In theaters.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage (PG-13)
Age 14+
Noisy violence and forced comedy in poor super-sequel.
“Venom: Let There Be Carnage” is the sequel to 2018’s “Venom,” with Tom Hardy returning as Eddie, the reporter who’s also host to a scary, fanged alien symbiote known as Venom (the character was originally an enemy of Spider-Man). Like the first movie, this one suffers from forced humor, shouting and lots of noisy smashing. Violence includes mass destruction, many minor characters being killed in bloodless ways, fighting, smashing, pounding, brutal attacks, eye-gouging, strangling, biting, bullying and some guns and shooting. An animated flashback shows the worst violence, in cartoon form: murders, abuse and bullying. Two characters kiss briefly but passionately, a woman’s naked bottom is seen in the cartoon sequence, and a woman with an ulterior motive flirts with Venom and calls him sexy. Fairly strong language includes a use of “f---,” plus “s---,” “son of a b----,” “a--hole,” “p---y” and more. (90 minutes)
In theaters.
Lucas the Spider (TV-Y)
Streaming
Age 3+
Adorable spider and friends teach positive lessons.
“Lucas the Spider” is an animated TV series based on the popular YouTube channel of the same name. It features the painfully adorable Lucas (voiced by Simon Webster) and his friends as they navigate problems that will be relatable to any preschooler. The characters are kind and model positive social-emotional skills. There are brief moments of mild sadness, fear and adventure, but there’s no iffy content in this charming series. (Seven-minute episodes)
Available on Cartoon Network.
Star Wars: Visions (TV-PG)
Streaming
Age 10+
Anime anthology is stylish and fun for fans; some violence.
“Star Wars: Visions” is an anime anthology series that takes place in the Star Wars universe. The initial run features nine 15- to 20-minute episodes produced by six Japanese animation studios. The stories use plenty of imagery and ideas familiar to Star Wars fans (alien species, locations, lightsabers and some brief cameos by well-known characters) but take place outside of the Star Wars canon. Like other Star
Wars-related series, there’s no notable profanity or sexual content, but violence is shown throughout in the form of laser gunfights, sword fights and other large and small battles. (Nine 15- to 20-minute episodes)
Available on Disney Plus.
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