Joshua (R)
Sinister sibling-rivalry drama is majorly creepy.
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- Studio: ATO Pictures, ATO Pictures
- Directed By: George Ratliff
- Cast: Sam Rockwell, Vera Farmiga, Jacob Kogan
- Running Time: 107 minutes
- Release Date: 07/05/2007
- Video/DVD Release Date: 01/08/2008
- Genre: Thriller
- MPAA Rating: R
- MPAA Explanation: language and some disturbing behavior by a child.
Parents need to know
Families can talk about the impact of implied violence in scary movies like this one. Are movies scarier when they show violent acts taking place on screen or when those acts are left to your imagination? Why? What statement is the film making about the nature of evil? Is Joshua purely bad, or is there any way he could be redeemed? How is his state of mind revealed by the music he plays? What role does music play in this movie and in other scary movies?
Message
Social Behavior:
Evil triumphs over good. Intelligent, loving parents are no match for a child with a deadly agenda and without a conscience. Superior brain power and artistic genius are equated with stop-at-nothing wickedness. A Christian fundamentalist is portrayed as well-meaning but narrow-minded and cluelessly ineffectual.
Consumerism:
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Casual drinking: wine at dinner, a champagne toast. In one scene, a lead character drinks when upset.
Violence
Much of the actual destructive behavior is implied and takes place off camera. A dead woman is shown with pooling blood around her. Animals die under suspicious circumstances. The lead female character is graphically seen stepping on broken glass. Child is beaten by father.
Sex
One scene of affectionate sexual foreplay between husband and wife. No nudity. A new mother is shown using a breast-pump.
Language
Plenty of swearing: "F--k," "bulls--t," etc.
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Renee Schonfeld
Is it any good?
There's not much overt violence, but the audience is always aware of the danger. Still, though, the filmmakers are able to keep viewers guessing. Isn't it possible that each ominous incident could be explained by either coincidence or innocent misunderstanding? Aside from a very few missteps (for example, the appearance of an odd, illogical videotape), Joshua succeeds on every level. Music, lighting, creative direction, and masterful editing all serve the characters and the plot.
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Parents and kids say
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