Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rotten thriller about sex, violence, and obsession.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Where to Watch
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The Boy Next Door
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a mixed experience, with some praising the tension and Jennifer Lopez's performance, while others criticize its problematic themes, excessive violence, and explicit content. Many reviewers found it entertaining despite its flaws, though they recommend it for mature audiences only due to its graphic nature.
- entertaining performance
- mature content
- excessive violence
- problematic themes
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
High school teacher literature teacher Claire Peterson (Jennifer Lopez) has been raising her teenage son, Kevin (Ian Nelson), on her own since her husband (John Corbett) left her for a younger woman. Then a hunky young neighbor, Noah (Ryan Guzman), who says he's "almost 20," moves in next door to take care of his uncle. One night, Noah seduces the sexy, lonely Claire, even though she knows it's wrong. Afterward, Noah becomes obsessed with her. First he threatens her reputation and her job, and before long he starts manipulating her family. But when Claire's husband makes an attempt to reconcile with her, Noah begins to show homicidal tendencies.
Is It Any Good?
Director Rob Cohen has made some terrible films, and this one is no exception. Not one thing about THE BOY NEXT DOOR is even remotely credible, much less suspenseful. Characters never once behave as a human being might behave in a similar situation; they're each written and directed to move the plot. A character can turn from respectful and loving to hateful and accusing just because the plot calls for it, not because it feels like an organic, emotional change.
As a result, the movie feels like it's filled with awful performances, not least of which is Guzman (from the Step Up movies). Lopez comes out the best, which isn't saying much. Mainly she's posed wearing flattering outfits and flaunting soft hair. The "deceptively charming neighbor" plot is used quite often in thrillers; a movie like The Guest shows how it can work, but THE BOY NEXT DOOR is one of the worst examples (only slightly better than No Good Deed).
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about The Boy Next Door's violence. How much of it is directed at women? What attitude does the movie have toward women? Is the violence meant to be thrilling?
How much sex is shown? How is it shown? Is it meant to be titillating, or does it have an emotional impact?
How are bullies shown and treated in this movie? What are other ways to deal with bullies?
What does this movie have to say about male and female body image?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 23, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : April 28, 2015
- Cast : Jennifer Lopez , Ryan Guzman , John Corbett
- Director : Rob Cohen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Thriller
- Topics : Family Stories ( Single Parents ) , School ( High School )
- Run time : 91 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, sexual content/nudity and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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