 | 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. |
Cloak & Dagger
- Review Date: November 14, 2010
- PG
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 1984
Common Sense Media says
Fantasy-adventure is exciting but full of dark mayhem.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film is almost non-stop action, with lots of gunplay, many on-camera killings, and car chases, with two heroic kids frequently placed in dangerous predicaments (careening in cars; stalked, captured, and held hostage; shot at and threatened with bombs). In one scene, a boy is tricked into killing a villain. It's all make-believe, comic book violence, but it might easily be confusing or disturbing to very young viewers.
What's the story?
After the death of his mother, Davey Osborne (Henry Thomas) withdraws into a world of video games and make-believe. His accomplices are a little girl almost his age, a computer nerd, and, most importantly, his imaginary friend, Jack Flack, a daring adventurer who looks exactly like Davey's loving but distant father (Dabney Coleman in a dual role). Davey's fantasies become all too real when he witnesses a startling murder and the dying victim hands him a video game that holds critical government secrets. When the bad guys identify Davey, the chase is on.
Is it any good?
Though CLOAK & DAGGER is flawed, with gaping plot holes, unquestionably violent action sequences, and highly ineffectual adults, kids (especially preteens who have a firm grasp on real versus make-believe violence) will find it appealing. Superheroes have been delighting audiences for generations. They embody all that's good, and they defeat all that's evil.
When the superhero is a normal 11-year-old boy, the audience can identify with him, and he's an even more appealing hero. Davey takes on a gang of evil spies, saves the country, avenges the death of his friend, and teaches his father a thing or two about parenting. For most kids, there's nothing better than that.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about Davey's immersion in video games and role playing. What are the pros and cons of this activity? How much is too much?
Why did the filmmakers use the same actor to play Davey's father and Jack Flack? What did that tell you about Davey's feelings about his dad?
In this movie, the two kids are in great danger, and Davey has to deal with the villains himself. Are you able to distinguish the make-believe violence from movies that portray violence as real? As an audience member, what are some of the ways you know the difference?
There were several shots in the movie of a video game that was popular in 1984. How have video games changed in the years since?
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Kid, 11 years old
December 22, 2012
AGE
good, but violent
this movie is really good and adventurous, but four people die, two good people. the movie has a good message: a boy wants to be a spy, but after he experiences it, he decides he doesn't. he has a make believe friend who is always making him made action hero-like, non-realistic choices. very good spy movie
What other families should know:
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| Topics: | adventures |
| Studio: | Universal Studios |
| Director: | Richard Franklin |
| Cast: | Dabney Coleman, Henry Thomas, Michael Murphy |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 101 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 10, 1984 |
| DVD release date: | November 23, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
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