 | 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. |
Catfish
- Review Date: September 13, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Documentary
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Online life docu reels viewers in with suspense, humanity.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this documentary chronicles the friendships that develop between an 8-year-old painter and her Michigan family and the New York City photographer they befriend online. The movie delves into many of the issues intrinsic in Web communities like Facebook: the personas that people present (and how accurate -- or not -- they are), how relationships develop quickly, and how those friendships don't always have the same safety nets that real-life associations do. All of these issues are exceptionally relevant for today's parents and teens, so we recommend watching it together. Anticipate a little swearing, a few steamy text messages (read aloud), and some twists that may prove too heavy for tweens and younger.
What's the story?
In 2007, New York City photographer Yaniv “Nev” Schulman receives a painting in the mail of one of his published pictures. It's by Abby, an 8-year-old girl from Ishpeming, Mich. In no time, they start communicating with each other through their art, sharing photos and paintings -- a friendship that Nev’s brother, Ariel Schulman, and his filmmaker friend, Henry Joost, start documenting with a camera. Soon, Nev becomes Facebook friends with Abby's entire family, including her mother, Angela, and her half-sister, Megan, a stunning 19-year-old dancer to whom Nev quickly grows attached. Through phone calls, text messages, and Facebook, their connection strengthens. Eventually the three New Yorkers decide that it’s time for Nev to meet Megan -- and the rest of the family -- face to face.
Is it any good?
It’s hard to discuss the potency of CATFISH without spoiling it, but suffice it to say that the film manages to illustrate the perils of online relationships without vilifying anyone -- even those who, under other circumstances, might shoulder much of the blame. Despite the movie's frequently grainy, shaky, and off-kilter footage, it manages to move forward with such momentum that we have no other choice but to ride along. And it perfectly captures what it’s like to live and love and learn online.
Yes, some viewers may suspect they know what’s around the bend within the first 20 minutes. And it’s true that the filmmakers, who are also characters in the documentary, at times come off as glib with their banter. But the way the movie twists -- and it may not be the twist you expect -- reveals so much about human nature and how compassion and wisdom lurk in places that you don’t always look. As one character explains when discussing why catfish is kept in the same vats as cod during transit, the catfish keep the cod agile. But just who is the catfish here, and who is the cod?
What families can talk about
Families can talk about online personas. Do they completely capture a person’s character? How can you tell what's true about who a person says they area online?
Are relationships forged online as authentic and full-textured as those formed in real life?
What about the idea of online privacy? How much do you share? How much do you keep private? Parents, talk to your kids about staying safe online.
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Interesting thriller that will interest teens and adults.
MINI REVIEW: I love Catfish, I wish it would have explored Facebook a little more, but other than that, it's fast-paced, interesting, and suspenseful. It's some of the best stuff out there right now! Couldn't have been better for what it was.
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AGE
I hated it
I let my daughter watch is film and she was horrified from the sexual and violent scenes I would ban this film or make it an 18+. I advise you not to watch this film with children or without.
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AGE
I did like this movie. It piled on the suspense but with no violence. It has the message that not everyone is who they say they are and you need to be careful.
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AGE
No need to TALK to your kids about online safety, just have them see "Catfish!"
I saw this film yesterday, and I must say, I was blown away. It presents such a personal, emotional, almost frightening, and TRUE story. If you're worried about your kids online safety habits, just have them watch this brilliant cautionary tale!
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AGE
Catfish is a very important film, and all teens should have to watch it and discuss it with an adult.
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AGE
kinda weird i didn't really like as much as i thought i was going to do but it was ......
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| Studio: | Rogue Pictures |
| Directors: | Ariel Schulman, Henry Joost |
| Cast: | Nev Schulman |
| Genre: | Documentary |
| Run time: | 94 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 17, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | January 4, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some sexual references |
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