Iffy for 16+
Lots of suspense, violence, language in smuggling thriller.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Contraband is an intense action thriller about a former smuggler (played by Mark Wahlberg) who's forced to go back into business to protect his family. Expect distressing violence: The bad guys beat up and nearly sexually assault the main character's wife, as well as point guns at his tween kids. There's also fighting, shooting, killing, and blood. Language is another major issue, with characters saying either "f--k" or "s--t" literally every couple of minutes. The bad guys smuggle cocaine, and viewers see huge bricks of it; characters are also seen snorting some. A secondary character is a recovering alcoholic who falls off the wagon.
- Families can talk about Contraband's violence. Is it suspenseful or gory? Is it necessary to the story?
- The characters use questionable methods to accomplish their goals. What message does that send to viewers? Do the ends ever justify the means?
- At the end of the movie, the main characters are left with the promise of great -- albeit ill-gotten -- riches. Do you think they'll find happiness?
The good stuff
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Messages: There's some teamwork, with characters needing to solve a dangerous problem quickly, but they use illegal and immoral means to do so. The main characters generally show empathy, but only to people already in their little circle; others get the opposite treatment.
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Role models: The hero is a trustworthy, reliable family man. But he resorts to illegal activities, violence, and trickery in a pinch. He also swears nonstop.
What to watch for
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Violence: The worst violence happens when a vicious gangster threatens the main character's wife and kids while he's away. The gangster beats up the wife, and a henchman pulls a gun on the kids (who are about 8 or 10). Later, the wife is nearly sexually assaulted and then beaten further; she's knocked into unconsciousness. Also one major scene of shooting and killing, with lots of blood and several dead bodies, plus some hand-to-hand fighting and a few car crashes.
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Sex: A loving married couple kisses and says "I love you." Some brief innuendo.
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Language: Almost constant swearing, with either "f--k" or "s--t" said literally every couple of minutes. Other, less frequently heard words include "p---y," "ass,""c--t," "a--hole," "hell," "goddamn," and "bitch."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The main character refuses to smuggle drugs, but the bad guys make their living smuggling cocaine. Viewers see big sealed bags of it, and characters occasionally snort some. A secondary character is a recovering alcoholic. He attends an AA meeting but falls off the wagon and drinks whisky in a bar. Characters are also seen drinking beer at a wedding, and minor characters are seen smoking cigarettes.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Worth the price of admission! by Movie_Buff_86
Mark Wahlberg is at it again in his latest movie "Contraband." He plays Chris Farraday who has to go back to his old profession in order to protect his brother-in-law from a ruthless drug lord played by Giovanni Ribisi (Tim Briggs). In order to get him in safe hands, he must go to Panama for one last mission in order to get his money in return. Ben Foster (Sebastian Abney) who we saw in "The Mechanic", plays a great role which will leave you stunned at the end. This is a great movie for anyone who into action, crime, and drama! Lukas Haas (Danny Raymer), Robert Wahlberg (John Bryce), Kate Beckinsale (Kate Farraday), and Kent Jude Bernard (Tommy Raymer) are also in this movie. Basically, the whole plot of the movie is how far you would go to protect your family? I enjoyed this flick, and i always enjoy seeing Wahlberg on the big screen. Go see it, but it is not for children. Blood and Profanity are throughout the movie. Good way to spend two hours! Don't listen to the critics!
5
Great Edge of Your Seat Movie by kristylm
Loved the cast in this movie. Highly entertaining, gripping your seat, heart stopping and fast paste--don't know what's coming next.
4
Film Noir Feel by brasscop
Although obviously in color,Contraband has the look and feel of a 1940's crime melodrama. And that's a good thing! Wahlberg is convincing as the everyman caught in the middle, and the well paced action triumphs over the considerable amount of suspended disbelief required to stay connected to the plot. Worth a couple of hours.
4
Contraband by loumarss
It was a good movie. I would recommend it.
5
Contraband was really good! by finnbursch
It's full of action but also had a little humor with a great twist that I didn't see coming. It was very clever. It's not for kids but mostly because of the language. It wasn't as violent as I thought it was gonna be but obviously did have some. I wanna see it again!
5
Contraband by CHINO_mp
The film was "Great"....A must see movie if you like to watch movies with drama....Contraband is a good movie if you like to see action with a twist to the story. It's worth seeing if your a fan of Mark Wahlberg. This movie is ok for teens, but wouldn't recommend for younger children to see. Overall, this movie is worth seeing.
4
Contraband by DJ_Anderson
Overall OK. Not a must see, not the best movie, but entertaining. Acting was OK. Could have developed the story line a bit more. Probably best to see when get reduced price tickets..
3
Contraband is a snoozer by mulesnapper
What a waste of a decent cast. Actors seemed uninspired through out the movie. I would wait until out on DVD. At least that way when you fall asleep you will be on your own couch.
4
ACTION! by ALLLYSTAR0304
If you love action movies with a bit of a thrill then go see Contraband. There is plenty of action, a great story line, and a plot twist that keeps the movie moving. Mark Wahlberg is great as the hero (as usual), which is what made the movie even more exciting to watch. Overall I think anyone who likes Mark Wahlberg and anything action will enjoy this movie.
5
Enjoyed every minute of it! by drayon2005
Enjoyed every minute of it. Mark's acting is the best for action movies i swear i loove this mans acting. Is right on point and makes you believe every minute of it.
HAd a great time. My Husband loved it! good for adults not so for kids.