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The Dark Knight
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Excellent sequel is much darker, more violent.
updated 06.24.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 14–16
What to watch out for
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Violence :
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Sex :
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About The Dark Knight
Parents need to know that although this sequel to Batman Begins is an excellent movie, it's also much darker and more violent than the first one. Remember: Not all Batmen are created equal. Even though this movie is about a comic-book character, neither it nor its flawed hero and villain are aimed at younger kids or appropriate for them. The film is loaded with intense action, from bombs and bullets to martial-arts fighting and hand-to-hand combat. In addition to the hard-hitting action, expect some drinking and a bit of sexuality. And The Joker's nightmarish appearance has the potential to frighten viewers of all ages. Much of the movie's buzz surrounds actor Heath Ledger's excellent work in that villainous role -- his final completed part before his January 2008 death from an accidental drug overdose.
Read our full review by James Rocchi
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. How does the film differentiate between "good" and "bad" uses of violence? What distinguishes Batman from The Joker? Both are angry and dark; why is one a hero and one a villain? Is the rule of law more important than the rule of force? What does it take to maintain order in the face of those who try to create chaos? Does keeping the public safe from harm justifying curtailing their right to privacy? Families can also discuss the media coverage around Ledger's role in the film. How does a tragedy like his death affect a film's marketing and publicity?
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Our Members Say
See all 150 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
Lives in ConnecticutI rate this title off for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
- Lives in ConnecticutI rate this title off for age 14 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
- Lives in FloridaI rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Negative role models
Excellent film, not suitable for younger kids
The Dark Knight is definitely the best superhero movie made thus far. In my opinion, it dserved the Oscar for Best Picture, even though it wasen't even nominated. This movie is definitely more violent and dark then Batman Begins. Kids aged 11 or over might be OK with most of the film, but they could easily get scared by two instances where the Joker (Heath Ledger) threatens his victims with a knife, and I suggest that parents should cover their kid's eyes (unless their at least 13 or 14) in scnes depicting Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) as Two-Face. Another theme that may disturb people of any age group is when it is discovered that the Joker has planted a bomb in a thug's chest. Their messages in the film are definitely not a good example for younger kids, except one about life not being decided by chance (hence Two-Face's crimes), and another moral about Batman taking the blame for Two-Face's crimes may be questionable to some. The biggest theme which may not show a good example to kids is that in most other superhero films, the messages show that "good triumphs over evil"; this probably isn't implied in The Dark Knight, due to themes of Harvey Dent turning bad for revenge and Batman becoiming a vigilante. As for sexual content, there is absolutely nothing objectionable aside from some kisses and a very mild yet implied scene where a couple has appeared to be undressing (we hardly see anything). As for profanity, Son of a B**** is said once or twice. Along the lines of comparison to other superhero films, The Dark Knight isn't as bad as The Punisher or Watchmen, but is definitely more dark then Spider-Man and Superman. Overall, a must-see film. I rate it as iffy for 11 and up, and suitable for 14 and up.
Lives in IllinoisI rate this title iffy for age 8 and give itMy concerns are:- Excessive violence
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
R I P HEATH LEAGER
great story, amazing acting, and good role models now thats somthing you dont get in an action movie, content wise...scary faces ,dead bodies, violence,and some language... you know regular action movie stuff
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
It's okay... if your kids are at least a pre-teen and aren't queasy
The movie... is just Violent and Dark. Batman's voice sounds deadly, the joker laughs about thousands of people's deaths, and expect enough tons of explosives to prevent a meteor shower from destroying earth. That's not saying it's actually bad. In fact, it's a thrilling movie, and my boys loved it. I just think that it can get very violent.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 91% | of parents say it's too violent |
| 36% | of parents don't think the messages are positive |
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