The Rock
An explosive, violent, mile-a-minute actioner.
Parents say
Based on 6 reviews
Kids say
Based on 18 reviews
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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 there are explosions, violent shoot-outs, fistfight scenes, and gruesome scenes of chemical burns. Language should also be noted as many characters curse throughout the film. There is one sex scene. The "R" rating is appropriate; the movie is way too intense and violent for kids.
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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: R
- MPAA explanation: strong violence, language and a sex scene
- Last updated: February 25, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
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Con Air
A schmaltzy action-adventure at 8,000 feet.
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Pearl Harbor
Violent war story mixed with soapy love triangle.
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Armageddon
Giant-sized end-of-the-world scenario too scary for tweens.
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