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Pandorum

(2009, Rated R, Science fiction, Starring Dennis Quaid, Ben Foster, Antje Traue)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 17, age appropriate for kids over 18; suggested age 17.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Relentless, intensely violent sci-fi chiller isn't for kids.

Why We Rated This not for kids

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Despite the movie's unrelenting violence and dark tone, the characters actually behave in an admirable way; characters from different backgrounds team up to strive toward a common good. They choose hope over despair and order over chaos. They show bravery and selflessness (the hero tries to go back to rescue fallen comrades). They also choose not to inflict violence on an alien child.

  • Role models:

    The hero overcomes some initial disorientation and terror to embark upon a dangerous mission that will save the lives of thousands. He sometimes succumbs to anger and frustration -- and has the worst potty mouth in the movie -- but as the story progresses, his bravery and optimism win out.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Sudden attacks occur throughout, complete with stabbings and slashings with sharp instruments. An eyeball is pierced with a needle, and a character's stomach is sliced open, with guts visible. Blood, muck, and slime are plentiful. Since the story takes place mostly in the dark, in twisted, sinister-looking corridors, and using a terrifying array of screeching sound effects, there's a constant state of tension and dread. Characters engage in several lengthy fights, with grabbing, punching, hitting using blunt instruments, and shots from a "non-lethal" wrist ray gun.

  • Sex:

    Not much of an issue. The hero appears wearing only underwear in one scene, and the heroine displays ample cleavage throughout, but there's no nudity and no suggestion of sex.

  • Language:

    Not a constant barrage of foul language, but many uses of "f--king" and "f--k," as well as "s--t," "hell," "damn," "ass," "oh my God," and "goddamn."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not really an issue. A sedative is given to a hysterical character against his will, and other characters are rendered unconscious with knockout gas.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Pandorum

Parents need to know that the intense violence in this dark, scary sci-fi movie is apparent in every scene, even if it's not specifically presented in terms of fighting or gore (though there's plenty of those, too). There's a constant, unrelenting feel of terror, tension, and dread, thanks mainly to the movie's overwhelmingly dark, metallic, deliberately unsettling sets. Alien creatures threaten to jump out from every dark corner, and the soundtrack's alarming use of screeching noises adds to the general unease. Likely it will be too much for most kids to handle. Despite that, and despite the characters' severe trials and tribulations, the movie has a solid ethical core and a generally hopeful outlook. Characters set aside their differences and team up for the greater good, and despite his potty mouth (expect plenty of "f--k"s and more) and initial disorientation, the hero ultimately behaves bravely and selflessly.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the effect of the movie's very intense violence and terror? How does it make you feel? Is it really necessary for the plot?
  • The film's prologue charts the future explosion in the Earth's population and mentions a severe shortage of water and food. What causes overpopulation, and why is it bad? What are some of the ways to curb it?
  • What's the difference between social order and rules and chaos?
  • What would it feel like to be away from your loved ones in deep space?
Tools and tips that can help

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    uytt2
    I rate this title off for age 11 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    rent it

    this movie looked cool in the trailer bu it kind of sucked nobody really acted well and i also didnt get the plot rent it becuse it might scare you at some point

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  2. Adult Reviewer
    Movie Man
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    What Starts Out as an Alien-Esque Sci-Fi Horror Turns Out to Be a Sci-Fi Masterpiece with Novel Twists and Turns!

    I loved this movie; it was fantastic! It was terrifying, action-packed, and the acting was fantastic. And the twists; they blew my mind. I saw a few of them coming, but the big ones were the ones that blew my mind. The final twist made my jaw drop. PARENTS: This is not for kids; it is utterly terrifying and spine-tingling, with a constant sense of doom; there are multiple jump scenes, followed by strong, vicious violence and gore. On a possitive note, the main hero never loses face and pulls through in the end, despite astronomical odds. This is a very scary, well-written, well-acted masterpiece; and the jump scenes will leave you clawing your seats and loved ones and looking around your shoulders continuously. Beware; the good sign of well-made suspense is making the audience know when the jumps are coming, yet the audience jumps anyway. I knew when the jump scenes were coming, yet I jumped out of my seat. Bravo. Thanks for reading - Movie Man

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate
  3. Parent Reviewer
    ShellB
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence

    Good movie, but certainly not for the kiddies.

    I enjoyed this movie, but i wouldn't take my son to see it. Teenagers would probably be ok though. There are some frightning sceens, so judge by your childs maturity level. some 13 and over may be ok with it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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