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The Informant!

(2009, Rated R, Comedy, Starring Matt Damon, Scott Bakula, Joel McHale)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Playful tale of corporate misdeeds may interest some teens.

Themes in this movie include:   honesty

Why We Rated This on for Ages 15 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The main character says he wants to expose a huge corporate scandal because he believes it's wrong, but it soon it becomes clear that he has less pure motives for coming forward. The film is based on a true story about an investigation into price-fixing by massive conglomerate Archer Daniels Midland.
  • Role models :

    Mark is an unreliable narrator who may not always be telling the whole truth. His motives for becoming an informant are questionable, and his stories usually paint him as either a hero or victim but never show him doing anything wrong.
  • Violence:

    Some intense arguments.
  • Sex:

    One man crudely discusses a former co-worker and how attractive she was.
  • Language:

    Plenty of swearing, including many uses of "f--k" (some with "mother"), “s--t,” "t-ts," "goddamn," “a--hole,” "damn," "hell," and more.
  • Consumerism:

    Brands mentioned or seen include luxury cars (like Porsche and Ferrari), EconoLodge, and Anheuser Busch.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some adult characters drink -- both socially and at times of crisis.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Informant!

Parents need to know that this engaging Steven Soderbergh comedy received an R rating principally for language. The actual subject matter -- corporate misdeeds -- may only appeal to teens, however, because it stars Matt Damon. The movie is based on a true story and sends some mixed messages about corporate ethics; ethical breaches are treated somewhat lightly, which may make the crimes seem less serious. And the main character isn't exactly a role model himself. That said, teens old enough to understand the movie's tone won't miss the message about the importance of questioning greed and its place in today's society. While there's little sex or violence, you can expect some drinking and plenty of cursing (including "f--k," "s--t," and more), plus frank, sometimes complicated discussions about certain criminal activities.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Mark reveals what he does. Are his true motives clear? Is he ultimately a hero or a villain?

     

  • Why do companies, particiularly large ones, seem unable to prevent breaches in ethics? Is there a general culture of greed that encourages unlawful behavior?

     

  • The movie is based on a true story. Do you think filmmakers changed any of the key facts for the movie? Why would they do that? How could you find out?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 4.0

    My 13 yo son and I both enjoyed it. Hard to follow in spots but intriguing and thought provoking. Definitely promotes message that lying doesn't pay. The extent of Matt Damon's character's mental illness was underplayed compared to the real life story on which it is based.

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Indiana
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Me and my mom just saw it today and it we thought it was a pretty ok movie. Its not ur usual crude comedy movie, it has a lot of smart humor that u have to get in the movie. i got some of the smart jokes in the movie but mostly i was confused on what they were talking about. All u have to worry about in the movie is some of the cussing that is in it. I say its pretty good for teens 14+

  4. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    goog movie to see, not bad for teens

    I too was very suprised that this movie was rated R. It should of been PG-13.Matt Damon did a great job acting, I can't believe it was really him!

  5. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 12 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    the perfect comedy

    This is not an average dumb comedy. This is not similar to one of those dumb Adam Sandler movies. This is an smart, well written, and amazingly acted movie that should be watched by anybody who is tired of these crude comedies coming out year after year. I was kind of surprised that this was given an R becuase I have seen many pg-13 movies that are alot worse than this. See this movie now!

  6. Adult Reviewer
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    The Informant!

    The movie The informant! is a good movie for all ages however, it might not appeal to the younger ones but most likely it will entertain its viewers. The film has thus far gotten positive critic reviews, which ought to be pleasing for the cast and the director. This is the fourth time Damon has worked with Steven Soderbergh, who also directed the Ocean's series. The film is a dark, somewhat satirical comedy about a food company executive that turns whistleblower, and brings down the company exposing their price fixing conspiracies. It looks as though neither Damon nor Soderbergh will need quick payday loans to get good reviews for The Informant!

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    best comedy

    A intellegent comedy that would have gotten a pg rating if they took out a few F bombs. Matt damon is a great actor in this movie. Its probably okay for any 13 year old. It shouldn't have gotten an R.

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