Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Heartbreaking melodrama is too heavy for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Reservation Road
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When Ethan (Joaquin Phoenix, bearded to mask his boyish face) and Grace (Jennifer Connelly) lose their 10-year-old son in a horrific accident, their anguish seems insurmountable. Meanwhile, the driver, Dwight (Mark Ruffalo), also the father of a 10-year-old boy, battles his guilt even as he covers it up. Eventually, Ethan hires Dwight's law firm to help him track down the killer motorist.
Is It Any Good?
Director Terry George is a master at conveying grief. But while the heart of the story -- how the two men, both caring fathers, drown in their feelings of guilt and anger -- is compelling and well acted, it's disappointing that Reservation Road doesn't delve further into the subtler ways their pain consumes them. Still, regardless of the film's overall merit, be prepared to cry ... a lot.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie portrays the two father characters. Dwight seems like a great dad, but he's only recently gotten overnight visits with his son, and he doesn't turn himself into the police. Ethan is also a loving husband and father, but he allows his grief to turn to an overwhelming need for vengeance. How does the movie focus on the similarities between them? Also, the end of the film may seem unsettling to some audiences. What do you think happens?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 19, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : January 22, 2008
- Cast : Jennifer Connelly , Joaquin Phoenix , Mark Ruffalo
- Director : Terry George
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some disturbing images.
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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