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Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 99; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Slasher film spoof has some clever twists.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 16–18

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    College TV crew follows a serial-killer-to-be in order to get a story; serial killers discuss their methods and goals; teen victims act stupidly; the Survivor Girl does the right thing.

  • Violence:

    Lots of bloody, visceral violence in the last third of the film (before that, plenty of discussions of and preparations for said violence). Weapons include knives, guns, and farm tools. Retired serial killer appears briefly in a sensory deprivation tank (like a coffin) buried underground. Serial killer wears scary makeup and mask and well as torn, bloody clothing, then appears repeatedly in shadows, posed to look frightening. Hacking and stabbing at victims (most of the murders are fast but very close-up). Girls scream, run, and fall.

  • Sex:

    Conversations about sexual behavior (trying to figure out if victims are virgins); a brief sex scene at the end shows a naked girl from the back and as she turns around (breasts visible and in motion); brief mention of the serial killer being "pro-life and a chauvinist."

  • Language:

    Favorite swear word here is "f--k" other profanity includes "s--t," "bitch," "ass," "hell," and "goddammit." Phrases include a derogatory charge: "You guys stand here holding your balls."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Teens drink and smoke marijuana.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Behind the Mask: The Rise of Leslie Vernon

Parents need to know that older teens may be interested in this slasher film spoof, which isn't as goofy and action-packed as the Scream franchise but plays up the same idea. It includes the usual slasher-style violence -- stalking, stabbing, shooting, hooking with large farm implements -- as well as brief nudity and sexual activity (since sexually active teens are standard victims in such movies). There are lots of conversations about methods of killing people and the uses of "fear" in culture, some basic spooky scenes (dark shadows, creaky doors), and some jump scenes. Many bloody effects (dismemberments, bodies hidden in closets) and frequent profanity (mostly "f--k").

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the uses of parody. Does making fun of fears serve a different or similar purpose to acting them out straightforwardly, as in regular horror movies? How can you be scared and laugh at something at the same time? Families can also discuss the basic dynamics of the slasher movie formula. How do the predetermined character types -- the Survivor Girl, the Ahab, the Killer -- come together to make the scary formula work? Is this movie a successful spoof? Why or why not?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    jhh379
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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