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Reservation Road

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Heartbreaking melodrama is too heavy for kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Dwight leaves the scene of his crime and doesn't turn himself in; Ethan fuels his grief with thoughts of revenge, which lead him to attempt murder.

  • Violence:

    Extremely disturbing image of a dead child face down in the street. Two men have a violent confrontation at gunpoint; a grieving mom screams and sobs, as does a little girl.

  • Sex:

    Grace and Ethan kiss and start to fool around in bed; they embrace in several scenes.

  • Language:

    Grief and anger are expressed in strong language: "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," "hell" "goddamn," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Boston Red Sox memorabilia and clothes, Mrs. Meyer's soap, Ford Explorer, Volvo, Toyota Prius.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Depressed, Dwight drinks beer and hard liquor in a few scenes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Reservation Road

Parents need to know that this serious melodrama centers on the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident that kills a 10-year-old boy. His parents grieve in a realistic, disturbing-to-watch manner, and the child's lifeless body is shown on the road at least three times. The man responsible for the accident also grieves -- at some points by drinking heavily -- as he comes to grips with what he has done. There's also a confrontation at gunpoint between the two protagonists. With such upsetting themes (as well as strong language, including "f--k"), the film is iffy for kids and young teens.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the movie portrays the two father characters. Dwight seems like a great dad, but he's only recently gotten overnight visits with his son, and he doesn't turn himself into the police. Ethan is also a loving husband and father, but he allows his grief to turn to an overwhelming need for vengeance. How does the movie focus on the similarities between them? Also, the end of the film may seem unsettling to some audiences. What do you think happens?
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