Movie Ratings

NEW YORK -- Though presumably targeted -- at least in part -- at teens, the dystopian adventure "The Hunger Games" involves enough problematic content to give parents pause. Responsible oldsters will want to weigh the matter carefully before giving permission for clamoring kids to attend.

At first glance, the depressing futuristic premise of the piece -- inherited from Suzanne Collins' best-selling trilogy of novels, on the first volume of which the film is based -- makes it seem unlikely fare for a youthful audience.

NEW YORK -- In late 1965, the three-decade-old National Legion of Decency announced that it was changing its name to the National Catholic Office for Motion Pictures.

That switch represented more than just altered terminology. It signaled an intent on the part of the U.S. Church's officially sanctioned film agency to take a more open and positive -- though by no means uncritical -- approach in its assessment of cinema.

In keeping with this new emphasis, that same year, the film office issued its first list of the 10 best movies released over the previous 12 months.

Ratings are supplied by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

For current reviews, see usccb.org

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: General patronage

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED: General patronage.

THE ARTIST: Adults.

CONTRABAND: Morally offensive.

THE DESCENDANTS: Limited adult audience.

THE DEVIL INSIDE: Morally offensive.

EXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSE: Adults.

NEW YORK -- The British market a brand of yeast spread called Marmite. Due to its overwhelmingly strong taste, its label carries the slogan "Love it or Hate it."

As a result of the visceral reactions, both pro and con, stirred by her controversial 1979-90 tenure in office, former U.K. leader Margaret Thatcher -- now Baroness Thatcher -- has been described as the Marmite of prime ministers.

Ratings are supplied by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

For current reviews, see usccb.org

THE ADVENTURES OF TINTIN: General patronage

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED: General patronage.

ARTHUR CHRISTMAS: Adults/adolescents.

CONTRABAND: Morally offensive.

THE DARKEST HOUR: Adults.

THE DESCENDANTS: Limited adult audience.

THE DEVIL INSIDE: Morally offensive.

Ratings are supplied by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

For current reviews, see usccb.org

ABDUCTION: Adults.

COURAGEOUS: Adults/adolescents.

DOLPHIN TALE: General patronage.

DREAM HOUSE: Limited adult audience.

FOOTLOOSE: Morally offensive.

THE HELP: Adults.

THE IDES OF MARCH: Limited adult audience.

IN TIME: Adults.

J. EDGAR: Limited adult audience.