Misery (R)

A quality film of suspense and manipulation.

(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

Common Sense rates it
4
Seen the movie? Review it
3681_orig.jpg
Movie details
  • Studio: Polygram
  • Directed By: Rob Reiner
  • Cast: Kathy Bates, James Caan
  • Running Time: 107 minutes
  • Release Date: 11/30/1990
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 12/22/1998
  • Genre: Thriller
  • MPAA Rating: R
  • MPAA Explanation: strong violence

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie is highly violent. There are continuing acts of torture, repeated graphic and sadistic acts; kidnapping, bondage, broken bones and overall deception. Even mature teenagers may find this film highly upsetting.

Families can talk about how they feel about the violence in the movie. They can also use the movie as a basis for discussing safety and protecting themselves from strangers.

Message

Social Behavior:

The sociopathic main character carries out terrifying acts of violence and kidnapping.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

The kidnapper repeatedly drugs her victim.

Violence

The film begins with a terrible car accident and shows the resulting wounds. It revolves around a kidnapping and the ensuing torture.

Sex

Language

Very little profane language, but one obscene finger gesture and several odd euphemisms for swear words.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Kelly Kessler

Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, MISERY details the unfortunate exploits of a romance novelist (James Caan) and his obsessively sadistic "number one fan," Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). Upon rescuing the writer from a snowy car crash, Wilkes uses extreme measures to keep the object of her admiration at arm's length.

Is it any good?

4

Powerfully filmed, Misery grips the audience and presents a fascinating character study in psychosis. The truly in-your-face violence may prove to be too much for many adults and teens alike. Do not let the credits lure you into a false sense of security. Despite the inclusion of seemingly family-friendly names such as Rob Reiner (Stand by Me, The Princess Bride) and Kathy Bates (Fried Green Tomatoes, Primary Colors), you will find no warm fuzzy moments in this film as the story is filled with physical and emotional torture (including one of the most wince-worthy moments of film.

The film presents a sadistic story of manipulation and torture as Annie struggles to preserve her favorite literary character by torturing its creator. Misery reeks with tension and suspense from beginning to end, as the fate of the writer appears darker and darker. Ultimately, the film culminates in a gruesome battle of wits and will. Watch out for the "hobbling" scene). Nonetheless, Misery did bring Bates critical acclaim and her first Oscar. The film also includes charming performances by Richard Farnsworth and Frances Sternhagen as the small-town sheriff and deputy.

Other choices

Support Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is a non-profit and will receive a portion of your purchase from Pricegrabber. Learn more.

Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 8 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/05/08 by nastinessoffeet Kid contributor, age 14

An awesome contrast to stupid gory movies

LOVED IT!! A lot of violence.
5

Posted on 04/04/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 17
5


Posted on 04/03/08 by seabird111 Adult contributor

Great Movie

This movie is absolutely amazing! I could not have enjoyed it any more than I did. It's full of suspense, and you can feel Paul Sheldon's growing agony as you watch the movie. However, it is extremely violent, and I wouldn't recommend it for children under the age of 14. There is a particularly graphic fight scene, involving head-bashings. Plenty of swearing during this part, in which even the completely anti-language Annie Wilkes lets loose verbally. Overall, I'd give this movie 4/4 stars.
5

Posted on 08/10/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

Great Horror Flick for Teens

I was a bit young to watch it, but it's fine for 14 and up, if you like suspense. The humor in this is also great, and only makes the tense scenes scarier. Highly recommended!
5


Posted on 07/09/07 by Captain_Tripps Kid contributor, age 15

Horror Masterpiece

This is a terrific horror/suspense film, but parents should know that it is very intense and there is some very strong language at the end. Probably OK for 15+.
5


Posted on 04/09/07 by LuB Kid contributor, age 12

good

there is nothing in this movie. i mean very slight violence. any one can enjoy this. but beware of the strong violence. the language isnt that bad they say you h*ly m*ther f*cker! about 50 times. and only one scene of a girl sucking a guys uh well you know.
4


Posted on 02/07/07 by bubbo Kid contributor, age 14

Eek!

I'll never look at Kathy Bates the same way again. In this film she gives one of the creepiest and most disturbing performances I have ever watched, as a psychopathic woman who traps a man in her house. Mostly because of her performance this film is very intense and creepy. As far as content goes, this definitely isn't for the kids. Some brief language, also brief but disturbing and gross violence, and just general creepiness. Probably only appropriate for teens and adults.
5


Posted on 10/28/06 by ashgr812 Kid contributor, age 14

Terrific!

This movie is absoulutly amazing! I just finished watching it. It was gross at the end during the fight/death seene. This movie makes me want to go read the book. This is now one of my favorite films. Parents do need to know that there is lots of violence and some cursing.

See all 8 reviews >

Adult Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5


Posted on 04/03/08 by seabird111 Adult contributor

Great Movie

This movie is absolutely amazing! I could not have enjoyed it any more than I did. It's full of suspense, and you can feel Paul Sheldon's growing agony as you watch the movie. However, it is extremely violent, and I wouldn't recommend it for children under the age of 14. There is a particularly graphic fight scene, involving head-bashings. Plenty of swearing during this part, in which even the completely anti-language Annie Wilkes lets loose verbally. Overall, I'd give this movie 4/4 stars.

Kids Reviews

There are 7 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/05/08 by nastinessoffeet Kid contributor, age 14

An awesome contrast to stupid gory movies

LOVED IT!! A lot of violence.
5

Posted on 04/04/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 17
5

Posted on 08/10/07 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 13

Great Horror Flick for Teens

I was a bit young to watch it, but it's fine for 14 and up, if you like suspense. The humor in this is also great, and only makes the tense scenes scarier. Highly recommended!
5


Posted on 07/09/07 by Captain_Tripps Kid contributor, age 15

Horror Masterpiece

This is a terrific horror/suspense film, but parents should know that it is very intense and there is some very strong language at the end. Probably OK for 15+.
5


Posted on 04/09/07 by LuB Kid contributor, age 12

good

there is nothing in this movie. i mean very slight violence. any one can enjoy this. but beware of the strong violence. the language isnt that bad they say you h*ly m*ther f*cker! about 50 times. and only one scene of a girl sucking a guys uh well you know.
4


Posted on 02/07/07 by bubbo Kid contributor, age 14

Eek!

I'll never look at Kathy Bates the same way again. In this film she gives one of the creepiest and most disturbing performances I have ever watched, as a psychopathic woman who traps a man in her house. Mostly because of her performance this film is very intense and creepy. As far as content goes, this definitely isn't for the kids. Some brief language, also brief but disturbing and gross violence, and just general creepiness. Probably only appropriate for teens and adults.
5


Posted on 10/28/06 by ashgr812 Kid contributor, age 14

Terrific!

This movie is absoulutly amazing! I just finished watching it. It was gross at the end during the fight/death seene. This movie makes me want to go read the book. This is now one of my favorite films. Parents do need to know that there is lots of violence and some cursing.
See all 7 kids reviews >
Review It
Who's your favorite TV holiday special character?
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
26%
The Grinch
34%
Frosty the Snowman
11%
Charlie Brown
18%
Shrek
10%
208 votes