See more movie reviews

The Librarian: Quest for the Spear (NR, 2004)

common sense media says

Brainy Indiana Jones wannabe is a so-so adventure.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has some fun moments that will appeal to kids (especially those into the Indiana Jones movies), although it may be too talky for some. There is some PG-level profanity, violence involving guns, and a rather condescending portrayal of native people.

Positive messages: Portrayal of native people in the Amazon is unrealistic (they speak Portuguese that deep in the Amazon?) and condescending (their native dress, dancing, and adornments are stereotyped).
Violence: The Serpent Brotherhood uses guns to threaten their target. They inject poison into Marshall's neck. They even point guns at monks at a Buddhist temple. Flynn's geeky passes at Nicole provoke her to violence. She slaps him, threatens him with a machete, and tells him, "I hate you so much."
Sex: Flynn does not take a hint easily. He lusts after Nicole, who wears tight clothes. Women are objects of desire.
Language: PG level: "I hate a kiss ass," "don't piss them off," "damned good," "don't screw with me."
Consumerism: The Metropolitan Library and its supposed treasures are touted.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Nicole has a glass of champagne on the airplane.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Librarian: Quest for the Spear

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the movie's presentation of history. Is it realistic? How do you know what is fact and fiction? Have you seen any marvelous things in a museum before? What gives an object power? Is it what it actually is, or what we believe it is?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Following in the footsteps of adventure movies that marry intellectual pursuit and adventure (the Indiana Jones and National Treasure movies come to mind,) THE LIBRARIAN attempts to make a hero out of Flynn Carsen (played by Noah Wyle of E.R..) Flynn is a classic nerd. He lives with his mother (Olympia Dukakis), has 22 college degrees, speaks many languages, and has never had a girlfriend. When he's invited to apply for the position of Librarian at the Metropolitan Library, he proves that he has the intellectual acumen to do the job. What he doesn't realize is that his job is going to change his life. In fact, when the Spear of Destiny is stolen from the library, he is charged with recovering the missing pieces, and saving the entire world from unspeakable evil.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Though Flynn Carsen is a loveable nerd and unlikely hero, his protectors at the Metropolitan Library (played by Bob Newhart and Jane Curtain) have complete faith in him. As he bungles through the jungle, and traipses across the world to save the Spear of Destiny from falling into the hands of the evil former librarian Edward (played by Kyle Mac Laughlin), he falls in love with his bodyguard Nicole (Sonya Walger.) Those viewers who have seen Raiders of the Lost Ark, will recognize similar scenes and eerily comparable musical score. But there is none of that movie's subtlety in this made-for-television facsimile. Some of the historical facts seem muddled, and most of the special effects are unbelievable. But kids will likely enjoy the driving pace of the adventure, though the lengthy getting-to-know-you conversations between Flynn and Nicole might be a drag to younger viewers. To its credit, this movie gives libraries and the people who keep them running their moment in the sun.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Turner Entertainment
Director: Peter Winther
Cast: Kyle MacLachlan, Noah Wyle, Sonya Walger
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 106 minutes
Theatrical release: August 30, 2004
DVD release: August 30, 2005
MPAA Rating: NR
MPAA explanation: Not Rated
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

Review It

 

Review The Librarian: Quest for the Spear

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

Addison1
parent of 7 and 10 year old
9
 
I was surprised at the language used in this movie. It was recommended to me by a friend with kids of a similar age, but there were several times I cringed at the needless language ("I hate a kiss a$$" and "Don't p!ss me off" are a couple of examples). There was a scene where Noah Wyle was in bed, wrapped up in a sheet, which strongly implied that he had been involved with the female lead, Nicole. I liked the strong female character of Nicole, but not enough to let my kids watch the rest of this series.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see The Librarian: Quest for the Spear?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more movies
About our rating system
ON: Content is 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
Our child development rating guidelines