Return of the Thundermans (TV-G)
A mildly amusing, action-packed film with cartoonish violence.
“The Return of the Thundermans” is a TV movie that continues the adventures of the sitcom superhero family whose original series ended in 2018. Twins Phoebe (Kira Kosarin) and Max (Jack Griffo) and the rest of the family were banished to Hiddenville after a stint in Metroburg fighting crime. They must work hard to try to reclaim their throne as the region’s heroes. Expect mild, cartoonish violence; characters are often in danger, whether they’re battling a meteor shower or trapped in Dark Mayhem’s (Matt Mullins) torture chamber. Language includes “butt,” “fools,” “idiots,” and “lame.” One character is called “President Kickbutt”. (70 minutes)
Available on Paramount Plus.
The coming-of-age tale remains hopeful despite heavy themes.
“Little Wing” is a bittersweet coming-of-age tale based on a New Yorker story by Susan Orlean (“Adaptation”) that deals with heavy topics including divorce, depression, suicidal thoughts and the death. Yet the tone of the film is ultimately hopeful, with important messages about valuing life and friendship and respecting children’s feelings. The central character, 13-year-old Kaitlyn McKay (Brooklynn Prince), admits that she has considered suicide, pushes away those close to her, and acts out. She puts others and herself in danger, and her best friend breaks his wrist. Her brother risks his life to help her. A man (Brian Cox) talks about losing friends to suicide during the Vietnam War, and a treasured friend is dying of lung cancer. Two college students discuss French kissing and share a kiss. Language is limited to mild insults like “put it up your butt”, “grow a pair”, “moron”, “punk” and “idiot”. A mother asks her daughter if her brother takes drugs. (110 minutes)
Available on Paramount Plus.
The Afrofuturist adventure includes some scares and violence.
Iwájú (which roughly translates to “the future”) is an animated miniseries set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. A major plot point involves a criminal ring that kidnaps children and holds them for ransom. The main character Tola (Simisola Gbadamosi) is kidnapped, but it ends well. Several scenes have disturbing overtones and there are fights. The characters show slight fear when in peril, but no scene seems particularly tense. Tola comes from extreme wealth and much of the plot is a commentary on the inequity in Lagos. (Six episodes.)
Available on Disney Plus.
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