Rating: A-II (PG)

NEW YORK (CNS) — The following is a capsule review of a movie recently reviewed by the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Ambitious animated parable, set on a distant planet that’s being invaded by aggressive refugees from earth, in which a downed human airman (voice of Luke Wilson) finds his loyalties divided when he’s befriended by one of the peace-loving, tadpole-shaped locals (voice of Evan Rachel Wood) his warmongering commander (voice of Brian Cox) is intent on destroying.

Director Aristomenis Tsirbas’ feature debut is an honorable, if at times heavy-handed, cautionary tale about prejudice, violence and environmental degradation, but the battle scenes — especially as intensified by the 3-D presentation in some theaters — are too strong for the youngest viewers, and quasi-religious aspects of the aliens’ culture may require family discussion.

Moderate combat violence and a suicide. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II — adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG — parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.