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Parents' Guide to

Dangerous Lies

By Renee Schonfeld, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Uninspired woman-in-jeopardy story has violence, swearing.

Movie NR 2020 96 minutes
Dangerous Lies Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 16+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Dedemy
Dedemy Adult
May 3, 2020
age 18+

This moving is everything wrong with our society, not sure the message they intended to pass; you see your dead boss, instead of calling help/ police immediately you begin to go through his things, you are given an extreme raise, you didn't call immediately to clarify if it was a mistake, you see a dead man with diamonds, you dialogue first then have his body thrown into gabbage after, you man got shot, you kneel crying instead of calling for help, then you have another dialogue with two dead men on the floor. I find the plot slow and wrong, giving 2 stars for the work put into making the movie

Larry Olson
Larry Olson Adult
May 2, 2020
age 18+

Dangerous Lies

This movie was quite intriguing and mysterious with a definite Alfred Hitchcock twist. I think all the negative reviews come because so many movie goers now days only enjoy watching an animated production and can't sink their teeth into a real movie that involves a little thought. Not for children but much better than most movies made today.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Katie (Camila Mendes) and her husband, Adam (Jessie T. Usher) are struggling to make ends meet in DANGEROUS LIES. Adam is a graduate student; Katie works two jobs, but it's still tight. A silver lining in Katie's day job is her wonderful relationship with Leonard (Elliott Gould), an elderly man in her care who appreciates and treasures her. When Katie finds Leonard dead one morning, it sets off a series of events, both good and bad, that will change everything. The sudden appearances of a mysterious realtor and a surprise visit from Leonard's lawyer set the stage for the intrigue that is to come. Leonard's will, naming Katie as his heir, is a shock. Adam's desire for security after a lifetime of poverty sends him in a direction that Katie never expected. Mistakes are made. Fortunes are discovered. Old crimes are unearthed. And, finally, a police detective (Sasha Alexander) begins to suspect both Katie and Adam of betrayal and foul play.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (8 ):

With a story that advertises "Instant Heiress" and Murder, it shouldn't be hard to fire up an audience, but this routine movie with thin characters and a haphazard plot fails to ignite. Predictable elements like hidden treasures (not one, but two), a psychopathic criminal, a suspicious death, and a dogged policewoman don't help. And it's always a good thing when characters are complex, with strengths and flaws, but in Dangerous Lies, it's difficult to root for a main character who does so many dumb things. The character of Katie when we meet her is smart, kind, and loving, but the "smart" simply disappears. Adam, who is introduced as brave and loyal, is the wrong-headed instrument of his own undoing. Mystery and suspense fans should aim higher.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violence in Dangerous Lies. How did the first sequence in the movie set the tone for the violent action that would follow? Why is important to be aware of the impact of media violence on kids?

  • How did Katie's own behavior contribute to her problems? Which decisions did she make that were dangerous and unwise? What were the consequences? Did she ever take responsibility for her mistakes?

  • Sometimes a place or an object can be considered "characters" in a movie or story. How was Leonard's house a "character" in this film? How did the building itself and both the interior and exterior of the house affect the story?

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