Tools for this page
Print

Modern Times

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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

    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Families will cherish Chaplin's silent slapstick.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Use of term "darkie" in a song.
  • Violence & scariness:

    None
  • Sexy stuff:

    None
  • Language:

    None
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Cocaine ("nose powder") accidentally ingested by Chaplin
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Modern Times

Parents need to know that this is a silent movie. Children will adore the slapstick in this movie, especially the scenes where Chaplin tries out the feeding machine and when he experiments with roller skates at the department store. Adults may need to read the title cards to younger children and help them follow the story.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the Depression and the concerns about the dehumanizing effect of technology that are a part of this movie. Why did the boss want Chaplin to try the eating machine? What would Frank Gilbreth of "Cheaper By the Dozen" think of the machine? Why did Chaplin want to go back to jail? Why didn't Goddard want to go to jail? Did Chaplin want you to think that prison was like the factory? Better? How can you tell? How did Chaplin and Goddard differ in their reactions to their troubles? High school kids: Why was Chaplin arrested for leading the communist parade? Does that violate the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Modern Times?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    perfect for anyone

    Chaplin was a poet heart,hes movies always will be inspiration for several

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    This is wonderful and hilarious! Charlie Chaplin, 1, Jim Carrey, 0!

    I love this film. One of the greates and funniest and most kid-friendly movies of all time. There's just on problem- getting your kid to watch it because this movie is in black and whit which is frowned upon in modern-day american kids usually. But once they start watching it, they will never stop laughing. Forget Jim Carrey and Tim Allen and all those clowns. Go for Charlie Chaplin and The Marx Brothers and all those guys. They are hilarious. Nothing offensive here at all, just a scene of thwarted prison break, and some gun shooting, oh yes and there's this one time where Charlie accidentally and without knowing it ingests some cocaine, or nose powder. But its wonderful. Force your kids to watch it, if needed. It is hilarious and wonderful entertainment.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    Chaplin always has a good heart and it shows through in his movies.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Book of the Week

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Lips Touch Three Times

    Wildly inventive, wonderful fairy tales for mature teens.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Ni Hao, Kai-Lan: New Year's Celebration

    Virtual Chinese New Year with perfectly designed games.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name