Iffy for 15+
Scary, racism-themed thriller isn't for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the plot of this film -- which has very strong content for a PG-13 -- is driven by escalating violence, cruelty, and racism (much of it directed toward a racially mixed couple). A policeman is portrayed as unbalanced, aggressive, and threatening. Gunshots are fired out of and near an apartment where a husband holds his wife and baby hostage, and shoot-outs at close range result in the bloody deaths of two men. A policeman punches a suspect with a rifle, slaps his teen daughter in the face, and breaks the law to cover up his actions. Mildly sexual scenes involve a caring husband and wife kissing and hugging, with partial male nudity seen from the rear. There's also a fair amount of strong language (including "s--t" and "f--k"), smoking, and social drinking.
- Families can talk about how and why the filmmakers use racism to update the age-old story of feuding neighbors. Is this an effective choice? Why or why not? Is the movie trying to equate the danger of the advancing wildfires to the danger of the advancing personal racism? How do the climaxes of both events work together to resolve the story? What other issues come into play in the movie besides race?
The good stuff
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Messages: The plot revolves around an African-American man's subtle and overt prejudice toward a mixed-race couple. Constant references to racial stereotypes and a parody of African-American behavior and language mostly by seemingly self-deprecating African-American character. A police officer exhibits aggressive behavior, a hot temper, and racist sensibility.
What to watch for
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Violence: Point-blank shooting of a conspirator by a policeman is followed by a bloody fall into a swimming pool; shots are fired through the door into an apartment with a woman and child inside; police officer with gun chases suspect; a man holds a gun to his own neck, threatening suicide; a policeman punches a suspect hard with rifle; a father slaps his teen daughter in the face with great force; attempted rape of the pregnant lead female character; final bloody chase and shootout includes fierce physical fight, car crash, and multiple direct bullet hits.
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Sex: A married couple hugs and kisses lovingly in many scenes and engage in post-sex cuddling on one occasion; a man is glimpsed in the nude from behind; scantily dressed lap dancers perform briefly and try to entice men at a bachelor party; two children watch a married couple embracing and kissing in a swimming pool.
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Language: Frequent use of words like "s--t," "bitch," the many permutations of "ass," "hell," "bastard," and "dammit" occasional use of more intense cursing: "f--k," "p---y," "prick." One use of the "N" word.
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Consumerism: U-Haul truck, RE/MAX Realty sign.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A lead character sneaks cigarettes and smokes in private. Social drinking in several scenes: neighborhood parties, wine with dinner, relaxing with a beer, drinking in moderation in a bar. Heavy drinking and drunkenness depicted at a bachelor party.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Wow by Axe Man Jack
I wasn't prepared for this. It was hilarious on so many levels. The racial humor was in your face and I was sniffing oscar until its unrealistic and predictable end.
Jackson is a bigtime jerk. The others in forgettable roles. A good date movie. Reallly stretched the pg-13 rating it recieved.
3
Leaving Lakeview Terrace .... by ShutterBear
My husband (44) & I (41) went to see this movie this friday afternoon as the original movie pick, Appaloosa is in limited theaters, none near us. We overheard some people come out of the first show calling it a snoozer, but we pressed on. Popcorn & soda in hand, we found seats and prepared ourselves. The movie does tend to have a slow story, never really having any suspense. It was rather predictable in the storyline down to the final scenes. It almost seemed as I was watching a two hour movie on tv. The violence was pretty tame, as was the language, and sexuality. Any CSI on tv is comparable. It was entertaining enough for an afternoon treat, but if you are on a budget, place your movie dollars elsewhere. You will most likely be disappointed in paying theater costs for this movie.
4
Lakeview Terrace by dgoo
I fell for the trailer and the concept of the movie. About half way through I was just starting to get bored and I was worried that it would fall flat like Righteous Kill. But then it started to pick up. To the end it got better and better. Great ending. I was with a group and we all rated it on a 6 - 8 on a 10 point scale.
Go see it, you have nothing better to do!
5
Surprisingly Good ; by CHElZakaMOViEFREAk
I had noooo idea it was going to be as good as it was. I was ify about going but I am so glad I did. Samuel L. Jackson is hilariousss && kinda scary. Loved it though. Go see it,.
5
Lakeview Terrace by libby10
I thought this was a great movie with a lot of suspense and drama. The characters were portrayed by some wonderful actors, and although I felt sympathetic to Jackson's character a little at first, that quickly changed. All in all, this was a good movie that I would enjoy watching again. The next time I move, I might be checking out the "neighbors" as well as the house!
3
Lakeview Terrace by Damma1
Upon reading the reviews published on Fandango concerning this movie, my husband, son (17) and I decided to go see this movie. We are big fans of Samuel Jackson and felt, if anything, he could carry the movie and perhaps definitely make it worth our while to see it. Well, suffice it to say, that upon exiting the movie, the three of us shared the same disappointing opinion: it was an okay movie. Yes, all three of us were sadly disappointed....it just lacked action, suspense and, in truth, a good story-line. And, yes, we would be hard pressed to actually recommend it to anyone to go to the movies to see it. It's not worth the money you have to spend to buy a ticket. Sorry folks. Maybe when it comes to your local Wal-Mart Super Center you could spend $1.00 to rent it from one of their video rental machines, take it home to watch and pop your own pop corn .
4
Samuel Jackson delievers, thats about it by italianboy32
Dont go to this movie expecting it to be a high intensity, action packed thriller because its actually just the opposite. The thrill of the movie is very sublte and comes in the form of Jackson's ability to make every scene in the movie awkward, never really revealing his villany to others. His character developes great throughout the movie, but thats about it. This movie could have been so much better, but luckily Jackson delivers an amazing role that saves the movie.
4
Like view by TXtom
My wife and I went to see the movie last night. We had no special reason for seeing THIS movie except that the previews seemed interesting and we needed a night out.
We rate movies based on our enjoyment, not on any artistic or social value/ message.
Althought there were some slow and some predictable moments we liked the movie and recommend going if you need a night out. Overall, it is a good movie
4
Samuel is the bad guy. by JanineH79
Samuel L Jackson was awesome in this movie. Although he was a serious jerk he did a great job. Glad I didnt wait for it to come on Netflix!
5
Lakeview Terrace by Movie Freak10
Lakeview Terrace Was An Excellent Movie! Samuel L. Jackson Did One Of His Best Performances Ever. Your Gunna Love To Hate Him! I Thought The Ending Could Have Better. Otherwise It Kept Me On The Edge Of My Seat.
Definety A Must Go!