Parents’ guide to new movies

(MCT) — “The Darkest Hour”

Rating: PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and some language

What it’s about: Young American travelers are in a country where they don’t speak the language — Russia — when the aliens invade.

The kid attractor factor: Aliens, special effects, and Olivia Thirlby, Rachael Taylor, Emile Hirsch and Max Minghella.

Good lessons/bad lessons: “Teamwork makes the dream work.” And never go out in shoes you can’t run for your life in.

Violence: Abstract sci-fi disintegrations.

Language: Pretty clean, considering the cast and the situation.

Sex: Provocative attire is as far as it goes.

Drugs: Bar hopping entails a bit of drinking.

Parents’ advisory: Pretty mild stuff for this genre, OK for 9-and-up.

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“Young Adult”

Rating: R for language and some sexual content

What it’s about: A former prom queen and high school beauty goes home, years later, to take a second shot at her high school beau.

The kid attractor factor: Charlize Theron; seeing alleged adults act as if they’re still in high school.

Good lessons/bad lessons: “Gather ye rosebuds while ye may,” and once a mean girl, always a mean girl.

Violence: Discussed.

Language: The main reason for the R-rating.

Sex: Nothing that graphic; partial nudity.

Drugs: Lots and lots of alcohol is consumed, comically, at first.

Parents’ advisory: Adult in theme, this is still closer to a PG-13 and has teachable moments for any would-be Kardashian-vapid, pretty mean girl in your household — OK for 14-and-up.