 | 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. |
Death Sentence
- Review Date: January 7, 2008
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Vigilante justice turns ugly and painful. No kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this revenge drama/thriller isn't for kids in any way. Following the transformation of an orderly, mild-mannered insurance executive into a brutal killer, the film is basically a series of violent acts, each one payback for the one that preceded it. Bloody violence includes shooting, stabbing, fighting, and car chases and crashes. In one scene, a young man enters a motel room with a prostitute hired by his brother (but nothing explicit is shown). There are references to drug trade and use, as well as some smoking and drinking and lots of language, particularly "f--k."
What's the story?
When his son is randomly killed by gang members and the D.A. can't convict the culprits, insurance exec Nick Hume (Kevin Bacon) turns vigilante. Killing the shooter only makes things worse, and Nick's action leads to more revenge attacks, each bloodier than the one before. Inevitably, the violence affects Nick's wife, Helen (Kelly Preston), and his younger, traumatized son (Jordan Garrett). Nick hones his attack skills, receiving little help from local cops. Though Detective Wallis (Aisha Tyler) means well, but she can't control or support Nick's increasingly uncontrollable and violent assaults.
Is it any good?
Scripted by Death Wish writer Brian Garfield,James Wan's movie is smart enough about its generic limits: The violence is ragingly B, and the cops always steps behind. While the film resembles Taxi Driver, this "new" vigilante movie offers a different anti-hero. Here it's not the loner or the outsider who seeks redress by insane means, it's the family man, the guy who loses hope in the very system he's always trusted.
When Nick meets another father, a gun salesman named Bones (John Goodman), he's briefly appalled by the man's complete rejection of a monstrous son. But by this time Nick's own morality is so skewed and incoherent that he only nods at his new friend, eyes hard and jaw jutting, the low angle making you wonder which dad is the baddest.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the film's messages about both family and revenge. How does vengeance become a way of showing loyalty in this movie? Does the movie support or argue against that idea? How? Do you think any of the violence is justified? Why or why not? Is violence ever the right response to a wrong done against someone? Why do we see so much of that in the movies?
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AGE
Decent Revenge Flick For Mature Audiences
Of a similar nature to "Death Wish" but updated and more thoughtful, stressing the "happy family" disrupted by violence. I watched the unrated DVD version and it contained a fair degree of graphic violence. Well done overall, the language is coarse but it is used to establish credible bad guys. At times heartbreaking and at times cringe worthy. I enjoyed the movie, but...(SPOILER ALERT!!) not for the crowd that needs a tidy, neatly wrapped happy ending. I would allow my teens to watch it but definitely not my younger children. It is a movie with an adult subject and aimed at adults, particularly parents.
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AGE
I thing was f--kin' terrible
This Movie wasn't even a B-Movie it semmed more like a Q-Movie. The movie had many uncessary moments or random acts. The movie was so tranparent, and a story line so played out I felt like getting vengance on the stupid crew. Don't waste your hard earned money and time on the movie that was on the silverscreen for <1week. But I wish the best to Kevin Beacon and Goodman hope they walked away from that smulldering heap of crap with a load of cash. But on the bright side go visit Cannada and all its 10 actors. I'm gettin' my money back for the first time EVER.
From-LLamaboy
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AGE
Revenge flick, not so bad
Death sentence is a simple story. the violence in some scences is bloody and intense. this violence is typical for a revenge flick. the language in some spots is very pervasive, but this language is acceptable at the time they say it. Overall, this movie wasn't that bad, parents, let your kids see it.
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AGE
If you don't mind violence and extreme language you'll love this movie!
This movie was very violent. I did like it but I do not think it is appropriate for kids. Also I want you all to know wee have a special dvd player that takes out all the bad language. No so much gore but very violent. People are stabed and sliced with knives and swords. There are many shootings. People get shot in the head chest and much blood is shown. A mans leg is blown off. As for the language. Not a minute passed without f*ck being said at least twice. Over 100 uses of f*ck and its other combinations such as pairings with mother, ing, and er. g**d*mn is said close to at least five times. Then many other milder words such as sh*t, d*mn, h*ll, p*ss, *ssh*le, and just *ss, and sexual words. On that note. There is no acctual sexual content other then a few words said about it. The main plot is about a man getting revenge for his sons murder so some may find his revenge and the message behind that offensive. Although I think people should be more worried about the language and violence.
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AGE
An excellent and powerful movie
A great movie.*****
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| Studio: | Fox Atomic |
| Director: | James Wan |
| Cast: | Garrett Hedlun, Kelly Preston, Kevin Bacon |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 119 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 31, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | January 8, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong bloody brutal violence and pervasive language. |
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