Gamer

2009 (R)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Suspense
Gerard Butler, Michael C. Hall, Amber Valletta, Kyra Sedgwick, Ludicris

"Whoa!"
A futuristic film using Sim technology and implanting it into humans that are controlled by online gamers. Conceptually this movie had intriguing possibilities. Unfortunately, it is nonstop gratuitous violence, sex, gore, and language. In addition to typical "R" material, there is disgusting behavior (I actually was nauseated watching the gamer controlling Amber Valletta and had to look away), nudity, strong sexual content, and language even stronger the the f-word. As stated in the "Common Sense Note" report, "the filmmakers seem to get great pleasure from trying to offend audiences". This movie is NOT for anyone under 18. Overall, you would probably feel uncomfortable watching this with your mother, let alone by yourself. It wasn't worth the time.


Common Sense Note

9

2009 (PG13)
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Animation, 3D Graphics

"Hidden Gems" & "Misleading"
This incredible full length 3D animation started out as a college project "short". In the post-apocalyptic world, a handful of ragdolls try to survive extermination by vicious replicating machines. Visually this movie is outstanding. It is hard not to get fully enthralled in this captivating dark tale. Although it is a 3D graphic animation, this is NOT a children's movie! Scenes of death and dead bodies are laced throughout. It's a beautiful story, but definitly rated PG13 for a reason.

Pan's Labyrinth

2006 (R)
Genre: Foreign Film/Spain, Subtitled, Fantasy, Drama

"Hidden Gems & Forgotten Flics"
A fantastic, dark fairy tale made for an older audience. This visual masterpiece is a little girl's surreal, fantasy in another dimension exploring Pan's Labyrinth. It does deal with war and political ideas, so it does have some graphic violence at times, but somehow still captivating. Thematically, it can be dark, traumatic, and even frightening at times, especially for children. Due to the adult themes this tale is not for younger teens. I recommend viewing this before allowing older teens to see it.