Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Interesting characters save otherwise violent, vulgar movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Sleepless
What's the Story?
In SLEEPLESS, Las Vegas cop Vincent Downs (Jamie Foxx) is working undercover, posing as a dirty cop and hoping to discover the secret identity of the inside source used by his partner, Sean Cass (Tip "T.I." Harris). The partners steal 25 kilos of cocaine, and their theft results in a shoot-out, with several dead. This brings internal affairs agent Jennifer Bryant (Michelle Monaghan) into the case. Unfortunately, the drugs were being transported by casino boss Stanley Rubino (Dermot Mulroney), for the powerful Novak crime family. Rubino knows that Downs has the drugs, so he kidnaps his 16-year-old son as collateral against their return. Meanwhile, the dangerous Rob Novak (Scoot McNairy) shows up and wants to know what's going on.
Is It Any Good?
Though it suffers from minor plot inconsistencies and some shaky camerawork, this thriller offers a fun, entertaining, "B"-level story; the terrific characters help fill in the blanks. A remake of the 2011 French movie Nuit Blanche, Sleepless (the title doesn't seem to relate to anything) starts with a bang on the streets of Las Vegas, using the nighttime lights and daytime shabbiness for good effect. Then the characters are introduced, each shabby or beaten up or full of a kind of life experience that makes them very interesting.
Foxx's cop must deal with his ex-wife (Gabrielle Union) in matters of their son, as well as a constantly bleeding stab wound. Slick casino boss Rubino has a fascinating rapport with gangste Novak, who's calm yet volatile (with a mysterious, hideous scar on his neck). And Bryant must navigate a world consisting of mostly men; she shows frustration and weariness but also strength. It's these characters who allow us to forgive any dumb trespasses in plot, such as Downs always stopping to change his clothes. Overall, Sleepless isn't particularly memorable, but it's not bad, either.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Sleepless's violence. How did it make you feel? Was it thrilling or hard to watch? How did the filmmakers achieve these effects? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
Why do you think there would be corruption on a police force? What would entice these men and women to become "dirty cops"?
How are drugs used in the story? Are they connected to drug use and/or abuse, or are they used as a prop? How did you feel about this?
How is Agent Bryant depicted? Is she a strong character? Are her struggles and achievements clear? How does she compare to other female cops you've seen in movies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 13, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : April 18, 2017
- Cast : Jamie Foxx , Michelle Monaghan , Scoot McNairy , Tip T.I. Harris
- Director : Baran bo Odar
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Open Road Films
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence and language throughout
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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