Michael Clayton (R, 2007)
common sense media says
Smart, mature legal thriller isn't meant for kids.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that that although teens might be interested in this mature thriller thanks to star George Clooney, it's definitely aimed at adults. Fast-talking and complicated, it deals with complex issues like corporate corruption, toxic consumer products, and legal manipulation. An empty car explodes twice (the first time is a flashforward), and a murder is committed very coldly (by needle, with the killers attacking the victim in his apartment). A woman appears in her bra and slip, with visible cleavage, and a male lawyer undressing (down to his underwear) during a deposition is a significant plot point. Language includes many uses of "f--k," plus other profanity.
Violence:
Michael's car explodes when he's at a distance; he turns to see it (this is a flashforward the first time it occurs, then appears again later). A man is attacked by two others, who drug and kill him, methodically and disturbingly (they inject his foot with poison, wait for him to die, check his pulse, then put his sock and shoe back on).
Sex:
Michael says his brother "knocked up" a waitress. Karen appears in her bra, showing cleavage. Several references to Arthur stripping during a deposition (a sign of his insanity); a grainy video of the event shows him upset and removing his clothes down to his boxers as he declares his love for the deposition witness. Slangy description of Arthur "with [his] d--k hanging out." Arthur describes being in a whorehouse with two prostitutes (he says they were "sucking my d--k," and reports "two Lithuanian mouths on my c--k").
Language:
Lots of angry language, including more than 20 uses of "f--k," plus several uses of "s--t," "hell," and "damn," and fewer of "son of a bitch" and "ass." Occasional slang for genitals ("c--k," "d--k," and "c--t").
Consumerism:
Repeated clips from a promotional film for the film's central fictional company, U/North; fancy cars (Jaguar, BMW).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Several characters smoke cigarettes. Several references to Michael's brother's alcoholism (which adversely affected the restaurant they tried to start); characters drink in bars; Michael drinks several times. Brief glimpse of prescription pills in a medicine cabinet.
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Most useful reviews by all members
ourblackego
adult
adult
Small amount of language... No violence... But adult themed movie... Great Nominted for 5 academy wards in 2007...
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Julie3000x
teen, 18 years old
teen, 18 years old
I liked it but im not sure if other people my age would. Maybe good for older teens though. It wasnt at all violent but there were some f-bombs. Also some sexual slang.
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kslabaugh
adult
adult
it wuz great
ok this was a good movie overall but i thought it was confusing in the begining. it is not that bad (content) i think this movie is more geared tward the older teen and adult audience
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terra100
adult
adult
somewhat boring legal thriller
If you have lots of patience to wait for a longwinded ending with a legal theme, then you'll like this film. Otherwise, you'll fall asleep. This film's acting is just fine but it plays like the TV show "Damages" in a 2-hour format. It does have the final message of the protagonist doing the right thing, which is good.
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Tsion
parent of 15 year old
parent of 15 year old
Gripping and Moving Legal Drama Packs a Punch!
MICHAEL CLAYTON is an extremely intelligent and mature drama/thriller that is a perfect respite from dumb "action" movies that thrive on cheap violence as opposed to genuine thrills. This movie is genuinely gripping, but its engaging thrill emerges from its strong emotional core as opposed to bullets and explosions. It isn't a movie for kids by any stretch, but mature teens and adults will have a great time watching.
The movie follows a "fixer" lawyer named Michael Clayton, who is in charge of burying controversial and possibly illegal behavior of his clients before it hinders their business prospects. When Michael's friend uncovers a conspiracy behind a multi-million dollar lawsuit, Michael is convinced that his friend is only looking for a problem where there isn't one. Soon however, Michael begins to see cracks in his previous vantage point, and the decisions he makes will make all the difference.
The movie isn't for kids at all. It is very mature and adult-oriented, and contains some adult content. The "f" word is used more than 20 times, and other milder language ("s**t", "d**n", and sexual slang) is used almost non-stop. "C**t" is used once early in the film. A man describes being in a "whorehouse" and trying not to "come" as he recieves oral sex from two prostitutes. "D**k" and "c**k" are also used as slang in this scene. The same man strips naked after having an emotional breakdown (nothing shown). A man is assassinated onscreen (poison is injected into his foot after he is knocked unconscious), and another man's car explodes (with the intent of killing him). One character is also a drug addict.
The majority of characters in the movie make very poor decisions (and are thus poor role models), but the overall message of the movie is very inspiring: how a handful of people in a corrupt world have the courage to change their actions and do the right thing. In an age of superficial movies, MICHAEL CLAYTON courageously and inspiringly offers an alternate thriller: one driven by plot and meaning, not bullets.
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robots in disguise
adult
adult
Really confusing movie
Its one of those movies that intrigues you because your so confused. After knowing the whole story I don't want to watch it again because it would probably be boring. But its a good movie to see once as long as you don't mind the language. Definitely not for kids(duh, its rated R) but for older people check it out
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