Shooting Sizemore

Review

Common Sense Media says

Gritty, post-rehab reality show isn't for kids.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this "celebreality" series follows actor Tom Sizemore as he re-enters the world post-rehab, appeals a domestic battery conviction, and attempts to restart his film career -- not exactly fluffy TV topics. The show also incorporates video footage shot by Sizemore while he was in a crystal meth- and heroin-induced fog. Overall, this is startling stuff, and definitely not for young kids.

  • Positive messages0
    Sends the message that drug abuse ruins lives and that itit can be really hard to start over once you get sober. Sizemore is hardly a poster child for past good behavior, though his attempts to move on show some positive change.
  • Violence3
    Sizemore rages at the camera in the footage he shot while on drugs. Since he's appealing a domestic battery charge, there's detailed, graphic talk of what he's been accused of.
  • Sex0
    Not applicable.
  • Language3
    "F--k" is bleeped out; milder words clear the censors.
  • Consumerism0
    Not applicable.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking4
    Sizemore is a former drug addict, and there are a lot of drug references, as well as video footage that he shot while under the influence of crystal meth and heroin.
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What's the story?

In SHOOTING SIZEMORE, cameras follow actor Tom Sizemore as he attempts to rebuild his life after being convicted of domestic battery and forced to enter a drug rehab program. After starting a relationship with former "Hollywood madam" Heidi Fleiss, Sizemore -- who has appeared in movies like Black Hawk Down and Pearl Harbor -- became addicted to crystal meth and heroin, filed for bankruptcy and was charged with physically assaulting Fleiss. Sizemore was sentenced to 17 months in jail and a stint in rehab. With the help of his personal assistant, Luree, and his "sober companion" Byron, Sizemore testifies in court and deals with finding a place to live, but viewers will also see snippets of footage that Sizemore shot when he was descending into drug abuse, many of which take the form of rants directed at the camera.

Is it any good?

 

Sizemore's descent is eye-opening. He routinely states that he worked very hard to find success in Hollywood and appears almost surprised at how easily he ruined his career. The soliloquies from his drug-fueled days are harrowing, and it's sad to see him have to start over from scratch. Though it's arguable that giving him is own reality show is quite a helping hand, Sizemore comes across as a determined person eager to put his life back together. The themes and mature content make this one for older teens only; even then, parents might want to watch with their kids to answer questions and put Sizemore's struggles in context.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about drug abuse. Why do people take drugs when they know they can be addictive and harmful? What makes someone an addict? What happens in rehab? How does drug abuse affect those close to the abuser? What messages does the show send about drug abuse and addiction? What do you think might have happened to Sizemore if he wasn't famous?

This review was written by Lucy Maher

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This review was written by Lucy Maher
TV rating:TV-14
Network:VH1
Cast:Tom Sizemore
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 

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About our rating system
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.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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