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Children of the Corn

(1984, Rated R, Horror, Starring Linda Hamilton, Peter Horton, John Franklin)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Classic Stephen King horror, hardly popping.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    A couple of stalwart, happily married (but reckless driving) grownups are in the lead roles, surrounded by mostly fanatical and violent kids, who are more interesting characters, alas. Two of the smallest children are friendly and helpful. The hero, an emergency-room doctor, has no problem abandoning an unconscious marauder at the end.

  • Violence:

    Abundant throat-slashings, stabbings, beatings, climactic explosions. A juvenile is struck by a car. A dog is killed (offscreen), and another character's hand forced is toward a deli meat slicer (though we don't get to see the results). A willing human sacrifice cuts himself in ritual bloodletting.

  • Sex:

    A radio preacher says "fornicator" (without defining it), and that's about all.

  • Language:

    Christ's name in vain (ironically).

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Children of the Corn

Parents need to know that this film is filled with bloody violence, including a wholesale massacre of adults by their own children. The portrayal of a community run by kids who have killed all the parents isn't remotely pleasant or idealized, but it's still disturbing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the film's ultimate message, that fire-and-brimstone fundamentalist Christianity (at least Hollywood's stereotype of it) has let the barn door open for a demonic force to enter and take over rural Gatlin, Nebraska. Those in religious households can check out the Bible passages that this movie uses to support its dire warning about false prophets. On the whole, is this movie favorable to faith or against it?
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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    Zachary Sohrab
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Negative message
    • Negative role models

    A bit violent

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    80sfreak
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    YAYAYA

    I looooove this movie so awesome! its not scary though but its just like whooo best movie ever!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Adult Reviewer
    HughHarper
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    scared the **** outta me

    this movie is scary and it isn't any good

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    KelandryOfTortal ...
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Not scary at all, lmao the whole time.

    This movie is not scary at all. Isaac has such a funny voice! I watched it with two of my best friends and then we went for a walk at night and it was so not scary. Not for little, little kids because there is some blood. Now I always tease one of my guy friends cuz he looks kinda like Malakai! lol :D

    This review...

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

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