
How to Deter a Robber
By Alistair Lawrence,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Low-budget home-invasion comedy has language, violence.

A Lot or a Little?
What you will—and won't—find in this movie.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
How to Deter a Robber
Community Reviews
There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
HOW TO DETER A ROBBER finds teen couple Madison (Vanessa Marano) and Jimmy (Benjamin Papac) having to deal with a home invasion in a remote town during Christmas.
Is It Any Good?
With the first Home Alone movie rightly regarded as a classic, and its various sequels and reboots suggesting there's always an audience for a Christmas crime caper, it's unsurprising that this film got green-lit. But everything about How to Deter a Robber is so derivative that it offers zero surprises or suspense. Debut writer-director Maria Bissell would've benefitted from spending more time on developing the movie's core group of five characters. In particular, the relationship troubles of Marano's defiant Madison and Abbie Cobb's people-pleasing home invader, Christine, who is the most original voice of the piece but barely utilized.
Likewise, Papac gets one scene to show that there's more to goofy boyfriend Jimmy than meets the eye. But it's quickly forgotten before we return to a comedy-thriller plot that's missing both laughs and excitement. Between its booby-trapped house that fails to spark into life and dialogue that rarely offers more than mundane squabbling between family members, How to Deter a Robber is one of those Christmas presents likely to end up in the returns pile.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in How to Deter a Robber. Did the comedic tone of the movie make the violent scenes less impactful? If so, why? Does exposure to violent media desensitize kids to violence?
Discuss the strong language used. Did it seem necessary or excessive? Was it needed to make the story more realistic?
How was drinking depicted in the movie? Was it glamorized? What were the consequences?
Talk about Madison's relationship with her family. Why did she clash with them? How was growing up difficult for her and what problems did it create?
Discuss how Andy saw the world. How was he different to Madison and how did they learn to communicate? Why is communication such an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters: July 16, 2021
- On DVD or streaming: July 16, 2021
- Cast: Vanessa Marano , Benjamin Papac , Chris Mulkey
- Director: Maria Bissell
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Shout! Factory
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Holidays
- Run time: 85 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 21, 2023
Inclusion information powered by
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
Where to Watch
Our Editors Recommend
Best Holiday Movies for Kids
Unconventional Holiday Movies
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