What to watch with your kids: ‘Arthur the King,’ ‘ Iwájú’ and more

Arthur the King (PG-13)

Age 13+

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Exciting, heartwarming real-life dog adventure has swearing.

“Arthur the King” is a drama based on Mikael Lindnord’s 2016 memoir about the bond he created with a dog named Arthur during a 435-mile adventure race that in the film takes place over 10 days in the Dominican Republic. Arthur is a stray whose history of severe abuse and neglect is made evident through his wounds, behavior and veterinary counsel. Peril, including for Arthur, is breath-catchingly intense in several moments — the race involves kayaking, mountain climbing, and running through jungles and rivers — but rest assured that (spoiler alert) there’s a happy ending. Although main character Michael (Mark Wahlberg) and his diverse team are well-trained and very physically skilled, they’re sometimes cavalier about decisions that could put their lives in danger. But they also effectively demonstrate how teamwork actually works, what perseverance really looks like, how compassion changes you and that the payoff for integrity is worth more than money. None of them are perfect, but they grow and help one another become better people. That said, the first part of the film does focus on Michael’s shortcomings and the humility he has to embrace to rebuild his team, his self-confidence and his leadership style. Adult characters drink beer to unwind, and strong language includes “a------,” “s---,” “d---” and one use of “f---.” (107 minutes)

Available in theaters.

The Thundermans Return (TV-G)

Streaming

Age 8+

Mildly amusing, action-packed movie has cartoonish violence.

“The Thundermans Return” is a TV movie that extends the adventures of the sitcom superhero family whose original show ended in 2018. Twins Phoebe (Kira Kosarin) and Max (Jack Griffo) and the rest of the family have been banished back to Hiddenville after a stint in Metroburg fighting crime. They have to work hard to try to reclaim their throne as the region’s top heroes. Expect mild, cartoonish violence; characters are often in peril, whether they’re fighting a meteor shower or trapped in Dark Mayhem’s (Matt Mullins) torture chamber. Language includes “butt,” “jerks,” “dumb” and “lame.” A character is named “President Kickbutt.” (70 minutes)

Available on Paramount Plus.

Little Wing (PG-13)

Streaming

Age 14+

Coming-of-age tale remains hopeful despite heavy themes.

“Little Wing” is a bittersweet coming-of-age tale based on a New Yorker story by Susan Orlean (“Adaptation”) that deals with some heavy topics — including divorce, depression, suicidal thoughts and death. Yet the tone of the film is ultimately hopeful, with important messages about valuing life and friendship and respecting children’s feelings. The 13-year-old central character, Kaitlyn McKay (Brooklynn Prince), admits that she has considered suicide, and she pushes away loved ones and acts out. She puts herself and others in harm’s way, and her best friend breaks his wrist. Her brother risks his life to help her. A man (Brian Cox) talks about losing friends to suicide around the Vietnam War, and a treasured friend is dying of lung cancer. Two middle-schoolers discuss French kissing and share one peck. Language is limited to mild insults like “stick it in your butt,” “grow a pair,” “cretin,” “punk” and “idiot.” A mom asks her daughter whether her brother is taking drugs. (110 minutes)

Available on Paramount Plus.

Iwájú (TV-PG)

Streaming

Age 8+

Afrofuturist adventure has some scares and violence.

Iwájú (which roughly translates to “the future”) is an animated miniseries set in a futuristic Lagos, Nigeria. A major plot point involves a crime ring that kidnaps children and holds them for ransom. Main character Tola (Simisola Gbadamosi) gets kidnapped, but it ends well. Several scenes have ominous undertones, and there’s fighting. Characters show mild fear when they’re in peril, but no scenes feel particularly tense. Tola comes from extreme wealth, and much of the plot is a commentary on the inequity in Lagos. (Six episodes.)

Available on Disney Plus.

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