 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Arlington Road
- Review Date: May 19, 2003
- R
- Genre: Thriller
- 1999
Common Sense Media says
Scary movie about terrorism. Not for kids.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie will give thoughtful teens some things to think about -- balancing the need for security against individual rights, the difficulty of deciding whom to trust, and the factors that lead to hate crimes.
What's the story?
In ARLINGTON ROAD, Jeff Bridges plays Michael Faraday, a professor who specializes in terrorism, still grieving for the loss of his wife, an FBI agent who was killed in a Ruby Ridge-style shootout. He is befriended by a new neighbor, Oliver Lang (Tim Robbins). At first, Lang's family seems like an all-American family straight out of an "Up With People" concert, but Faraday begins to suspect that under their bright smiles and peppy friendship might be something very sinister. Faraday's friends think that he has become a little unhinged from his wife's experience. But as he continues to investigate, he discovers more and more disturbing information about the Langs.
Is it any good?
Arlington Road is a very scary movie about a very scary subject -- terrorism. Indeed, its release was delayed due to concerns about the sensitivity of the material. This movie will give thoughtful teens some things to think about -- balancing the need for security against individual rights, the difficulty of deciding whom to trust, and the factors that lead to hate crimes.
The references to acts of terrorism in the US are so close to reality that they make this thriller more thoughtful than standard films in the genre. The very first image, of a boy walking in an immaculate suburb, bleeding from an accident, sets the stage for the unsettling story, and the ending is not only scary, but hauntingly so.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about balancing the need for security against individual rights, the difficulty of deciding whom to trust, and the factors that lead to hate crimes.
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AGE
Adults or mature teens only - no kids
My son is very mature for age 14 - HE could probably 'handle' it. However, I don't plan to show it to him (we don't even do most PG-13 with him yet!). As stated, it is 'hauntingly' realistic and VERY thought-provoking. It is an intense thriller that can be a real eye-opener for adults. As a former soldier and concscientous conservative patriot, I enjoyed the movie immensely, however, I cannot say that I recommend it for ANY one under the recommended age for Rated-R movies (age 17). The four stars is for adults - children should NOT watch it.
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| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Mark Pellington |
| Cast: | Jeff Bridges, Joan Cusack, Tim Robbins |
| Genre: | Thriller |
| Run time: | 119 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 9, 1999 |
| DVD release date: | December 11, 2001 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | violence and language |
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