Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says OK for kids 11+
Talky, tame original sci-fi study in paranoia.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that there are multiple versions and remakes of this movie on video, of which this original edition is the tamest. Others amped up the action, nudity/sexual content, and disturbing visuals considerably. This one might have received even a G rating under the early MPAA.
- Families can talk about the "message" in the film, which is often described as a warning against 1950s conformity and "McCarthyism." Do you think this is what the movie is trying to convey? Or is it more of an allegory about communist infiltration -- the complete opposite? Or is it likely the filmmakers didn't intend any deep message, and critics have just read their own interpretations into a groundbreaking creature-feature? If kids have seen the many different versions (and imitations) of Invasion of the Body Snatchers you can ask them which they liked best, and why, and perhaps turn them onto the original Jack Finney novel.
The good stuff
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Positive messages: Even the alien pod people are pretty well behaved, conquering without overt violence.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some scuffling, and discreet stabbings with hypodermic needles. A brief shot of an alien clone impaled with a pitchfork.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking and cigarette smoking. The main character, trying to warn of an alien attack, is accused of being drunk.