Parents’ guide to new movie releases

'Ponyo'

Rating: G.

What it's about: A small boy saves a goldfish that turns into an adoring little girl in this anime fantasy.

kid attractor factor: Animated action aimed at a very young audience.

Good lessons/bad lessons: Mom's a reckless driver who leaves her kid home alone during a typhoon. But kids are more resourceful than you think, is the implication.

Violence: Kids face dangerous situations.

Language: Translated into dialogue that's Disney clean.

Sex: None.

Drugs: Mom likes her beer.

Parents' advisory: An environmentally aware message tucked into a story that even small children can follow, this is the most family-friendly anime ever.

'Bandslam'

Rating: PG for some thematic elements and mild language.

What it's about: A teen tries to fit in at his new school and takes up with a band whose members may or may not help him with that.

kid attractor factor: Teenagers learning about life and love, and learning the Cheap Trick songbook.

Good lessons/bad lessons: If you let other people make you miserable, "they win."

Violence: More the threat of it.

Language: PG-level profanity and not much of it.

Sex: An innocent smooch, here and there, a teen flirts with another's mom.

Drugs: None.

Parents' advisory: Parents will know this formula but may be pleasantly surprised at the sophistication and the positive messages this "Camp Rock"-meets-"School of Rock" carries.