At the Movies

Movie Guide

“Zootopia” (Disney)

Anthropomorphism runs amok in this 3-D animated comedy-adventure with animals assuming human traits and jabbering away as they earn a living in the bustling metropolis of the title.

A bright-eyed, bushy-tailed suburban-reared rabbit (voice of Ginnifer Goodwin) joins the city police department but faces resentment and prejudice from her peers as well as her buffalo boss (voice of Idris Elba). Assigned to parking duty, she crosses paths with a con-artist fox (voice of Jason Bateman) who happens to be a key witness in a high-profile missing-persons case that has the potential to win her the respect of her co-workers.

Directors Byron Howard and Rich Moore, together with co-director Jared Bush, keep the action moving at a fast pace, and offer good lessons in tolerance, hard work and optimism. The film takes a dark turn as the investigation proceeds, however, leading to scenes of animal conflict and cruelty that could frighten and confuse the younger set.

Occasional mild action violence, including torture, bullying, a naturist theme, some rude gags, momentary religious but not irreverent humor.

The Catholic News Service classification is A-II – adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG – parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

cloverfield
A scene from “10 Cloverfield Lane.” (Photo by Catholic News Service/Paramount Pictures)

“10 Cloverfield Lane” (Paramount)

Audacious, witty, intelligent and skillfully made, this bracing combination of suspense and science fiction from director Dan Trachtenberg is also refreshingly free of vulgarity.

Held captive in an underground bunker by a paranoid and possibly murderous survivalist (John Goodman) who insists he saved her from an apocalyptic event in the world, a lone traveler (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) must decide between the claustrophobic evil currently confronting her and unidentified dangers that may be lurking outside.

Probably acceptable for mature teens. Some bloody physical violence, including a shooting death, an intense atmosphere and a single use of rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is A-III – adults. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 – parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.