Arlington Road (R, 1999)

common sense media says

Scary movie about terrorism. Not for kids.


parents & educators 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.

Positive messages: Issue of hate groups
Violence: Very intense
Sex: Mild
Language: The usual four letter words
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking

More on Arlington Road

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Mark Pellington
Cast: Jeff Bridges, Joan Cusack, Tim Robbins
Genre: Thriller
Run time: 119 minutes
Theatrical release: July 9, 1999
DVD release: December 11, 2001
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: violence and language

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

streborkb
parent of 12 and 15 year old
 
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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ON: Content is 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