This is a scene from the movie "Tenet." The Catholic News Service classification is A-III -- adults. (CNS/Melinda Sue Gordon, Warner Bros. Entertainment)

By Catholic News Service

As he did with 2010’s “Inception” and “Interstellar” (2014), writer-director Christopher Nolan serves up a cerebral thriller, a blockbuster accompanied by a heavy-handed science lesson — in this case about temporal mechanics and the possibility of time travel. The mysterious spy agency of the title enlists a CIA operative (John David Washington) and pairs him with a fast-talking partner (Robert Pattinson) to hunt down a crazed Russian billionaire (Kenneth Branagh) threatening to start World War III.

Complex and confusing concepts aside, this is a satisfying adventure overstuffed with suave players, exotic locales, spine-tingling stunts and grandly staged explosions. Possibly acceptable for mature teens.

Intense violence, including gunplay, occasional profane and crude language.  The Catholic News Service classification is A-III — adults. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 — parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

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