Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 8+
Suspenseful, thoughtful alien-encounter classic.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this ultimately uplifting and optimistic story has many scary and spooky moments before the exact nature of the aliens is revealed. To a mother’s horror, her toddler son disappears and is a captive of unknown villains. The earth is enveloped by strange events: electrical storms, unexplained shaking, and unidentified flying objects (UFOs). A house is attacked by mysterious forces; dead animals appear on quiet country roads. A loving father is faced with losing his family because of his conviction. There are scattered curse words including "hell," "s--t," and "bastard." Members of the military are mostly portrayed as unsympathetic and authoritarian.
- Families can talk about the idea of life beyond our solar system. Do you think there are other intelligent beings out there? Why or why not? If so, what do you think they're like, and do you think they'll ever come to Earth?
- Talk about how aliens are usually portrayed in the movies. What does this movie do differently? What signs do you get that these aliens will be benevolent?
- Was this movie scary? What were the scariest parts and why? How does music, lighting, etc. affect how scary a scene is?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: In contrast to the aliens from outer space usually seen as predatory, violent, and aggressive, this movie offers instead a hopeful picture of interplanetary events. Rather than fearing the unknown, the earth's population just as easily might look forward to a peaceful, friendly encounter. The unorthodox hero, obsessed with making sense of what he's seen, proves the value of following a single-minded path in spite of ridicule or opposition.
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Positive role models: A mother is portrayed as unselfish, caring, courageous, and strong as she searches for and fights for the return of her young son. U.S. military personnel are the villains, in most cases shown to be blindly following orders, harsh, and unsympathetic. On the other hand, the scientists are characterized as open-minded, trusting, and intelligent.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Several spooky and frightening sequences: strange lights appear and disappear; mailboxes shake; a house is attacked by unseen presences; a car flies off the edge of a cliff; dead horses, cows and chickens are found lying by the side of the road. A little boy is abducted by aliens; his terrified mother chases him, unsuccessfully. Helicopters stalk the hero and heroine and they are captured by military forces. A giant spaceship and a number of auxiliary craft hover and land on the earth.
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Sexy stuff: Not an issue
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Language: Some occasional swearing: "hell," "jackass," "s--t," "Goddamn," "Christ," "bastards," "ass."
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Consumerism: Multiple product placements: Coca Cola, McDonald's, Shell Oil, Budweiser, Baskin Robbins, Piggly Wiggly markets.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue