Tools for this page
Print

Basic

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    1.0
  • Common Sense says

    Basically bad and sorry attempt at a thriller.

Why We Rated This off for Ages 16 and Under

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Strong minority and female characters
  • Violence:

    Shooting, grenades, characters killed Intense peril
  • Sex:

    Sexual references
  • Language:

    Very strong language
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking, smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, drug dealing
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Basic

Parents need to know that this is a very violent movie with many character deaths. Characters smoke (one who gave up smoking years earlier takes a cigarette to relieve stress). Characters have alcohol and drug abuse problems and some characters deal in illegal pharmaceuticals and cocaine. Characters use very strong language.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the various forms of betrayal and loyalty depicted in this film.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Basic?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Maine
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Twisting Thriller!

    Really good story, if not a little confusing! Lots of action. Some drug use and drinking. Awesome twists.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in New Jersey
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    MIlitary Thriller with a great ending

    So the main reason I rented this movie was to see Brian Van Holt who plays Dunbar. I thought it would be really horrible, but I was surprised. While it is definitely not Oscar worthy, It was pretty good. The twist at the end is also great.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 3.0

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • New in Theaters

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Fantastic Mr. Fox

    Offbeat family adventure may charm adults more than kids.

  • Tech Tip

    How to help them think more ... and want less.Making the Sale

    How to help them think more ... and want less.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Pick of the Week

    Holiday Websites

    Holiday Websites

    Where to surf, turkey time and beyond.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name