Parents' Guide to

Lucy

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Pulpy, violent sci-fi actioner is entertaining, thoughtful.

Movie R 2014 90 minutes
Lucy Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 14+

Based on 16 parent reviews

Vivia81
Vivia81 Adult
January 16, 2021
age 16+

Entertaining and interesting

I really enjoyed this movie. But it was not something I would feel comfortable watching with my 12 year old daughter. It has a lot of violence, blood and drug references. The story is entertaining and offers some interesting hypothesis about how things might be if we used 100% of our brain capability. but not to be watched with younger kids.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
otcplays
otcplays Adult
October 24, 2020
age 15+

Silly Darwinian Philosophy Theory sold as Science and Truth.

It's insane that our intelligent actors and writers of our day still pawn this evolution philosophy, teaching that endless amounts of time - billions of years - results in natural selection. This dear children, is not science, but an accurate representation of the stupidity of naturalistic philosophy, proving that man has not evolved into someone 'more clever' than predecessors, because our elite educated remain simpletons to this day. Evolution is an old message from the 1800's which today has been proved scientifically impossible due to scientific findings like: irreducible complexity, first and second laws of thermodynamics, and genetic entropy to name just a few. I applaud the fact that the directors did a great job in keeping the fowl language and nudity out.
See all 16 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Lucy (Scarlett Johansson) is a pretty normal young woman, living in Taipei and dating a delivery guy for the local mob. But when she gets roped into delivering a suitcase to the boss, Mr. Jang (Choi Min-sik), she unwittingly becomes a mule for a new kind of drug, carrying it in her stomach cavity. When the bag bursts and the drug is released, Lucy discovers untapped portions of her brain beginning to work. She's suddenly able to see and feel everything. As the drug continues to open up her brain, she begins to be able to move matter. She decides to collect the rest of the drug to buy herself some time and then meet with brain expert Professor Norman (Morgan Freeman) to decide what to do with her knowledge. But Mr. Jang is on her trail.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (16):
Kids say (46):

Scientists have already pointed out that the idea that humans use only 10 percent of the brain is a myth, but that shouldn't detract from the fun of Luc Besson's terrific LUCY. It's a movie that manages to be thoughtful and exciting at the same time. Smarter than Transcendence and more exhilarating than Limitless, Lucy showcases Besson's skill and enthusiasm. His wide frame is filled with colorful cityscapes and a dazzling array of information and input. His jokey little documentary flashbacks broaden the scope, and he crafts slick, clear, superior action sequences.

Yet the movie hinges on Johannson's potent, searching performance, constantly recording the information around her. Her process, moving from struggle to awareness, is highly appealing. (When she pauses to phone her mom, her need is fully apparent.) Then, after all the fighting is done, Lucy leaves mankind with a message of hope. It may be a silly, pulpy "B" movie, but it's a good one.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Lucy's violence. How much was necessary to get across the movie's point? Was it enough? Too much? How did it make you feel?

  • How does the drug smuggling subplot enhance or detract from the movie as a whole?

  • What does the main character learn with her enhanced intellect? What lessons can be taken away from this movie?

  • Is the main character a strong female role model? Why or why not?

  • What scientific concepts did you learn from the movie? What further research would you be interested in doing? Do humans really only use 10 percent of their brain?

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