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The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice (NR, 2008)

common sense media says

Third movie in adventure series explores vampirism.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that vampires are the subject matter in this addition to the Librarian series, and the fangs and blood sucking could frighten younger viewers. Flynn falls in love with, and sleeps with, a vampire. Know that this edition of the series is racier than previous installments, with more blood and frightening images. Beware also of messages regarding debauchery in New Orleans -- drinking and sex abound.

Positive messages: Flynn does not set good examples with his behavior. He parties, he has sex with vampires, he's targeted by the mafia. It's all in good fun, but he's still acting in a pretty risky manner.
Violence: Not only do the bad guys use guns, but they employ hand grenades and poison. Lots of guns and gun violence. Frightening vampire bites and zombie chases.
Sex: Flynn is attracted to Simone and her tight, revealing outfit. Simone keeps a key in her garter belt, which she removes, showing a lot of thigh. She jumps on him and they sleep together the night that they meet. People on the street make out explicitly.
Language: Language regarding to violence is disturbing. "Kill him and make it interesting."
Consumerism: New Orleans restaurants and bars.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drinking in excess. All of the main characters drink alcohol (except Judson.) Flynn is forced to drink a hallucinogenic drug that makes him have trippy experiences.
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More on The Librarian: Curse of the Judas Chalice

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the draw of vampires. What makes them attractive? Is the myth intriguing? Or is it how Hollywood has romanticized these bloodsuckers as being sexy and mysterious? Can Flynn trust Simone not to harm him? How do you know who to trust in real life?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Flynn Carson (Noah Wyle) is back in the third installment of the Librarian series, and this time he goes to New Orleans to pursue a mysterious calling. While he's there, he meets a chanteuse named Simone (Stana Katic) who is literally the woman of his dreams. They drink together, dance together, and sleep together before he discovers that she's entangled in the mystery that he's assigned to solve. When he learns that the Russian mafia is following him, and that he's surrounded by vampires, he dodges a couple of assassination attempts and becomes the target in a frightening finale.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Edgier than its predecessors, THE LIBRARIAN: CURSE OF THE JUDAS CHALICE runs smoothly on well traveled tracks. Only this time there is more drinking, drug use, sex, and blood. Flynn is still a likeable goof who's gaining self confidence in his role as the Librarian, and Judson (Bob Newhart) has some ancient secrets of his own. The love interest in this film, Simone, boasts a buxom figure and a strong appetite for love. But the partying and violence in the film are a bit heavy handed for the target age. Flynn's guide to New Orleans boasts that the town is all about "music, booze, food, and women," while calling Flynn's hangover a "badge of honor." There are frightening vampire, zombie, and devil images, which might leave a bad taste in the viewer's mouth. Fans of the series will enjoy this finale, though, as it takes the intellectual-adventure formula about as far as it can go.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Pictures
Director: Jonathan Frakes
Cast: Bob Newhart, Jane Curtin, Noah Wyle
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 90 minutes
Theatrical release: December 7, 2008
DVD release: February 24, 2009
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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