Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, language in Western that never comes to life.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jane Got a Gun
What's the Story?
In the New Mexico territory in 1871, Jane Hammond (Natalie Portman) is in the kitchen when her husband, Bill (Noah Emmerich), arrives home wounded -- he's been shot up by the evil Bishop Boys gang, who've been on their trail for years. Readying for an attack, Jane goes to the only person she knows who can help, gunslinger Dan Frost (Joel Edgerton). Unfortunately, Dan isn't too eager to offer assistance, thanks to his painful history with Jane, but he eventually agrees. As they prepare to face the vicious Bishop gang leader (Ewan McGregor), they share their individual stories, adding up to something closer to the truth. Only one mystery remains: What happened to the child Jane had after Dan left for the war?
Is It Any Good?
This Western doesn't have anything terribly wrong with it -- terrific cast, fine story and acting, appealing scenery -- but somehow it just never sparks to life. Another problem is that the strange title, JANE GOT A GUN (which recalls an Aerosmith song), suggests something rather raucous or even funny, perhaps even a movie about the outlaw Calamity Jane. But instead it's a very serious, rather low-key drama with no special flourishes and nothing out of the ordinary.
The direction by Gavin O'Connor (Miracle, Pride and Glory, Warrior) hints at a sense of duty, an attempt to honor the good and decent people of the old West. This approach might work with a sports movie, but a Western requires another level. The Old West setting involves a struggle between order and chaos, the old and the new. This movie doesn't seem to go beyond its surface story. That said, Portman and Edgerton (who co-wrote the screenplay) are both appealing in their roles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Jane Got a Gun's violence. Is it thrilling or terrifying and gruesome? What are the repercussions of the violence? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Is Jane a strong female role model? Why or why not? Do her actions over the course of the movie change your opinion?
What's appealing/not appealing about the Western genre? How does this one compare to others you may have seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 29, 2016
- On DVD or streaming : April 26, 2016
- Cast : Natalie Portman , Joel Edgerton , Ewan McGregor
- Director : Gavin O'Connor
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : The Weinstein Company
- Genre : Western
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence and some language
- Last updated : November 3, 2020
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