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The Bodyguard

(1992, Rated R, Drama, Starring Bill Cobbs, Kevin Costner, Whitney Houston)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Great Whitney Houston songs, mediocre love story.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A singing superstar is selfish and petty; a bodyguard crosses the line between business and pleasure.

  • Violence:

    Frank pulls out his gun in many scenes when he's guarding Rachel. He and Tony get into a bloody knife fight. A supporting character is shot, and a bomb nearly kills Rachel's son. Frank is shot while defending Rachel, as is the paid assassin.

  • Sex:

    Frank and Rachel kiss several times and make love; Rachel kisses a man who then tries to force himself on her.

  • Language:

    Standard rated-R language: "f--k," "s--t," "ass," "bitch," "dick," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    An Academy Awards ceremony plays a prominent part in the third act. Samurai movies and swords are also featured.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Characters drink and smoke cigarettes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Bodyguard

Parents need to know that this movie was extremely popular for the songs Whitney Houston performed for the film. Even after more than 15 years, it boasts the best-selling soundtrack of all time, but the film itself hasn't held up quite as much, so unless kids are big Kevin Costner or Whitney Houston fans, it's doubtful they'll be clamoring to see this romantic thriller from 1992. Be aware that there is some violence, including a bloody knife fight and several scenes involving gunshots and casualties. Kevin and Whitney's characters kiss and have sex, but there's no nudity. Language is standard for an R-rated drama.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the film's take on the price of stardom. Is society more or less celebrity obsessed now than in the early 1990s? Why are stars often portrayed as having stalkers, entourages, and self-absorbed personalities? Kids: do you think stars are just as important to society as top politicians, the way the Secret Service officers make it seem?
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