Aladdin

Parents need to know that Aladdin is Disney's live-action adaptation of its own 1992 animated classic. As with previous remakes like Dumbo, Jungle Book, and Beauty and the Beast, there are lots of computer-generated special effects, including the quite scary Cave of Wonders and co-star Will Smith as the huge, comedic, blue-skinned Genie. The effects and the live-action factor make the scenes of peril and danger feel more intense than in the cartoon (although it's pretty tame for a Guy Ritchie-directed movie). There are chases, falls, and near deaths, as well as one confirmed fatality when villain Jafar pushes a man down a dark well. The cave crumbles and spews lava, a giant bird pursues the characters, guards are armed with weapons, and there are references to dead parents. Language is very mild, with just a few insults along the lines of "street rat"; characters flirt and kiss, and Genie tosses back a couple of martinis. Thanks to stars Mena Massoud (Aladdin) and Naomi Scott (Jasmine), this musical remake keeps the spirit of the original and adds a boost of female empowerment to messages about friendship, courage, integrity, and honesty.