 | 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. |
Shooter
- Review Date: June 25, 2007
- R
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Gory vigilante political thriller for adults only.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this mature, graphically violent political thriller about vigilante justice includes shots of men being shot in the head, with their brains and blood flying everywhere. One man kills himself, and there are two images of characters being tortured. There are also photos of people buried in a mass grave, and it's implied that the central female character has been tortured and raped. The movie's extensive discussion of political corruption might confuse and/or disturb kids (even teens). Overall, there's no attempt at diplomacy, and violence is shown as the only option.
What's the story?
Mark Wahlberg stars as Bob Lee Swagger, a government-trained sniper with a keen eye for accuracy and a long memory. Destroyed by the fact that the government left him behind in Ethiopia and by his best friend's death in a gun fight, Swagger has retired into the far reaches of the mountains. But then Colonel Isaac Johnson (Danny Glover) comes calling, asking Swagger to defend his country from an imminent presidential assassination. Soon, Swagger is consulting on how a marksman would shoot the president -- only to be shot twice himself and then accused of the attempted assassination. Along the way, FBI agent Nick Memphis (Michael Pena) starts to unravel the weak case against Swagger, and eventually the pair find themselves facing down the U.S. military. But can they stop the bad guys and get justice for the people unfairly killed in Africa?
Is it any good?
With a name like SHOOTER, you wouldn't expect this political thriller to be sedate and dignified. But you also might not anticipate the extent and graphicness of the movie's violence -- or its unrelentingly depressing message. Over-the-top violence aside, Shooter is determined to sell viewers on the belief that the U.S. government is rotten to the core. By the time Senator Charles F. Meachum (Ned Beatty) says "There's always a confused soul who thinks one man can make a difference, and you have to kill him to convince him otherwise," viewers aren't surprised -- they're nauseated.
That's not to say there aren't fun things about Shooter. It's like a combination of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, MacGyver, Syriana, and Rambo. People who love shoot-em-ups, explosions, and car crashes will be in heaven (no pun intended). And Pena is a standout as the sharp-minded recent academy graduate. He provides the heart in this otherwise bloody-but-heartless film.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about why these sorts of violent movies are appealing. After a movie like this, how do you feel? Do you feel more or less safe in the world? Is the violence necessary to convey the movie's message? Why or why not? Families can also discuss how to react when you're unhappy about how the government is acting. If you believe, as Bob does, that the government is corrupt, how do you deal with that? What are the options? What do you think of Bob's choice?
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AGE
very good for you action lovers lots of shooting watch it its worth it trust me 12 and over for the violence
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AGE
Geared toward adult audience
I don't recall Bob engaging in theft. He offers cash after knocking out the lights at the convenience store. The hardware/outfitter items are purchased.
I don't recall Bob knifing several men.
He is a sniper, therefore when he shoots, he aims to kill (one shot, one kill). Head shots are preferred.
Individuals within multiple government agencies are shown as rogue, corrupt, with their own agenda. There is no implication from the plot line that the government as a whole is corrupt and manipulative. In fact, the character that espouses that point of view and vocalizes it is shown as "a bad guy", and ends up getting his "just reward". Additionally, the conspiracy theory spouting "expert" comes off as an eccentric who may have some issues with dementia.
The FBI DOES NOT torture anyone. The implication is that "contractors" are the ones who torture Bob''s Che t-shirt wearing cohort.
Those who seek to manipulate the system and abuse others are harshly punished.
Those who are uniquely qualified to administer justice take the responsibility to get involved and see things through in spite of great personal risk to life and limb.
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AGE
High on violence, higher on good messages.
A great movie. REALLY violent though. Lots of blood and gore. Lots of bad language including f--k and some variations of it.
However, Bob Lee proves to be a positive role model underneath the sniper that he is. His message, plain and simple, is to never give up, and ally who you can and who trusts you. If your child wants to see this movie, discuss with him or her at the end. Find what the child learned. It really is a good movie. Worth buying the first time. Thanks!
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AGE
GREAT FOR OLDER KIDS AND ADULTS WHO LIKE ACTION MOVIES
Love the movie, great acting!!!!!
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AGE
A very good movie with lots of glory action but it's not a 2 star movie or not for kids rating.
THEY NEED TO RE-RATE THIS
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AGE
A Graphic Movie,But You Will Always Want To Watch It Over And Over Again...
Shooter,A Satisfying,And Gory Action Movie,Like The Expendables.Eventhough The Main Problem In The Movie Is The Gory Violence,But Also The Language Can Be Raunchy Also.Also The Movie Is Rated R For Mainly Violence,It Still Can Have Some Graphic Scenes,For Example Heads Getting Blown To Pieces.But This Movie Will Want You To Watch It More,And More.That Is Why In My Opinion,Is Preferred For Adults 15 And Up.
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AGE
this is my favorite movie...some graphic head shots...they all drop the f-bomb sometimes...but in the end it all comes down to...he never gives up, the bad guys dont win, and sarah fenn is assuminglly not a widow any more...justice doesn't suit this situation...and the Government gets screwed over which is the way it should be...i love this movie
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AGE
Very Exciting movie!
When i watched this movie I was definetly intersted the whole time! There was never really a dull moment and the movie was not difficult to understand which is what i like! Also I enjoyed the main plot of the story because it had a lot of action throughout the movie, not just in one particular part.Overall this is a great movie for older audiences.
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AGE
It's not the most intelligent film out there, but Shooter is still a whole lot of fun. It's very entertaining throughout and full of amazing action sequences. Just turn off your brain and have fun with it.
As far as content goes, there are a couple of f-words...probably around 8. The violence is very bloody but brief for the most part.
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AGE
Great
A nice action film with an important message
the violence is pretty standard except it's frightening when one of the henchmens arm gets blown off. The torture scene is brief but also threatful. You should consider watching this film first and then decide is it okay for 15+. If it is feel free your kids to enjoy it
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Antoine Fuqua |
| Cast: | Danny Glover, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Pena |
| Genre: | Action/Adventure |
| Run time: | 124 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 23, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | June 26, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong graphic violence and some language. |
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