Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ambitious, bloody crime drama discusses nature of violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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5lbs of Pressure
What's the Story?
In 5LBS OF PRESSURE, Adam (Luke Evans) is released from prison on parole after serving 16 years for a murder conviction. He wants very much to start fresh, so he finds a place to live and a job as a bartender and begins trying to make contact with his teen son, Jimmy (Rudy Pankow), whom he hasn't seen since infancy. Adam's estranged wife, Donna (Stephanie Leonidas), isn't very excited about a reunion. Meanwhile, the brother of Adam's victim, Eli (Zac Adams), is angry about the news of Adam's release. Eli occasionally does drug deals with his pal Mike (Rory Culkin), who works for his sadistic, abusive Uncle Leff (Alex Pettyfer). Little does Eli know that Mike is having an affair with his girlfriend, Lori (Savannah Steyn), and that they're planning to leave town. All these threads converge one fateful night in Adam's bar, and nothing will be the same again.
Is It Any Good?
This ambitious multi-character crime drama with strong messages about the nature of violence often bites off more than it can chew, but enough of it works to make it worth watching. Written and directed by Phil Allocco, 5lbs of Pressure—the title is a reference to the force required to squeeze a trigger—is likely a low-budget affair, and it sometimes feels like it's been forced to take shortcuts, especially as it hurtles toward its solemn ending.
But it's wise enough and heartfelt enough to spend some time setting up its characters and a complex situation that involves violence and its opposing responses, revenge and forgiveness. Adam and Mike blunder through life the best they can, trying but often failing and sometimes making wrong choices. Yet their behaviors feel organic, springing from the characters themselves rather than from the filmmakers' mistakes. Meanwhile, Allocco is confident enough to handle the intertwining plot threads deftly and clearly, leading up to a sad, vicious-cycle climax. 5lbs of Pressure may feel a little lacking at times, but its good intentions and ambitious execution put it over the top.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about 5lbs of Pressure's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it exciting? Shocking? What did the movie show or not show to achieve this effect? Why is that important?
At the end, a character says "when the powerless get hold of something as powerful as a gun, violence is inevitable." What does that mean?
What is the nature of revenge? Can it be satisfying? Why? Can it ever truly solve a problem?
How are drug use, drinking, and smoking depicted? Are they glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
Do you think Adam has a right to get to know his son? Does Jimmy have a right to get to know his father? Who gets to decide, and why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 8, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : March 8, 2024
- Cast : Luke Evans , Rory Culkin , Alex Pettyfer
- Director : Phil Allocco
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 109 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : drug use, violence, pervasive language and some sexual material
- Last updated : March 15, 2024
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