Iffy for 14+
Fatal Attraction "lite" too risque for young teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Fatal Attraction-esque thriller is too edgy for young Beyonce fans. There's a lot of sexuality (lingerie scenes, aggressive pursuit, implied nudity), although no actual sex scenes. Except for the main male character, there are no positive role models; instead, there are many negative stereotypes -- especially about women in the workplace. For most of the movie, there's more harassment than violence, but a final showdown includes punching, kicking, and more. Language includes words like "s--t," "a--hole," and "bitch," and there are several scenes of adults drinking and getting drunk. One main character is unknowingly drugged, while another purposely overdoses on prescription drugs.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about relationships and sexuality. Do you think it reinforces stereotypes or tries to undermine them?
- What role does technology play in the plot? Do you know anyonewho's been stalked in real life or online? What steps can people taketo protect themselves from obsessive suitors?
The good stuff
-
Messages: The film includes plenty of gender stereotyping. For instance, one man says that "single gals consider work their hunting grounds," implying that women are more interested in snagging a husband than succeeding profesionally. There's really no positive take-away to be found.
-
Role models: Poor role models include libidinous male executives who talkabout their female coworkers' bodies and an office gossip who doesn'tthink twice about revealing personal information about his boss' life ... not to mention Lisa herself, who pursues Derek at all costs. On the plus side, Derek's character defies certain establishedHollywood stereotypes by being an African-American executive who'sloyal to his family.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Until the climactic fight scene (which is an all-out tussle with lots of pushing, hair grabbing, punching, and kicking), there's not much violence per se, but there's a lot of stalking and sexual harassment.
-
Sex: A married couple embraces and discusses "christening" their new house. Lisa flirts with Derek, showing some leg and bantering playfully. As she becomes obsessed, she aggressively throws herself at him, trying to unbuckle his pants and kiss him. On other occasions, she finds him and reveals that she's wearing nothing but lingerie, spikes his drink with a drug and climbs on top of him when he's nearly passed out, and enters his hotel room and gets naked under the covers (only her shoulders are visible) -- viewers see her kissing him, but the camera cuts away before it's clear what happens next. Derek's co-workers make several inappropriate references to Lisa (and his wife) about office "eye candy" and "piece of ass," etc.
-
Language: Language includes "s--t," "ass," "a--hole," "bitch," "oh my God," "goddamn," and the like.
-
Consumerism: Brands with prominent product placement include Mercedes Benz, Cadillac, Old Navy, and Bugaboo strollers, and Christian Louboutin's red-soled heels.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink, at times heavily, at an office Christmas party and various dinners. Lisa overdoses on prescription pills (appearing unconscious in bed) and also laces Derek's drink with an unknown drug.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
C- by aoa1800
The movie was short on suspense and even shorter on originality. All the different areas to keep the audience guessing were not explored.
2
Wait for the DVD or Download it. by kdw416
This movie is not worth the $11 you will pay to see it. It is a story that has been told a 100 times before. Woman falls for a married man and tries to take his wifes place. Shortly after the movie starts you understand how Beyonce got the role. Executive Producer credits along with Mathew Knowles explain why the movie is not that good. Idris and Ali charactors are believable. And that is the only reason
why this movie does not get an oh no rating. I never once believed Beyonce Charactor and her portrayol of a angry black woman did not help the movie either. Alot of her lines came right out of an 80's movie. She sounded and acted like the stereotypes that alot of the inner-city women are compared to. The last 10 minutes was just bad. Now if you are Beyonce fan, If do not care about good acting from your main
charactors like to waste money this is your movie.
1
Five Word Review by redyeah
Guess cast doesn't want careers
2
All bad by sidr74
Beyonce' acting left a lot to be desired! Too much hype!
1
No, No, No by iLikeKettleKorn
The WORST movie of the summer, and we saw A-LOT of movies.
Not even worth a Red Box.
5
Obsessed... Good Movie by pmgawog
I saw the movie and I thought it was pretty good. I didn't watch the movie with any blinders, biases, prejudices, or the such. I imagined if something like this could really happen. My answer is "Yes." Was Mr. Derek solely innocent? Perhaps if he would have spoken up. Should Lisa had been avoided like the plague from the beginning (YES!, Especially if you are already a weak man who easily gets too involved with women.)? After viewing the movie, I think it shows how a MAN (not just black man) can be set up by a woman. But somehow, delusional women can create a fairy tale story that seems so real and convincing. Derek needed empathy (not sympathy). Beyonce "Sharon" did a good job in acting her role. Especially when she opened the can of "Whup ***" (Come on ladies, just imagine... if it were your man, this woman came in your house, and has done those awful things.) This is not another "Chick Flick." Go check out the movie for yourself and formulate your own opinion.
5
Obsessed with Obsessed by RobertDowneyJrLuver1965
This movie was intense every minute of it. You were just waiting to see what psychotic thing that woman would do to him. She was a total socio-path. She made you want to stand up and yell at the screen. GO SEE IT!!!!!!!!! P.S. Beyonce and the other actors did great! :-)
5
Obsessed Or Not? by jtmagoo8
This movie was terrific...shows how one little conversation escalates into an Obsession. This was a terrific movie. Beyonce pulled off an excellent performance in this thriller of a movie:) terrific:) Also can illustrate things that go on between average, every day couples. Awesome movie 2 thumbs up:)
4
Obsessed was a great movie by aggie57
This film beats out the "Fatal Attraction" movie with Michael Douglass. Although the plots are similar, the acting was good, and the fight scene was really good. It was also thought-provoking about crazy folks that are out here. Hints of caution are there.
I would go see it again, and I will also buy it when it comes out on DVD.
4
Idris Elba is the next Denzel Washington by burres48
Idris Elba is the next denzel. I see why he was being stalked. Excellent, convincing actor. Beyonce always plays herself. She didn't play the wife of a college educated ceo of a major financial company. She play the wife of a major Rapper. I would have enjoyed an unexpected ending. I loved
the movie. I'll would go and see it a second time.