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The Rundown (PG-13, 2003)

common sense media says

Mildly entertaining action movie with The Rock.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has a lot of "action violence" (non-graphic). Beck makes it clear that he doesn't like guns because he believes he does too much damage with them. He does end up using guns and doing a lot of damage. There is a mild sexual reference and a few bad words. Characters drink and smoke and ingest a hallucinogenic fruit.

Positive role models: Strong minority woman.
Violence: A lot of non-graphic action violence, some characters killed. Characters in peril.
Sex: Mild references, including adultery.
Language: Mild.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drug references, drinking, hallucinogenic fruit.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Rundown

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why Beck does not like guns.

What's the story?

What's the story?
THE RUNDOWN stars World Wrestling Entertainment's The Rock as Beck, an enforcer for a nasty bad guy named Walker. We first meet Beck in an entertaining nightclub brawl when he takes on a football team's entire offensive line to get some collateral on a gambling debt. His next assignment, the action-movie staple last big job that will free him and give him the stake to realize his dream (a restaurant), is to retrieve Walker's son Travis (Seann William Scott) who is off seeking treasure in Brazil. Beck and Travis end up on an Indiana Jones-style quest for a golden idol, fighting both sides in a local rebellion and fending off a pack of amorous monkeys.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The Rundown is a likeable action movie with an almost-loveable star. Director Peter Berg keeps things moving briskly and knows how to show off The Rock's charm as well as his expertise at throwing people around. Berg does not do much with the talented Scott or the beautiful and talented Rosario Dawson who is saddled with a dreary spunky-girl role and an even drearier accent. Christopher Walken brings his usual weird vibe to the role of Hatcher, local oppressor.

Co-produced by the WWE's Vince McMahon, this movie has no aspirations for subtlety or wit, but it's mildly entertaining and, like its heroes, manages to avoid most of the obvious pitfalls.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Universal Pictures
Director: Peter Berg
Cast: Christopher Walken, Dwayne The Rock Johnson, Seann William Scott
Genre: Action/Adventure
Run time: 104 minutes
Theatrical release: September 26, 2003
DVD release: March 23, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: adventure violence and some crude dialogue
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

15

Most useful reviews by all members

Panya
adult
17
 
I was pleasantly surprised
My husband talked me into seeing this in the theater, and I was shocked that I actually liked it. There were lots of laugh-out-loud moments, and the action scenes were really interesting to watch. Not for kids though.
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pitpens9091
adult
 
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sek98
teen, 14 years old
10
 
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this movie!! It was amazing!! It was not only action-packed, but it was hilarious!!! I think that it has a good message also. It only showed a little bit of blood throughout the whole movie. "The Rock" was the perfect actor for the movie. I give this movie an A+++!!!
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ski123
adult
 
This Movie ROCKs!!
The Rundown was awesome!! It was packed with action, but had a good story with it, too. While there was a lot of violence, it only involved shooting and blowing things up. Not much blood was shown. Along with the non-stop action, there was some comedy in this movie, also. I recommend this movie to anyone 13+ years old.
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greenman
teen, 16 years old
 
13+ !!!!!!!
SEXUAL CONTENT: not an issue. VIOLENCE: big. Beck does not want to fight and he cleary states "I do not want to hurt them", (he eventually has to). DRUGS:not an issue. Is a very funny movie but very innapropiate. May be okay for VERY mature 11 year-olds and above.
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Mike123
adult
 
Excellent movie aimed at teenagers. Parents may not be entertained.
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soccer girl7
 
I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was a really good movie. It had a lot of action plus it was really funny. I would reccomend that people who like action see this *movie*
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fritzsky
adult
 
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batman17
adult
13
 
see it
Im getting straight to the point. language not good movie pretty good overall see it.
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