THE POKÉVERSE — The PG-rated "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" is now in theaters, but is it OK for your kids? While this film is for the most part a fine family film, there are a few things that surprised me a bit and I think are worth noting for parents.

This is not an article to tell you what is or is not appropriate for your kids or your family. Rather, this is just an opportunity to let you know what you can expect to see in the film so you can decide if it is right for your family.

Here is what parents need to know about "Pokémon Detective Pikachu."

Violence

The movie is actually pretty low on violence. It has a few fights, including one Pokémon battle.

But where this category gets points is more on the mayhem. There is a car accident that could be scary for younger kids as well as a scene with some earthquake-type movement of land masses that puts characters in some real peril. One character gets seriously hurt during this scene.

There is also a plot line involving the villain that could be seen as scary for little ones. It's really not too bad considering my 6-year-old son, who is usually pretty sensitive, did pretty well. There is no blood, but there is violence present.

Substance abuse

I'm not sure I'd call anything in the film to be "substance abuse." I guess Pikachu has a bit of an addiction to coffee, but that's mostly it.

There is, however, a story device that includes a type of made-up inhalant that could be seen as a "drug" that changes the attitudes and actions of Pokémon. Some Pokémon trainers use it on their Pokémon on purpose and others are exposed to it by force or accident.

Sexuality

Other than a budding love story there is really nothing to mention in this area.

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Language

I would guess this is where "Pokémon Detective Pikachu" likely got close to a PG-13 rating. There are no R-rated words in the film, but several exclamations of less severe curse words are used pretty frequently, especially from Pikachu.

I was surprised by some of the language considering it's specifically geared towards kids.

Tone

This is played as a noir film so the entire film is aesthetically dark and mostly takes place in dark alleys of an overcrowded city, as well as dive bars and underground fight rings.

These things don't inherently make the film inappropriate, but I think the tone is more PG-13, with the content more PG rated.

Conclusion

"Pokémon Detective Pikachu" earned a PG rating, but was likely on the cusp of being a tame PG-13.

"Pokémon Detective Pikachu" is rated PG for action/peril, some rude and suggestive humor, and thematic elements.

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