Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fast-paced thriller is high on action, lighter on emotion.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Spectre
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the movie features a mix of opinions, with some finding it thrilling while others criticize its intense violence and dark themes, which may not be suitable for younger viewers. Many reviews reflect disappointment in the execution and character portrayals, suggesting that while the film still retains some classic Bond elements, it is not as enjoyable or appealing for children or fans of the franchise as previous installments.
- mixed reviews
- intense violence
- not for children
- disappointing execution
- classic bond elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 53 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie features intense action and violence, with some reviewers noting that it may not be suitable for younger audiences due to graphic scenes. While fans appreciated the thrilling sequences and Daniel Craig's performance, many felt that it doesn't quite live up to previous installments, particularly in comparison to a prior film in the franchise.
- intense action
- unsuitable for young
- graphic scenes
- comparison to previous
- strong performance
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SPECTRE -- the 24th installment of the James Bond franchise, Daniel Craig reprises his role as Agent 007. This time, Bond is seeking to avenge the death of his mentor, the former M (Judi Dench), whose death Bond still can't shake. His nemesis (Christoph Waltz) this time around appears to be the head of a criminal organization called Spectre, with whom Bond shares a past. Meanwhile, the new M (Ralph Fiennes) is fighting against an MI6 top gun who wants to scrape the entire double-0 enterprise. To get to his enemies, Bond decides to reach out to the daughter (Lea Seydoux) of another baddie -- but she may actually wind up having more of an influence on him.
Is It Any Good?
Time and again, the folks behind the Bond franchise prove they can put together a fine cast and (to crib from another franchise) fast and furious action. This time, Seydoux and the brilliant Waltz are added to a proven mix that includes Ben Whishaw and Naomie Harris (as quartermaster Q and Moneypenny, respectively). And the many action sequences offer plenty of thrills, which almost justify the movie's overlong run time. (The opening sequence is vintage brilliant Bond.) Seydoux and Craig have great chemistry, and she gets a little bit, though not much, more to do here than Bond women of yore. Is Spectre as good as its immediate predecessor, Skyfall, which was much more emotional in many ways? Not quite, but it's still plenty of fun.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Spectre/the James Bond franchise. How does the violence in the more recent movies compare to the older ones? What's the impact of media violence on kids?
What makes James Bond "cool"? Is it his skills? His attitude? Do you consider him a role model? What makes him so appealing (and enduring) in general? How different is he from the villains in his movies? How similar?
Is the Bond franchise still relevant for today's sensibilities? How has it changed to keep up with the times?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 6, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : February 9, 2016
- Cast : Daniel Craig , Christoph Waltz , Ralph Fiennes
- Director : Sam Mendes
- Studio : Columbia Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Run time : 150 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : intense sequences of action and violence, some disturbing images, sensuality and language
- Award : Academy Award
- Last updated : February 13, 2026
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