Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Flaws outweigh attributes in violent action-thriller.
Parents Need to Know
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Force of Nature
What's the Story?
In FORCE OF NATURE, a huge Category 5 hurricane approaches Puerto Rico, and local police officer Cardillo (Emile Hirsch) is expecting to work his usual desk job. But he's asked to go with another officer, Jess (Stephanie Cayo), to help make sure the city is evacuated. They answer a call about a man, Griffin (William Catlett), who's buying out the meat counter at a shop. He pleads with the police to let him feed his cat before being arrested, and they comply, learning that there are two people in his apartment building who refuse to leave: ailing ex-cop Ray (Mel Gibson) -- whose nurse daughter, Troy (Kate Bosworth), is trying and failing to coax him out -- and a mysterious elderly man. As the storm ramps up, a band of criminals led by the notorious John the Baptist (David Zayas) shows up, seeking a fortune in stolen Nazi artwork that's stashed in the building.
Is It Any Good?
An odd mix of snappy and silly, of culturally aware and culturally clueless, this thriller may pass muster with a few viewers, but others will likely find it problematic in more ways than one. Directed by indie veteran Michael Polish, Force of Nature is, on the plus side, a compact, tense little B movie, using the storm and its (mostly) lone location to cook up a lightly effective cat-and-mouse game. The prize -- a multimillion-dollar painting -- brings a sense of history/mystery to the proceedings. The movie also shows at least some empathy toward Black character Griffin, acknowledging the evils of prejudice. And Jess, who's Latinx, is an admirable character.
On the other hand, many have taken the movie to task for its naive depiction of heroic White characters (who also happen to be portrayed by two controversial actors) in a movie set in Puerto Rico, with Latinx villains. Moreover, the movie also depicts the cruel treatment of an animal, a big cat that goes largely unseen (perhaps a tiger?), but which is kept in a locked, windowless, dark room. Those things, coupled with moments of sheer disbelief -- one notable line is "those stairs only lead up," and there's some head-spinning dialogue about shooting frozen turkeys -- push Force of Nature just over to the negative side. It's too bad; just a little more forethought might have yielded a fun thriller.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Force of Nature's violence. How did it make you feel? How much is actually shown? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
How does the movie represent various cultures? Are characters three-dimensional? Are there stereotypes? Why are stereotypes harmful?
Is the movie's treatment of the big cat fair, or cruel? Why?
Do you consider Jess a role model? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 26, 2020
- Cast : Emile Hirsch , Mel Gibson , Stephanie Cayo
- Director : Michael Polish
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and pervasive language
- Last updated : January 22, 2022
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