 | 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. |
Straw Dogs
- Review Date: September 16, 2011
- R
- Genre: Thriller
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Too much violence, not enough character in pointless remake.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this grim remake of the powerful 1971 Sam Peckinpah movie (which starred Dustin Hoffman) has very strong violence, including many gruesome murders, a brutal rape scene, and dead animals. While the original used its edgy content to explore character, the remake is much less subtle, which makes the violence seem intended to be thrilling rather than thought provoking. There aren't any positive messages or role models here; the main character is a passive, ineffectual man whose only way to regain his "manhood" is to defend himself and his wife through violence. There's also frequent strong language ("f--k," "s--t," "p---y," etc.), sexual situations (though no nudity), and lots of drinking (always Budweiser), including one character who's shown to have a drinking problem.
What's the story?
Actress Amy (Kate Bosworth) returns to her small Mississippi hometown with her Hollywood screenwriter husband, David Sumner (James Marsden), so he can work on his new script. They hire Amy's former boyfriend, Charlie (True Blood's Alexander Skarsgard), and his buddies to repair the barn roof ... and so begins a series of subtle psychological games designed to make David look foolish and weak. Eventually, a deadly incident leads up to a violent stand-off, in which David must take up arms to defend his wife and his home.
Is it any good?
Film critic-turned-director Rod Lurie unwisely tries to redo Sam Peckinpah with this incendiary tale. In Peckinpah's hands, the story (which was originally based on a 1969 novel by Gordon M. Williams) was an intensely psychological thriller about perceived masculinity. The remake avoids anything psychological -- or even emotional -- and turns it into a rather empty and soulless revenge thriller. This time the characters don't make much sense, and when they change or snap, it seems too sudden, rather than gradual.
Now we merely have a thoughtless, empty exploration of "what makes a man," all the way down to a bizarre and ill-advised montage mashup of a deer hunt and a rape. But the real point seems to be to see how many gruesome and bloody murders can be crammed into one film. It's vile and pointless. The only saving grace is a terrifying performance by James Woods as a backwoods, alcoholic hillbilly who's pathologically obsessed with defending his daughter's honor.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's violence. What is its purpose? Do you think it's necessary to the story? How does it compare to what you see in horror movies?
How does the movie address the idea of "manhood"? Is it a relevant concept? Does a guy have to act strong or do violent things to be considered a "man"?
Are there any good people in this movie?
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Kid, 11 years old
September 19, 2011
AGE
ok...
the wife is good role model as she manipulates people (some may think this is a bad role model but i do not) i dissagree with the idea that a man must be strong and beefy to be attractive (hard as it may seem i always wanted to be the tall and skinny tipe with a smooth stubbless and thin face and have round glasses) but yes its ok but not for little kids
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AGE
Not bad.
Grrrrr Csm I saw this with my dad and a few friends it ain't even violent at all just a bit of shooting its ok for 5+ bcuz one of the kids brought his 5 yr old brother not bad at all
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AGE
good movie...for adults.
This movie is definitely not for kids. Manhood is a big factor in this movie. Something like 'What makes someone a man' could be discussed. One of the main characters, a women is noticeably not wearing a bra in all of the scenes. She is also raped twice in the same scene by 2 different male characters. One of the male characters also attempts to rape her again in a later scene. Kissing and flirting between a man and a wife. There is an adult character who is mentally challenged who is physically/mentally abused by almost all other characters. He is also in a questionable relationship with a character who is 15 years old, in which she is shown attempting to give him oral sex. Very graphic violence. A police officer is shown being shot with a shotgun. A cat is killed, though the killing is not shown, there is a shot with the cat dead, hanging from a rack in a closet. Tons of swearing, and drinking beer. A great movie for adults who like this genre, but would not at all suggest this movie for families with kids under 17.
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AGE
Really good scary movie, but NOT for kids.
As an adult and someone who likes horror movies, I really enjoyed this movie. It was unlike any other horror movie I've ever seen, and the storyline was very unique. However, it is highly inappropriate and definitely should NOT be shown to children. I chose the rating of off for 14 and under, but personally I wouldn't feel comfortable letting my child watch it unless they were at least 16 or 17. The images in the movie were quite disturbing, and I wouldn't want any of it in my childs head no matter what their age...but you know how teenagers like scary movies.
The violence in this movie is extreme and many parts were too disturbing for me. Sexual content is also a big issue, and the movie even includes more than one graphic scene of rape. Language is, of course, very strong as well! There are also many drinking scenes.
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AGE
Terrifying.
This movie scared me to death. I live in a town just like this; minus the drunks, rape, and bad things. We're a small town with weird traditions. But, the girl gets raped and this bothered me severely. It bothered my mother also. We were jumping at all the random noises and it was a seriously disturbing movie. It gives the message that in order to be a man, you must somehow show your dominance. It also shows that if you wear a tanktop and shorts when going for a jog, that you want other men to stare. Not necessarily. The main female character did undress purposely in front of a window, but the men had no right to do that. I'm 15 and I had nightmares after this movie.. I haven't had nightmares since I was 7. This is a definitely scary movie. Terrifying.
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AGE
Don't Bother not for kids not even for adults
Seriously come on the trailer itself says not to bring your kids. Don't be a bonehead and go see this terrible awful movie
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| Studio: | Screen Gems |
| Director: | Rod Lurie |
| Cast: | Alexander Skarsgard, James Marsden, Kate Bosworth |
| Genre: | Thriller |
| Run time: | 110 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 16, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | December 20, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | strong brutal violence including a sexual attack, menace, some sexual content, and pervasive language |
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