Time Bandits (TV-PG)
Age 9+
Funny historical capers with violence, peril and language.
Inspired by the 1981 Terry Gilliam movie of the same name, this series was created by Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi and stars Clement and Lisa Kudrow in major roles. The 11-year-old protagonist Kevin (Kal-El Tuck) travels back in time to important historical moments, including battles where he’s threatened by cannonballs and arrows. Expect lots of slapstick violence and implied deaths played for laughs. (A Stonehenge builder, for example, is flattened by an enormous stone.) While there are evil creatures, ominous scenes and peril, the series’s humor lightens the mood. It always seems like Kevin and the bandits will escape in the nick of time — and they do. Kevin’s parents tease and mock him while not understanding his obsession with history. Mild language includes “damn,” “oh my God” and insults like “stupid,” plus cursing-adjacent phrases such as “flipping heck” and the British slang “bloody.” Although the bandits are morally flexible at best, the show has positive messages about staying true to yourself, doing the right thing and being passionate about learning. (10 episodes)
Available on Apple TV Plus.
My Lady Jane (TV-MA)
Age 15+
Comedic reimagining of Tudor tale has sex, swearing and booze.
Set in the mid-1500s and inspired by historical events, this British dramedy series is based on a young adult book series by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton and Jodi Meadows. Characters (including, in one scene, Jane’s young sister) drink beer and wine. Expect a lot of swearing (“f—,” “damn,” “b—-,” “s—head” and “hell”) and some sexual banter, plus scenes of kissing and simulated sex — though there’s little actual nudity beyond a man’s butt while he takes a shower. Infighting among royalty and commoners alike leads to some mild violence, including poisoning attempts and “dunking” (being tortured with water, a la the Salem witch trials). (Eight episodes)
Available on Prime Video.
Brambletown (TV-Y)
Age 8+
Exceptional musical about self-discovery is warm and poetic.
This musical movie is based on original songs by the Okee Dokee Brothers (Joe Mailander and Justin Lansing). The folk tunes, combined with stop-motion visuals, add a poetic touch to themes such as resilience, heartbreak and growth. While younger kids may enjoy the music, the deeper story is better understood by adults and older children. Adults may even find themselves wiping away a tear or two as the characters deal with relatable challenges. The movie talks about the roles we play in one another’s lives and our individual struggles, using allegories for divorce and alcoholism and a brief scene in which a character “looks at death.” Despite these heavy topics, the movie isn’t dark and shouldn’t spark fear. Instead, it can be a gentle conversation starter, focusing on recognizing others’ struggles and perspectives. Rich material for co-viewing, it’s an exceptional film that touches on serious topics with a sense of hope. (35 minutes)
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