Parents' Guide to

Crypto

By Danny Brogan, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Slow cryptocurrency crime-drama has some graphic violence.

Movie R 2019 105 minutes
Crypto Poster Image

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What's the Story?

In CRYPTO, after damaging a potential billion-dollar deal, Wall Street banker Martin (Beau Knapp) is reassigned to his old hometown. There he uncovers a money-laundering scheme involving cryptocurrency. As Martin digs deeper, it's not just his professional life that could be under threat, but the actual lives of his estranged father, Martin Sr. (Kurt Russell), and brother Caleb (Luke Hemsworth).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

John Stalberg Jr.'s crime drama tries to put an energetic spin on the complicated world of cryptocurrency, but it doesn't pay off. It's a brave attempt, as so much of the subject matter revolves around passwords and computer code. But unless you have some existing knowledge of the topic, much of the detail of the various bank transactions goes over your head -- and you certainly won't learn anything about how cryptocurrency works.

The sporadic action sequences feel like forced jolts to maintain viewers' attention rather than being integral to the story. Audiences will be disappointed to find that Russell barely appears -- and when he does, his presence only acts as a reminder of the mediocrity of the rest of the movie. Crypto consists of a number of twists and turns. But they're either obvious or so awkwardly done that they feel implausible. Interesting subject matter, but badly executed.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Crypto. How did it affect you? Did it feel vital to the story?

  • What do you understand about cryptocurrency?

  • What character strengths does Martin demonstrate? Why are these important?

  • Discuss the relationship between Martin and Caleb. How did they resolve their differences? Can you think of any other examples of when communication has resolved a conflict?

Movie Details

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