Iffy for 13+
So-so action movie has lots of fighting, other iffy stuff.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is a review of the theatrical release and not the DVD -- which comes with what's described as "two alternate endings and more action." The original release is packed with action, but it's more about the spectacle than it is about bloodshed. Not that you won't see some blood, but the tone is more enthusiastic and amped-up than sadistic or brutal. All of that said, expect plenty of on-screen deaths and tons of collateral property damage. There's also some discussion of terrorism, but the action is more personal than political. Language includes the usual suspects for PG-13 ("s--t," "bitch," "goddamn," etc.), and there's some drinking, smoking, kissing, and womanizing.
- Families can talk about the appeal of action films -- why do so many movies revolve around cops, criminals, and the challenges of maintaining order? What's the impact of watching so much action violence?
- Do you think a situation like the one in the movie could ever happen in real life?
- The movie was backed by the entertainment armof World Wrestling Entertainment. Why do you think they want to turnJohn Cena into a movie star as well as a wrestling star?
The good stuff
-
Messages: The movie's overall message is that law and order are preferable to revenge and chaos, but that message comes with a great deal of violence.
-
Role models: Hero Danny Fisher is a conflicted cop determined to do the right thing, and he expresses remorse for the accidental death of a woman during an arrest. The villain is motivated by grief, but that doesn't excuse his actions.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Constant action-packed violence, but with more combat/activity than bloodshed. Fighting, shootings, stabbings, death by explosions, and more. A woman is struck by a car; the camera lingers on her dead body. People are killed in falls from great heights. A woman has an explosive vest strapped to her body. Property damage and car chases. Some discussion of terrorism.
-
Sex: Some kissing and saucy talk in the context of a committed relationship. One character is an unrepentant womanizer. On the "plus" side, while the film revolves around a woman's abduction, the threat is never placed in a sexual context, just a threat to life and limb.
-
Language: Some tough language, including "s--t," "ass," "hell," "bitch," "son of a bitch," "pansy-ass," "a--hole," "prick," "goddamn," "oh my God," and more.
-
Consumerism: Mentions of some branded games -- Mousetrap, Monopoly, Twister.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Smoking and drinking; many scenes are set in New Orleans' restaurant and nightclub district.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Better when it was Die Hard by mister spock
Good to take your mind off your daily troubles. If you saw Die Hard 3 and liked it you will probably enjoy it. It was better with Bruce although John did a good job.
5
12 Rounds by tootsweaver
Great action packed movie! If you liked Die Hard, you will enjoy 12 Rounds! John Cena was awesome!! My two boys, 10 and 13, thought it was great, too.
5
Great by robin4
This movie was such a pleasant surprise. I loved it!!!!
4
Impressive by TNBear1970
I must admit, i wan't looking forward to seeing this one. I honestly thought it was gonna be a stinker from the get go, BUT i was pleasantly surprised! I highly recommend this one to anyone that likes tons of energy.
4
Glad I saw it. by billydtharp
My son and I are both John Cena fans so not seeing this was not an option. Just the stunts and special effects were worth the cost of admission. I've never seen anything like it before.
5
Pretty Good by Movie_Freak81
Pretty good action movie. If you like die hard this movie is similar but not entirely on die hard level. Good plot and plenty of action scenes.
5
AWESOME!!! by jcenalover42377
12 rounds was an awesome action packed story. John Cena did great and was was such an awesome person to do this roll. Now i'm not sure which of his movies is better. All the actors were great and i would deffinently go see it again.
5
Great movie!! by rinabell1
I took my 10 year old son to see this movie. I was not expecting much. I figured that I would take a nap while he spilled popcorn everywhere. That was not the case. 12 Rounds was action packed. I couldn't even get up to use the restroom because I was afraid that I would miss something. John Cena played his roll well. So worth the $10. I will be getting it on DVD and watch it again.
4
12 Rounsd--A Knock Out by 9dodgefan
John Cena can act and be convincing--lots of action with a REAL storyline--not just another wrestling movie!! No WWE antics--just plain great action!!!
5
Awesome!! by DawnOfTheDead
This movie was really really really good. If you liked Speed then you'll like this movie. I saw it yesterday and I'm already going to see it again (w/ a diffrent group of people obviously) but yeah it was awesome!