 | 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. |
Misery
- Review Date: August 28, 2005
- R
- Genre: Thriller
- 1990
Common Sense Media says
A quality film of suspense and manipulation.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie is highly violent. There are continuing acts of torture, repeated graphic and sadistic acts; kidnapping, bondage, broken bones and overall deception. Even mature teenagers may find this film highly upsetting.
What's the story?
Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, MISERY details the unfortunate exploits of a romance novelist (James Caan) and his obsessively sadistic "number one fan," Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates). Upon rescuing the writer from a snowy car crash, Wilkes uses extreme measures to keep the object of her admiration at arm's length.
Is it any good?
Powerfully filmed, Misery grips the audience and presents a fascinating character study in psychosis. The truly in-your-face violence may prove to be too much for many adults and teens alike. Do not let the credits lure you into a false sense of security. Despite the inclusion of seemingly family-friendly names such as Rob Reiner (Stand by Me, The Princess Bride) and Kathy Bates (Fried Green Tomatoes, Primary Colors), you will find no warm fuzzy moments in this film as the story is filled with physical and emotional torture (including one of the most wince-worthy moments of film.
The film presents a sadistic story of manipulation and torture as Annie struggles to preserve her favorite literary character by torturing its creator. Misery reeks with tension and suspense from beginning to end, as the fate of the writer appears darker and darker. Ultimately, the film culminates in a gruesome battle of wits and will. Watch out for the "hobbling" scene). Nonetheless, Misery did bring Bates critical acclaim and her first Oscar. The film also includes charming performances by Richard Farnsworth and Frances Sternhagen as the small-town sheriff and deputy.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how they feel about the violence in the movie. They can also use the movie as a basis for discussing safety and protecting themselves from strangers.
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Teen, 16 years old
March 21, 2011
AGE
Loved it. Very intense and creepy. It does use some language (said and visual), and there is a very painful-looking violent scene. The title of the movie describes it... it is merserable to watch. But that is what makes it so good. recommend entirely.
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Parent of 14 year old
February 18, 2011
AGE
10-13 don't watch alone
I would rate it 12-15. One bit very disturbing (hammer scene), but rest fine, some strong language, and mild drugs
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Adult
November 2, 2010
AGE
Violent but suitable for mature 8 year olds.
Fantastic film, Although there are some scenes of extremely storng violence, I would let a mature 8 year old watch and enjoy this superb film. Entertaining, suspensful and well made.
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Teen, 13 years old
September 28, 2011
AGE
Miserable Misery?
The violence is a little intense and it is obvious why they rated the movie R. There are (overall) 5 to 10 f bombs including the f words written as a joke when Paul was bored. Drug content stands out too, because Paul is being drugged the whole movie by Annie. There is minor sexual content between Buster and his wife, but it is definately not anything more than a moderate level. This movie's good and it's my favorite out of the Stephen King movies.
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Adult
October 12, 2010
AGE
I think any obsessed fan of anything should watch this movie
Pay very close attention to the character Annie Wilkes and think about how much that relates to how you would act if you were to meet an author who did something you weren't necessarily happy with. I love this movie. It's horrifying without having to rely on gore/monsters/anything like that. Instead, the 'monster' is a regular human being. That's just... amazing.
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Teen, 13 years old
October 2, 2009
AGE
it might be named Misery but that doesn't mean u shouldn't watch it!
This movie, I actually liked. If you watch this I would make sure you have a blanket! Ha! Anyway the suspense is awesome. And the actor and actress that play in this movie are incredible. I have to warn you that there is some turture,(to keep the guy there to re-write a book). There is one scene were the Wacky lady figures out that he went out of his room, and, well she broke his feet! The lady is a real wack job. (in case you haven't noticed)lol
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AGE
Age doesn't matter.
I saw this movie when I was twelve, it's totally fine.
I enjoyed it, one of the best scary movies there is :)
You don't need to be sixteen to watch this movie.
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AGE
Age doesn't matter.
I saw this movie when I was twelve, it's totally fine.
I enjoyed it, one of the best scary movies there is :)
You don't need to be sixteen to watch this movie.
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Kid, 12 years old
June 30, 2010
AGE
AWESOMENESS!!!
I absolutely LOVE this movie!!!! The actin was great, the story was great, everything was awesome!! The movie was very suspenseful and frightening. There was blood but it was not randomly placed and used excessively, it was just used for realisticism. I would highly recomend this to everybody!! It definitely made it onto my favorite list.
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Teen, 16 years old
January 9, 2011
AGE
Not for anyone under 13...
It's a great movie, but disturbing because their really are people out there like Annie Wilkes. (Spoiler alert!) The main character is tortured repeatedly. An enraged sociopathic woman drugs a man repeatedly, hammers his ankles to break them, shoots him and shoots and kills another man. A man reads in newspapers that she killed various people--including many newborn babies. The main character plans to kill the woman by poison, then with a knife. She finally is killed (her death is very bloody and gory) by being hit in the head with a typewriter, a paperweight pig and other objects. Before, she had planned to kill the man and herself. The main reason this movie is so horrifying is because the villain is not a monster or a creature, but a human being, and you can often see her different emotions come out.
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| Studio: | Polygram |
| Director: | Rob Reiner |
| Cast: | James Caan, Kathy Bates, Lauren Bacall |
| Genre: | Thriller |
| Run time: | 107 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 30, 1990 |
| DVD release date: | December 22, 1998 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong violence |
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