Righteous Kill
Common Sense says
- R
- 2008
- 100 minutes
Parents say
Kids say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that from the very first scene at a police target range to the final sequence in which the killer is revealed, this crime thriller is all about guns, bullets, body count, serial murders, bloody victims, and vigilantism. The killer is on a crusade to administer "justice" in cases in which the legal system has failed. Victims are shot at point-blank range in several sequences, and language is consistently crude and harsh. The limited sexuality between two adults is loveless and highlights "rough" sex. A young woman snorts cocaine in a nightclub bathroom.
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What's the story?
Someone is killing bad guys who've gotten away with high crimes. World-weary, aging detectives Turk (Robert DeNiro) and Rooster (Al Pacino) lead the investigation into the series of vigilante murders. But when the evidence leads to someone within the police ranks, finger-pointing and suspicious behavior set other cops working on a case against one of the two veterans. Events reach their climax when one of the vigilante's victims survives and Turk's lover/police colleague (Carla Gugino) is attacked.
Is it any good?
An overly complex plot, characters who behave illogically, and the hackneyed theme of payback for crimes unpunished spoil the long-awaited pairing of iconic movie stars DeNiro and Pacino. But for some part of RIGHTEOUS KILL, it's worth the effort. Pacino delivers some genuinely funny dialogue, and his performance is winning and relaxed. He's far less intense than he's been in his last few outings. And strong performances from John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg help cover the looming plot holes that eventually can't be ignored.
Unfortunately, as written, DeNiro's character doesn't give the actor an opportunity to plumb the depths he usually finds in his roles. And, overall, Righteous Kill is a violent movie that doesn't live up to audience expectations.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about why movies that show frustrated people taking matters into their own hands appeal to audiences. What's the difference between a superhero punishing criminals and a more realistic movie in which ordinary citizens act as judge and jury? What are the positives of having a judicial system that gives criminals rights to a fair trial, presumption of innocence, and due process? What are the negatives of this system?
Movie details
- In theaters: September 12, 2008
- On DVD or streaming: January 5, 2009
- Cast: Al Pacino, Carla Gugino, Robert De Niro
- Director: John Avnet
- Studio: Overture Films
- Genre: Thriller
- Run time: 100 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence, pervasive language, some sexuality and brief drug use.
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