Tools for this page
Print

The Boys Are Back

(2009, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Clive Owen, Laura Fraser, Emma Booth)
  • 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 10, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Moving drama about loss, grief may be too heavy for kids.

Themes in this movie include:   family relationships, loss

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The film truthfully portrays mourning, and it’s almost refreshing to see the bumps not completely glossed over. It’s heartening to witness Joe’s efforts at becoming the father he needs to be when he himself is stricken with grief, as well as Harry's and Artie's burgeoning bond. That said, Harry does embrace some traditional opinions about how men and women handle emotions.
  • Role models:

    Joe probably won't win any “best-behaved dad” award -- at least not in the beginning. He drives with his son on his lap (sometimes in the rain), and lets the kids sit on the hood of the car while it’s moving. But it’s all has to be looked at in context: He’s trying to figure his way into a new "normal" now that his wife is gone. And he does find it eventually.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A teen, filled with frustration and anger, throws plates and other dishes to the floor. Later, destructive teens swarm a house and have a party against its residents’ will.
  • Sex:

    A married couple kisses and flirts with each other. A man and a woman get their signals crossed about what's developing between them.
  • Language:

    Regular (though not overly frequent) use of words like "hell," "ass," “bugger,” “bloody,” “sodding,” "oh my God," and, on occasion, “s--t.”
  • Consumerism:

    In some scenes, logos for athletes' sponsors are shown.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Overcome with grief, a man starts drinking too much. In one scene, he grabs an entire bottle of wine and drinks to oblivion.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Boys Are Back

Parents need to know that The Boys Are Back is a moving drama about profound loss experienced by both adults and children -- subject matter that could easily overwhelm younger kids and tweens. A mother’s death is depicted onscreen, as is her family's unraveling soon after she's gone. But though the journey to healing is messy -- a widower makes some questionable parenting choices in the wake of his loss -- healing does happen, and it’s affecting to watch. Expect some swearing ("s--t" is the strongest word used), drinking, and kissing/flirting between adults.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how each family member reacts to their painful loss. Why does Joe turn to alcohol? Why does Artie see-saw between neutrality and rage? How does Harry’s arrival complicate matters?
  • How does the movie portray the father-son relationship? Is that dynamic harder to navigate than other family relationships? Why or why not?

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

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Boys Are Back?
  •  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. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    COOL

    This game is awsome i recomend it 12+, it's a game where you can learn about History after around an hrs play i got stuck into it, it took me 30 mins to get to know the basics, i rate it 20 / 20.00 It doesn't cost much, i got mine at: www.rewards1.com/index.php?referrer_id=1116923 Just make an account and do the offers, it should take 20 mins to get the points to buy the game, it's a trusted website mcaffee knows about this website. And even they support it. What are you waiting for?

  2. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0

    This was a great movie. I enjoyed every minute of it! What made it even cooler was I got this for free at www.rewards1.com/index.php?referrer_id=866002 I also get many more free, and it takes only a few minutes! I was fortunate enough for someone to show it to me, and I couldn't wait to pass it on

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.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • 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.

  • Download This

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

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