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This article was published more than 1 year ago
Dazzling musical adaptation has violence, language.
“West Side Story” is Steven Spielberg’s much-anticipated adaptation of the “Romeo and Juliet”-inspired 1957 Broadway musical (which previously inspired the Academy Award-winning 1961 film). It stars Ansel Elgort and Rachel Zegler as star-crossed lovers Tony and Maria. The setting is still 1950s New York City, but this version features more of the Sharks’ Puerto Rican neighborhood and the community of the historical midtown Manhattan neighborhood. More importantly, unlike the mostly whitewashed original film, this time only actors with Latino backgrounds were cast to play the Puerto Rican characters. Expect romance (love at first sight, kissing, flirting, sensual partner dancing and implied sex), as well as tragic violence (including several deaths, a sexual assault and fight scenes involving fists, chains, knives and ultimately a gun). The language is occasionally salty (“t-ts,” “s—,” “damn” and more) and racist, and one song famously uses the words “Krup you” as a sound-alike to “f— you.” Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tony Kushner (“Angels in America”) and co-starring Rita Moreno (who won an Oscar for playing Anita in the original film adaptation), the film explores themes of social injustice and racism, as well as the power of compassion and empathy.
(156 minutes)
At area theaters.
Talky football drama falls short on action; language, sex.
“National Champions” is a sports drama executive produced by NFL star Russell Wilson that examines the college student-athlete pay debate. But don’t gear up for gridiron action: The only game actually played in the film is the one of chicken between the NCAA and the athletes. The movie is more about critical thinking, collective action, and re-examining the long-standing rules of not paying college athletes beyond scholarships and room and board. It has strong economic and racial diversity, including a Black main character who leverages his influence to look out for other student-athletes, even if it could cost him everything. A side plot involves an affair and features sexual situations. There’s heavy drinking at a party, and a character smokes pot. Expect lots of profanity and crude language throughout: “c–k,” “f—” and much more. (112 minutes)
At area theaters.
Streaming
Funny animated animal tale has potty humor, innuendo.
“Back to the Outback” is an action-packed animated comedy with some mild language and racy moments. An egotistical koala calls other animals names such as“ugly” and “stupid.” There are several mentions of it being “mating season” for a hairy spider, and when he meets other venomous spiders, he says, “I’ve never been so aroused in my life.” Two toads kiss; their tongues intertwine, and later they’re seen with many new toad babies. A man loses his pants and is seen in his underwear; at the last moment, viewers can see part of his butt through his chewed boxers. The word “damn” is used, and there’s some potty humor. There are a couple of scenes involving alcohol. Several chase scenes include tranquilizer darts, knives and threats of falling off cliffs. On the bright side, it has strong messages about friendship, personality being more important than looks, not judging a book by its cover and believing that you can be who you want to be. (95 minutes)
Available on Netflix.
Streaming
Fun ’80s nostalgia tour has mild language, violence.
“8-Bit Christmas” is has mild language and bullying, but it’s ultimately a kid-friendly feel-good comedy. The tale flashes back to a character’s childhood in the late 1980s, so some of the comedy and portrayals — particularly the angry dad — can feel outdated. And there’s some humor at the expense of marginalized groups/kids who don’t fit in. But the film also pokes purposeful fun at ’80s-era thinking about gender roles and what the future might hold. A diverse group of kids plots to get the latest, coolest gadget — a Nintendo video game system — but they learn that there are more important things than cool toys, like family. A schoolyard bully taunts and pushes the main friend group around. Language includes “fricking,” “damn,” “crap,” “sucks,” “buttface” and more. Boys talk about a “nudie magazine” and trade a Sports Illustrated with a woman in a bathing suit on the cover. A boy accidentally plays a tape recording of him talking about having a (G-rated) dream about a female classmate. A dad drinks beer and asks if there’s a bar at the mall. Kids sneak off a bus and get temporarily lost in the city. A dad buys a doll from a man under a bridge, and he brings a saw along for protection. A boy vomits violently, including on his teacher. (97 minutes)
Available on HBO Max.
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