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Lonely Hearts

(2007, Rated R, Drama, Starring James Gandolfini, Salma Hayek, John Travolta)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 17.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Noir-ish murder tale is far too dark for kids.

Why We Rated This not for kids

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Since this is a film about serial killers, base human behavior is in full display -- from basic con games to cold-blooded murder. Martha and Ray pose as siblings, and their sexual relationship is mistaken as incest. Racist and sexist comments fly, too.

  • Violence:

    Graphic and deeply disturbing, from crime-scene photos (bludgeoning, gunshots) in the opening credits to the many murders committed by the lead characters. A woman is shot while straddling Ray. Later, she lies on the floor bleeding and dying while Martha and Ray have sex. The moments leading up to the murder of a child (whose mother was earlier shot point-blank) are painstakingly detailed. Two women commit suicide -- one by gun, the other by razor.

  • Sex:

    Lots of sexual banter between Martha and Ray. Numerous sex scenes laced with violence. Some nudity (a woman's breasts are shown as she straddles a man during sex, and she's meant to be fully naked). Implied acts of masturbation and fellatio. Close-up shots of faces while characters reach orgasm.

  • Language:

    Frequent use of everything from "a--hole" and "bitch" to "dick" and "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Reflecting the movie's time period, characters smoke and drink frequently.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Lonely Hearts

Parents need to know that most kids probably won't be interested in this period crime drama about a real-life couple who embarked on a murder spree in the 1940s. Just as well, since the movie doesn't skimp at detailing either their sex life or their terrible crimes, both verbally and visually. Some of what happens onscreen may be difficult to stomach (shootings, bludgeonings, suicide, etc.). Suspense leads to shock, and quiet introspection can immediately switch to outright gore. The killers themselves have very little to redeem them as characters, though the lead detective does undergo a transformation that may be inspiring. There's period-accurate smoking, drinking, and swearing.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about criminals past and present. What drives them to do what they do? Can their past mitigate the damage they cause? How are criminals portrayed in the media? Are they really as evil as they seem? Does the movie glamorize capital punishment or does question its effectiveness? Before the age of MySpace and Match.com, how did confidence men find their marks? Is the world any different now, technology aside? Families can also discuss whether the graphic nature of the movie's crimes diminishes or heightens their effect. Is that much gore necessary?
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