Common Sense Media Review
By James Rocchi
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Glossy teen horror-comedy is full of gore and sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jennifer's Body
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 17 parent reviews
Parents say the film elicits mixed reactions with some praising its cleverness, humor, and relatable themes, particularly the portrayal of insecurity among youth, while others criticize it for excessive gore, sexual content, and inappropriate themes for younger audiences. Many recommend it for older teens and adults, highlighting strong performances but cautioning against allowing younger viewers due to its mature content.
- mixed reviews
- clever humor
- strong performances
- caution advised
- not for kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 58 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a blend of comedy and horror, often appreciated for its unique storyline, strong acting, and feminist themes, but it contains significant mature content, including violence, sexual situations, and profanity. While it has attracted a dedicated teen fanbase who find it relatable and entertaining, many reviewers emphasize that it is not suitable for younger viewers, typically recommending it for ages 14 and up.
- strong acting
- feminist themes
- mature content
- not family-friendly
- recommended age 14+
- dedicated fanbase
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In a small town, Jennifer (Megan Fox) and "Needy" (Amanda Seyfried) are unlikely best friends. Then Jennifer is murdered in a Satanic ritual by a rock band whose members hope that sacrificing her will give them the big break they need. But a flaw in the ceremony -- turns out, when the instructions say "sacrifice a virgin," you can't get away with any substitutions -- means that Jennifer is now posessed by a hungry demonic spirit bent on murder. Can Needy stop her best friend's killing rampage?
Is It Any Good?
This is a sexed-up, glossy take on the traditional high school horror film, with plenty of Diablo Cody's zingy (some would say overly zingy) dialogue to add pep to the proceedings. Plus there's the presence of pin-up sex symbol Fox as the titular slayer. The movie works as a guilty pleasure thanks to its general air of grisly goofiness. And Seyfried's performance anchors the film in just enough emotional reality to make the film's plot matter.
Kusama's direction may take a backseat to Cody's script, Fox's performance, and the grisly special effects, but the end result is a fun if frightening night out for older teens and 20-somethings. Anyone else will be too removed from high school (or too overwhelmed by the pace and pitch of Cody's dialogue) to be very moved by the stakes and action. Cody's follow-up to Juno won't be another Oscar nominee, but it earns a gory glory all its own.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's mingling of sex and violence/death -- why do so many horror films make this link? Does the film use Fox's pin-up girl image for dramatic effect?
What is the movie saying about sexual competitiveness between girls? Why do these issues get fought out in this way? What motivates girls to fight, and fight the way they do, in close friendships?
Why do you think so many horror films take place in or around high school? What does that say about being a teenager?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 18, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : December 29, 2009
- Cast : Amanda Seyfried , J.K. Simmons , Megan Fox
- Director : Karyn Kusama
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Horror
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexuality, bloody violence, language and brief drug use
- Last updated : December 28, 2025
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