Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Small-town indie crime comedy is short on laughs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Live Free or Die
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A petty criminal with the undeserved rep of a hardened convict, Rugged (Aaron Stanford, best known as X2's Pyro) chokes during jobs and basically meanders around looking for easy money. After teaming up with Lagrand (Paul Schneider), who runs the local storage lot, Rugged tries to prove he's worth hiring as head of security by picking fights with muscular galoots at the local bar. When Rugged is connected to three deaths, a robbery, and an ongoing scam that he did not commit, chooses not to set the record straight.
Is It Any Good?
Gregg Kavet and Andy Robin both wrote for Seinfeld, so it's particularly baffling that their joint feature debut is underwhelming and only occasionally funny. An indie production that won a competition award at the 2007 SXSW Film festival, LIVE FREE OR DIE starts off slow and doesn't gain momentum for a full 40 minutes. The title -- taken from the New Hampshire state motto -- is an explanation of sorts for what happens to the story's antihero, Rugged.
The one bright spot in an otherwise forgettable flick is Zooey Deschanel, who has been a charming and mostly underutilized talent since Almost Famous. Here she stands out as Lagrand's put-upon sister, Cheryl, who can't figure out why her brother is such a dolt. When she rolls her eyes in frustration at the idiocy surrounding her, viewers know exactly how she feels.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it saying about reputations? Should you believe everything you hear about people -- whether in real life or in the media? What makes someone "infamous" to begin with? Families can also discuss who this movie is aimed at -- or who they think it's aimed at, based on the content. Do things like strong language and an R rating make a movie more or less appealing for teen audiences? Why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 29, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : July 24, 2007
- Cast : Aaron Stanford , Kevin Dunn , Zooey Deschanel
- Directors : Andy Robin , Gregg Kavet
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : THINKFilm
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language including sex references.
- Last updated : August 1, 2024
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