Common Sense Media Review
An explosive, violent, mile-a-minute actioner.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
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The Rock
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie is entertaining and features strong performances, but the explicit violence, frequent profanity, and a brief sexual scene make it unsuitable for younger audiences. While some reviewers believe it can be appropriate for older teens, many caution against letting children watch it due to its graphic content.
- graphic violence
- strong language
- age inappropriate
- entertaining performances
- not for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
When ex-marines plan a nerve gas attack on San Francisco via a stakeout on Alcatraz, the US government calls on two men to help save the day. Stanley Goodspeed (Nicholas Cage), a sassy nuclear weapon expert is teamed up with John Mason (Sean Connery), the only man who ever escaped from Alcatraz. General Hummel (Ed Harris) leads the ex-marine charge to seek monetary reparations for families of forgotten soldiers killed during covert operations. San Francisco is in the hands of Goodspeed and Mason and their team, and soon the city by the bay is besieged by explosions, car chases, shoot-out scenes, and an out-of-control trolley.
Is It Any Good?
As expected from Jerry Bruckheimer (Producer) and Michael Bay (Director) who have teamed up before in Bad Boys, Pearl Harbor, and Armageddon, THE ROCK is a high-octane action flick. Over-the-top explosions and cheesy one-liners make this film typical Hollywood. This increases entertainment value, but it brings nothing new to the table and the plot is predictable. Another flaw is the over-used "good cop/bad cop" cliché.
If you want action and entertainment, THE ROCK delivers, but if you want something more than predictable Hollywood, it may not be the film for you. It contains vulgar language and lots of violence, but mature teenagers and adults could find it highly entertaining.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the topic of terrorism, as it aptly applies to the US's current situation.
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1996
- On DVD or streaming : December 2, 1997
- Cast : Ed Harris , Nicolas Cage , Sean Connery
- Director : Michael Bay
- Studio : Buena Vista
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 136 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong violence, language and a sex scene
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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