 | 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. |
Jennifer's Body
- Review Date: September 8, 2009
- R
- Genre: Horror
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Glossy teen horror-comedy is full of gore and sex.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that while teens will be clamoring to see this darkly funny horror movie -- which stars Transformers' Megan Fox and was written by Juno's Diablo Cody -- it's full of gory demonic violence, sex (including partial nudity, same-sex kissing, and a pervasive tone of sex as a game, a competition, and even a prelude to murder), constant strong language (from "f--k" to "s--t" and more), teen drinking, and more. Teens who watch expecting an offbeat screwball comedy like Juno will be in for a huge shock. Parents also need to know that this review is for the rated version of the film.
What's the story?
In a small town, Jennifer (Megan Fox) and "Needy" (Amanda Seyfried) are unlikely best friends. Then Jennifer is murdered in a Satanic ritual by a rock band whose members hope that sacrificing her will give them the big break they need. But a flaw in the ceremony -- turns out, when the instructions say "sacrifice a virgin," you can't get away with any substitutions -- means that Jennifer is now posessed by a hungry demonic spirit bent on murder. Can Needy stop her best friend's killing rampage?
Is it any good?
Directed by Karyn Kusama, JENNIFER'S BODY is a sexed-up, glossy take on the traditional high school horror film, with plenty of Diablo Cody's zingy (some would say overly zingy) dialogue to add pep to the proceedings -- plus the presence of pin-up sex symbol Fox as the titular slayer. The movie works as a guilty pleasure thanks to its general air of grisly goofiness. And Seyfried's performance anchors the film in just enough emotional reality to make the film's plot matter.
Kusama's direction may take a backseat to Cody's script, Fox's performance, and the grisly special effects, but the end result is a fun if frightening night out for older teens and 20-somethings. Anyone else will be too removed from high school (or too overwhelmed by the pace and pitch of Cody's dialogue) to be very moved by the stakes and action. Cody's follow-up to Juno won't be another Oscar nominee, but it earns a gory glory all its own.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the film's mingling of sex and violence/death -- why do so many horror films make this link? Does the film use Fox's pin-up girl image for dramatic effect?
What is the movie saying about sexual competetiveness between girls?
Why do these issues get fought out in this way? What motivates girls to
fight, and fight the way they do, in close friendships?Why do you think so many horror films take place in or around high school? What does that say about being a teenager?
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- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
LEAVE IT ALONE until at least age 15
I have only seen the trailer to this movie, and Panic! at the Disco's "New Perspective" music video, which is a song from the movie. It's horrible! A LOT of sexual references, A LOT of violence and gore, and language. Sorry to say, but this was 2 thumbs waayyy down...
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AGE
For 14 and up
It was a Ok movie nothing to brag about but its does have some sexual content and violence and language and i dont recommend any kid 13 and under to watch it.
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AGE
watch if you feel like wasting your money on a crappy terror porn flick
This movie is absolutely terrible. Save your money. Also it's not for kids for obvious reasons. Don't waste your time or money.
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AGE
More Violent Than Saw!
This movie is good. Its very violent, but if you have seen the movie saw, you'd be just fine. She goes around eating people though. ugh
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Kid, 12 years old
October 30, 2011
AGE
Not a life changer, a bit cheesy but overall OK
I'm 12 and I watched this at a sleepover last night. I never once got scared an its a pretty cheesy unrealistic movie. It doesn't really have an R rating, on the package it says 14A. It kinda just exploits the "Sexy girl turned physco" theme. Watch it to pass time, its not a definate skip. Theres a bit of sexual content and a one paticularly long (5 minutes) scene where a boyfriend and girlfriend have sex. Watch around halloween, not a life changing movie, and parents be careful of the sexual content and mild violence
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AGE
I hated this movie!
What an awful movie. I mean, it was just a mess. Lots of blood and inappropriate sexual scenes, including two girls. Story made no sense and it just didn't seem to flow right. Definitely not for kids-maybe 17/18 year olds. Don't waste your time or money.
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AGE
AHHHHHHH! SCARY MOVIE!!!!
this movie is so scary
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Kid, 12 years old
December 26, 2010
AGE
For young teens but not for tweens
I actually I found the violence very how do I put this? I guess cheesy I mean there is strong sexual themes and actions but it isn't that bad. Well the point is I liked it.
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AGE
i saw the previews and am going to see it with my fried
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AGE
SHOULD BE PG-13!
Violent and sexual but not over the top!
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| Studio: | Twentieth Century Fox |
| Director: | Karyn Kusama |
| Cast: | Amanda Seyfried, J.K. Simmons, Megan Fox |
| Genre: | Horror |
| Run time: | 102 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 18, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | December 29, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | sexuality, bloody violence, language and brief drug use |
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