Advice about films kids may want to see — whatever the rating — in theaters or opening soon

Olivia Wilde and Oscar Isaac star in “Life Itself,” a romantic drama about two families. (Jon Pack/Amazon Pictures )
By Katie Walsh Tribune News Service
‘LIFE ITSELF’
R
What it’s about: A sprawling story of two families and their tragic yet happy destinies.
The kid attractor factor: This one is for moms — can’t imagine kids will be too interested in an adult romantic drama.
Violence: A couple of violent and disturbing images — shooting, bus accident.
Language: Swearing throughout.
Sexuality: References to sex but no sex scenes.
Drugs: Drinking, etc.
Parents advisory: Fine for teens.
‘THE HOUSE WITH A CLOCK IN ITS WALLS’
PG
What it’s about: Based on the 1973 novel, a young orphan boy goes to live with his uncle and discovers he’s a warlock.
The kid attractor factor: The kid star, Owen Vaccaro, and family-friendly spooky action-adventure story.
Violence: Some scary scenes of magical fighting, chasing, battling, etc. Nothing too gory.
Language: One or two instances of strong language, some toilet humor.
Sexuality: None.
Drugs: None.
Parents advisory: Probably too scary for the littlest ones.
‘A SIMPLE FAVOR’
R
What it’s about: A suburban single mom befriends a stylish and mysterious woman who suddenly goes missing.
The kid attractor factor: No real kid attraction; this is more for audiences of older women, but teen girls might be into stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick.
Violence: Some violence — a shooting, a drowning, images of a dead body, etc.
Language: Swearing throughout.
Sexuality: A sex scene, some nudity, sexual references and a painting that depicts graphic nudity.
Drugs: On-screen marijuana and implied heroin use.
Parents advisory: OK for mature teens.