The Locksmith

Movie review by Monique Jones, Common Sense Media
The Locksmith Movie Poster

Common Sense says

age 15+

Standard thriller hits familiar beats; violence, swearing.

NR 2023 91 minutes
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 2 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Locksmith is a thriller about a man (Ryan Phillippe) who was put in prison by a corrupt cop. After earning his release, he decides to do one last job to help a family friend, but his actions eventually place him back in the detective's crosshairs. There's gun violence (some fatal), fighting, swearing ("f--k," "s--t," "hell," and more), drinking, and cigarette smoking. And while this isn't really a message movie, it does show the value of courage.

Community Reviews

ljhsullivan
ljhsullivan Adult
March 18, 2023
age 15+
Mentions of prostitution and sex sounds can be heard in movie.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Aliciao910
Aliciao910 Adult
February 6, 2023
age 14+

Common sense media failed on the review.

For a film that states no sex nudity However a main theme revolves around call girls and a corrupt cop holding a sex party. Plenty of conversations about working as a call girl. Woman walking by the pool in nothing but a thong. Sort it out common sense media. Not really something I would put in to watch with my teen.

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

THE LOCKSMITH follows Miller Graham (Ryan Phillippe), a man who committed a crime that ended with his friend dead thanks to a corrupt cop (Jeffrey Nordling) and Miller sent to jail for 10 years. After getting released, Miller tries to go on the straight and narrow for his family -- including Beth Fisher (Kate Bosworth), the mother of his daughter. But after his friend's sister, April (Gabriela Quezada), comes to him for help, Miller decides to do one last job to help her.

Is It Any Good?

In many ways, this is your standard thriller about a guy down on his luck who agrees to pursue one last score for noble reasons. You don't really expect The Locksmith to turn the tables on the narrative or bring anything especially inventive to the table. And given that perspective, it's an entertaining movie, even if you already know what will happen.

Phillippe convincingly plays a man whose mistake was exploited by someone powerful and corrupt and who wants to make a fresh start for his family after serving his time. In a supporting role, Ving Rhames tries to bring as much as he can, but ultimately his undefined, underused character ends up as stereotypical fodder for Miller's storyline. Bosworth also feels underused as Beth, Miller's love interest and a local detective. Thankfully, she's not solely defined by her relationship with Miller, but she's also not fleshed out enough to the point that we see her as more than just a stereotypical "tough" female cop who plays by the rules. If you love this type of film, then you'll like The Locksmith. But also don't expect anything out of the ordinary to happen.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Miller's decision-making in The Locksmith. What propels him to involve himself in crime? What are the consequences?

  • How does the violence in this movie compare to what you might see in an action film? Which has a bigger impact on you? Why?

  • How does Miller demonstrate courage? Why is that an important character strength?

  • Did you notice any positive representations in the film? Stereotypes?

Movie Details

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