Weekend movie forecast: The scoop on ‘Jack and Jill’ & more

Which movies are fun for the whole family and which ones are treats just for you? Find out!

In theaters:

Jack and Jill
Short Story:

Jack Sadelstein (Adam Sandler) has it all: He’s a successful advertising executive with a beautiful wife (Katie Holmes) and kids. The only thing in life he dreads is the annual Thanksgiving visit from his identical twin sister Jill (also Adam Sandler!). Jack is constantly irked by Jill’s neediness and passive aggressive behavior (and, perhaps, the fact that she looks exactly like him). So when Jill comes for her usual visit and then refuses to leave, Jack is none too pleased.

What They’re Saying:

“It is what it is — and, more importantly, exactly what Happy Madison fans want it to be: something unruly, stupid and sort of funny, in the same way — and to exactly the same extent — that passing gas is funny.” — Washington Post

“It is also typical in that it contains a lot of witless bathroom and ethnic humor.” — MSN Movies

Good for Kids?
With a PG rating, this Sandler comedy is perfect for the entire family. Still, Common Sense Media warns parents that the movie is likely to include “crass jokes that may not be appropriate for early elementary-school kids regardless of the rating.” Since Sandler plays both the male and female leads, expect to see some gender-based jokes and (hopefully) only mild sexuality.

Immortals
Short Story:

Bloodthirsty King Hyperion (Mickey Rourke) and his Heraklion army are on a search for the long-lost Bow of Epirus — a weapon that will help him overthrow the Greek gods of Olympus and become the master of the world. When the mother of a stonemason named Theseus (Henry Cavill) is killed during one of Hyperion’s raids, he vows to avenge her death, raising an army that will battle to save all of humanity.

What They’re Saying:
“Spectacle and spectacular are often confused for one another in stories of epic adventure, but Immortals is the rare film where they are one and the same.” — Box Office Magazine

“With its clashing Titans, gorgeous costumes and toned bodies, Immortals has something for all, though its main appeal may be to those who enjoy slo-mo exploding heads in 3D.” — Boston Phoenix

Good for Kids?
Common Sense Media says parents need to know that this R rated film “promises plenty of fantasy violence.” Expect to see strong images, bloody violence and some sexuality — as well as a fair share of blood. If you love 3-D action movies, this is a good one. Just be sure to leave the kiddies at home!

In case you missed:

A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas
Short Story:

After spending six years estranged, stoner pals Harold (John Cho) and Kumar (Kal Penn) reunite just in time for the holiday season! When Kumar arrives on Harold’s doorstep on Christmas Eve, toting a mysterious package, he ends up burning down Harold’s father-in-law’s prize Christmas tree. Rather than come clean, the duo decide to cover their tracks and embark on another ill-advised adventure, this time around New York City. Trouble, hilarity and a run-in with old pal Neil Patrick Harris ensue — all in 3-D.

What They’re Saying:
“Seriously, someday you guys are going to sober up, catch this on video and wonder what gave you the giggles all those White Castle runs ago.” — Orlando Sentinel

“It’s not that I was particularly offended; it’s that I didn’t laugh very much.” — Chicago Sun-Times

Good for Kids?
With a R rating, this raunchy comedy is sure to include plenty of vulgar humor. Common Sense Media says parents should be prepared for “strong sexual content and language, heavy drug use, and violence.” This one might be good for adults looking for a few early holiday laughs and a 3-D adventure, but leave the kids at home!

Tower Heist
Short Story:

Wall Street billionaire Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda) is placed under house arrest in his luxurious penthouse after cleaning out his investors for over $2 billion. When the manager of the building Josh Kovacs (Ben Stiller) realizes that the tower staffers who entrusted Shaw with their retirement funds are about to lose their entire life savings, he enlists swindler Slide (Eddie Murphy) to help steal their money back from Shaw.

What They’re Saying:
“When Murphy’s on screen in his classic comic mode, it’s hard to focus on anyone or anything else. It’s as if we’ve turned back time and erased all those family-friendly duds and lame laughers…” — Associated Press

“Tower Heist deserves credit as a clean, well-turned job, fleet and funny and inconsequential. It gets in and gets out quickly… and leaves no trace once it’s gone.” — Village Voice

Good for Kids?
Common Sense Media says parents need to know that “this all-star action comedy appears to present crime as being justified under the right circumstances.” — which might not be a lesson you want to teach your children. But with a PG-13 rating for language and sexual content, this film is perfect for adults and teens looking for a comedic adventure.

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