Lisa Frankenstein (PG-13)
Age 15+
Iffy messages in zany but very violent monster rom-com.
“Lisa Frankenstein” is a campy, 1980s-set teen romantic horror comedy written by Diablo Cody, loosely based on Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.” Here, body parts aren’t acquired by digging up the recently deceased — instead, the reanimated monster (Cole Sprouse) murders people who mistreat main character Lisa (Kathryn Newton) and appropriates their appendages for his own use. Violence is over the top and largely played for laughs, but it’s shocking and quite bloody. Flashbacks show a teen girl witnessing her mother’s murder during a home invasion. Death by suicide is also presented as an (impermanent) solution to certain problems and circumstances. As part of the film’s satire of/homage to ’80s teen comedies, Lisa is focused on losing her virginity to the right guy. There’s much more talk than action, but sexual content includes implied masturbation, a giant vibrator, and couples shown in bed together before and after sex. A character is touched/made to touch someone else without consent. Lisa accidentally ingests PCP at a party, and nothing good comes of it. Language is consistent with ’80s teen talk and includes “s---,” “b----,” “bonertown,” “psycho whore” and more. Also has vomiting. (101 minutes)
Popular Theory (PG)
Age 8+
Science + friendship = formula for fun; insults, bullying.
“Popular Theory” is a family-friendly comedy about two kids who unlock the chemistry behind popularity. Bridging the gap between STEM topics and interpersonal relationships, it promotes science and friendship and uses humor to drive home the importance of the social sciences for kids of all ages. Main characters/young scientific geniuses Erwin (Sophia Reid-Gantzert) and Winston (Lincoln Lambert) rattle off theorems, famous physicists’ names and molecular references — some of which may leave kids asking about pheromones and how they relate to attraction. The story applies it mainly to popularity, but in one scene, romantic appeal is implied: A 16-year-old girl is chased by a mob of attracted teens and adults, including a woman who licks her lips at the girl (this is played for laughs). There’s also a memorable kiss, a couple of mildly suggestive gestures and comments, and some bullying, but overall, iffy content is minimal. Language is limited to insults like “dork” and “nerd.” The effects of the movie’s popularity-inducing gum could be seen as having parallels to recreational drug use — parents can take the opportunity to start a conversation about the risks of using a substance that artificially creates a temporary surge of feeling good. (88 minutes)
Masters of the Universe: Revolution (TV-PG)
Age 10+
Action-packed fantasy series continues; lots of fighting.
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“Masters of the Universe: Revolution” is Part 2 of Netflix’s continuation of the famous animated fantasy series that originally found fame in the 1980s. This show picks up where “Masters of the Universe: Revelation” left off, with He-Man (voiced by Chris Wood), Teela (Melissa Benoist) and more still waging battle to protect Eternia from dark forces and evil villains. There’s lots of action violence and dynamic fighting, including battles between human, magical and animal creatures. Fights also include hand-to-hand combat, weaponry and sorcery. Language is mostly name-calling and rude comments like “shut up.” Messages center on teamwork and the importance of using your power to defeat evil. (Five episodes, about 26 minutes each.)
Share this articleShareAvailable on Netflix.
Lyla in the Loop (TV-Y)
Age 5+
Funny, inventive animated show spotlights creative thinking.
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“Lyla in the Loop” is a funny, inventive animated series about Lyla (voiced by Liyou Abere), a 7-year-old Black girl who lives with her parents, older twin sisters and younger brother in a diverse community. She’s the middle child of her close-knit family and loves finding solutions to problems. The show’s curriculum emphasizes STEM skills, creative problem-solving and critical thinking. The show’s upbeat and quirky nature, paired with its introduction to basic coding and multistep problem-solving skills (and very little iffy content), makes it an enjoyable watch for children from pre-K to early elementary. (Four episodes, 25 minutes each.)
Available on PBS Kids.
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