There's one movie currently lording over the cinemas this holiday. "Rogue One," the newest "Star Wars" movie has been raking box office numbers and reviews have been mostly positive. Parents who love the other "Star Wars" installments might be thrilled for this spinoff prequel, but is the movie OK for children?
This guide contains minor spoilers about "Rogue One." Continue reading at your discretion.
Any "Star Wars" fan, who are likely moms and dads by now, will be impressed with "Rogue One." The movie's timeline coincides with the 1977 release and there are some familiar character cameos that might trigger nostalgia. It also gives closure to the very first film's plot hole about the Death Star, according to Independent.
But the movie itself isn't for young children. It has an MPAA PG-13 rating, according to Screen Crush. "Rogue One" depicts rebellion and war in space, which might be visually stimulating. Yet the movie features a lot death and violence.
If children get attached to the characters in "Rogue One," then they might be in for a disappointment because some of them will die by the end of the film. "Rogue One" also has one of the most terrifying scenes featuring the iconic villain Darth Vader, which might rattle the little kids. It also denotes the loss of a parent.
"Rogue One" actor Riz Ahmed told the Los Angeles Times that the movie might be "hardcore" for really young kids. But as every family and child are different, perhaps some parents might still be inclined to watch this with their children as a tradition this holiday.
Star Wars movies are life lessons for kids, says Rogue One director https://t.co/HPJSzirmRL via @Polygon
— sacrament (@sacrament_ent) December 2, 2016
Mom Jen Mitchell thinks that "Rogue One's" theme is too dark. "I wanted hope and left without any of that," she told Democrat Chronicle. But her husband and 10-year-old son, who are big "Star Wars" fans, disagree with her.
Dad Anthony Breznican of Entertainment Weekly advises parents to discuss the movie with their children after watching, especially when it comes to the fate of Jyn (Felicity Jones). "Reassure younger kids that although any parent would lay down his or her life to protect a child, this kind of thing doesn't happen in real life," he wrote.
