• Is it age appropriate?

  About our ratings

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  Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 15.

• Is it any good?

  4.0

• Common Sense says

  Gritty story about troubled teen is realistic and complex.

Why We Rated This for Ages 15–17

The good stuff

• Messages:

  There are both positive and negative messages here, but ultimately the takeaway is positive as Bobby learns to change his ways. Initially, Bobby's behavior is not only criminal (stealing, abusing alcohol, using drugs, etc.), but it’s also disrespectful. He yells at and ignores Ma, lies to police, and is harsh with his little brother. Ma has anger issues, too, and is in financial debt. She also hits and yells at her kids. However, PJ and Coley represent a well-functioning family with strong morals and values, and they give Bobby a chance at real relationships and responsibility. Ideas of second chances, forgiveness, and finding passions come through.
• Role models:

   PJ, Coley, and the whole farm family are positive role models for Bobby. Bobby initially makes poor decisions, but because he makes big changes in his life and outlook, he's a role model for those who struggle and want/need redemption. On the negative side, Fluke and the boys in the gang are criminals, and Ma yells, hits, takes pills, and smokes, but since she tries to do the right thing, she garners some compassion.

What to watch out for

• Violence:

  Bobby and his gang are thugs and criminals: they steal purses, electronics, bikes, and cars. They burn the cars after running them out of fuel. Mick beats someone up and knocks his teeth out and stomps on his head. Bobby and Ma watch serial killer movies.  The country cottage has a violent past -- first the rumors of a murdered child, and then the previous resident was found murdered and hacked into small pieces. Ma also hits her kids and has yelling rages.
• Sex:

  Fluke, age 17, stays at his girlfriend's house and moves in with her so he can have sex with her. He talks about sex, as well.
• Language:

  "F--k"; "s-t"; "bastard"; "piss"; "snotface"; "go to hell"; "bitch"; "dickhead"; "wanker".  It also has British-isms that teens may not be familiar with.
• Consumerism:

  Xbox, Legos, Nokia, Land Rover, and Lara Croft are all mentioned but play no big roles.
• Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

  Bobby and his gang friends drink beer and hard alcohol, smoke pot and cigarettes, and do other unidentified harder drugs. Bobby drinks too much, throws up, wishes he was dead. Bobby wants to drink and do drugs when he is bored. On one occasion he doesn't remember three days after taking drugs. Ma smokes cigarettes and takes sleeping pills. Beetle always drinks until he passes out. Mick uses crack and gets manic afterward.

What Parents Need to Know

About Creature of the Night

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