy. Like its predecessors, "The Dark Knight Rises" features ultra-violent scenes of torture and death that are too intense for younger kids used to the nearly comic, stylized action violence of other superhero films. A disturbingly high body count is achieved via massive explosions, kidnappings, neck breakings, shootings, and hand-to-hand combat. While there's not a lot of actual blood, there's tons of death and mass destruction. Bruce Wayne enjoys a few passionate kisses and one love scene that shows bare shoulders; swearing is very infrequent. The film's villain, Bane, is monstrously muscled and frighteningly sadistic, and his mask is very scary looking. Despite the violence, be prepared for kids to beg to see the much-hyped Caped Crusader's latest adventure. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Warner Bros.) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Moonrise Kingdo...Age: 14+ Why Buy? Wes Anderson fans will love the quirky filmmaker's latest dramedy -- a 1960s-set story about two misfit tweens who run away with each other -- which is simultaneously atmospheric, loopy, and charming. A great pick to watch with teens. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Moonrise Kingdom" -- a 1960s-set dramedy about two misfit tweens who run away with each other -- is, like most of director Wes Anderson's other films, atmospheric and loopy and moving: a mix that might confound younger audiences, even though the movie is about kids. Plus, the stories of their home lives are actually quite sad (one is an orphan; the other feels alone and misunderstood by her family). The young characters kiss each other, feel each other up, and are shown in their underwear. Swearing is pretty minimal, but there's some period-accurate smoking, and one 12-year-old character is served beer by an adult. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Universal Studios) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
'Something from ...Age: 16+ Why Buy? "Something from Nothing" is a celebration of hip-hop's past and present, as well as a vigorous defense of its credentials as a legitimate art form. Entertaining and enlightening, it's a must-see not just for hip-hop fans, but for music fans, period. What Parents Should Know: Parents need to know that "Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap" is both a comprehensive history lesson on hip-hop and an exploration of the creative processes of the genre's most influential artists. In scenes where the different rappers freestyle, there's frequent profanity. There's also a scene in which one of the rappers is shown rolling, lighting, and smoking a joint. But for older teens and parents who are fans of the genre -- as well as music fans, period -- this is an excellent documentary about hip-hop's roots, evolution, and creative spirit. —Common Sense Media (Photo: Indomina) The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast.
