Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intriguing but overlong thriller gets pretty violent.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Blackhat
What's the Story?
A power plant explodes off of Hong Kong harbor, cause unknown. Soon after, a hacker infiltrates the New York Stock Exchange, causing a run-up in soy. Are these two events related? If so, how? The FBI wants to find out, and they're teaming up with Chinese operatives to get at the truth. But they're missing one weapon in their arsenal: Nicholas Hathaway (Chris Hemsworth), a former MIT student who ran afoul of the law in his 20s and may now be able to redeem himself by helping Agent Carol Barrett (Viola Davis) and her colleague find the true criminals.
Is It Any Good?
In some ways, BLACKHAT is fascinating, given the international espionage and cyberwarfare that it brings to life on screen. But while the plot and performances are compelling enough, the connections the movie draws are forced, the villain's central motivation strains credulity, and it simply goes on for far too long. Director Michael Mann is known for his stylish thrillers, and this is no exception, but a little more substance and less flash would have made Blackhat a true winner. As it stands, it's forgettable, as well as too violent for younger viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether Nicholas is a hero or a villain, given his criminal past. Can you think of other movie characters who have checkered pasts but are intended to be sympathetic? What makes us like them?
How does the violence in Blackhat compare to what you've seen in other thrillers/action movies? Which scenes had the most impact on you? Why do you think that is?
What's the movie's take on cybercrimes? Do you think dealing with that subject makes the film particularly timely or relevant? Will it eventually make the movie seem dated? Does that matter?
Parents, talk to your teens about how to stay safe on the Internet.
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 16, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : May 12, 2015
- Cast : Chris Hemsworth , Viola Davis , William Mapother
- Director : Michael Mann
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Run time : 135 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some language
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate