Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Gritty, violent NYC drama is for adults only.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Son of No One
What's the Story?
In 1986, young Jonathan "Milk" White accidentally kills two lowlifes in the New York City's Queensborough projects. His friend Vinnie agrees to keep it secret, though Vinnie also has a disturbing secret of his own. Years later, in 2002, grown-up Jonathan (Channing Tatum) is married with a daughter and works as a New York police officer. Unfortunately, anonymous letters are being sent and published in the paper that relate directly to Jonathan's past. The police captain (Ray Liotta) puts Jonathan on the case, but he may have other reasons for doing so. Who's behind the letters, and how will this past tragedy affect Jonathan's future?
Is It Any Good?
For his third movie, writer/director Dito Montiel goes out of his way to capture a "true" New York City feel, with lots of honest-to-goodness, run-down streets and buildings, graffiti, and garbage. Unfortunately, he puts less effort into his script. It's hard to believe that a boy could kill two grown men, and it's even harder to believe that Jonathan would spend every second brooding about it. (After a long day of brooding at work, he drives to his old neighborhood so he can sit in his car and brood some more.)
To add more layers of misery, Jonathan's daughter has some kind of worrisome illness, and the story takes place in the months following 9/11. There's no hint as to what Jonathan might have been like when he met and married his wife (Katie Holmes), or why so many characters seem so focused on Jonathan's problems. Moreover, Montiel constantly over-directs and over-edits, underlining certain points that have already been made clear. It's gritty and moody, but with little dramatic effect.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the film's violence. Is it necessary to the story? How would such a violent childhood affect the main character growing up?
Do you consider any of the characters role models? Are they intended to be?
Did the police do the right thing in trying to protect Jonathan and cover up his crimes? Is it true that no one cares about his victims?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 4, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : February 21, 2012
- Cast : Al Pacino , Channing Tatum , Katie Holmes , Ray Liotta
- Director : Dito Montiel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Anchor Bay Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence, pervasive language and brief disturbing sexual content
- Last updated : September 15, 2022
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