What to watch with your kids: 'A Family Affair,' 'WondLa' and more
A Family Affair (PG-13)
Streaming
Age 14+
May-December romantic dramedy has sex, language and drinking.
“A Family Affair” is a romantic dramedy about the unlikely but passionate connection between a woman in her 50s (Nicole Kidman) and a man some 20 years her junior (Zac Efron). Expect a sex scene in which two characters get drunk, kiss, fall into bed and tear off each other’s shirts. When someone walks in on them, viewers see a woman topless from behind and on top of a man. There is additional drinking, plus sex, relationship talk and language including “f---,” “s---,” “damn,” “b----” and “a--.” The movie features talk of what people might look like naked, getting “banged up” and taking STD tests. Characters, mostly White and wealthy, learn lessons relevant to their different stages in life, including prioritizing their own interests and not taking others for granted. (111 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
WondLa (TV-G)
Streaming
Age 8+
Lively sci-fi series has lots of mystery and some violence.
“WondLa” is an animated sci-fi series about a human teen in a post-apocalyptic world. Starring Jeanine Mason as Eva, a scrappy 16-year-old raised alone in a bunker, “WondLa” follows her adventures as she explores a wild planet filled with pitfalls and scary creatures (as well as some new friends, including a giant telepathic tardigrade voiced by Brad Garrett). Expect sci-fi violence, including destructive laser guns, violent monsters and lots of peril on Eva’s journey to find her human family. Based on the books by Tony DiTerlizzi, this series is a great pick for families with school-age kids who are ready for adventure. (Eight episodes)
Available on Apple TV Plus.
Disney Junior’s Ariel (TV-Y)
Streaming
Age 2+
Fresh take on beloved mermaid will delight littlest viewers.
“Disney Junior’s Ariel” is a “The Little Mermaid” series appropriate for even the youngest viewers. Ariel (voiced by Mykal-Michelle Harris) and her friends face gentle challenges, and former villain Ursula (Amber Riley) is now a kind older woman who shares her magical powers for good, with the help of her friendly eel sidekicks, Ebb and Flow. There are no romantic storylines, and none of the mermaids wear revealing clothing. Each episode focuses on a positive social-emotional lesson, and the series celebrates Caribbean people and cultures. (Eight episodes)
Available on Disney Junior and Disney Plus.
No Time to Spy: A Loud House Movie (TV-Y7)
Streaming
Age 9+
Family spy act has iffy behavior, peril and potty humor.
“No Time to Spy: A Loud House Movie” is a continuation of the “Loud House” TV series. The Loud family dynamics remain true to the show; they’re boisterous and bickering, yet close-knit and loyal. Unlike the show’s usual focus on everyday life, the movie shifts to exciting external conflicts. The preteen protagonist Lincoln’s (voiced by Bentley Griffin) fascination with another character’s past as a spy leads to decisions that put the family in danger. Expect cartoonish fistfights, thrilling high-speed chases and falls from great heights. While fans will find the extreme scenarios familiar, newcomers might be surprised by the characters’ self-absorption. But the Loud family eventually finds strength in working together. Adult-tailored gags include nods to spy films like “No Time to Die” and references to bachelorette parties and high prices. There is bathroom humor, but the language is mild (mostly variations of “butt” and “dang”). Although the ending is heartwarming, it includes a moment of parent-child separation that could be unsettling for more sensitive kids. (102 minutes)
Available on Paramount Plus and Nickelodeon.
Common Sense Media helps families make smart media choices. Go to commonsense.org for age-based and educational ratings and reviews for movies, games, apps, TV shows, websites and books.
