Iffy for 14+
Dark, disturbing romance not for Twilight's preteen fans.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this coming-of-age drama starring Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson is not your typical teen romance. While it includes young love -- the two main characters are 21 -- the movie focuses much more on sensitive issues such as dealing with grief, coping with losing loved ones to violence and suicide, managing complicated parent-child issues, and, yes, falling hopelessly in love. Realistic violence (as opposed to the supernatural kind depicted in Twilight) is disturbingly persistent throughout the story, beginning with a cold-blooded robbery and murder and finishing with an act of violence that affects everyone in the movie. The language is stronger than usual for a PG-13 movie, with more than one "f--k," and many, many uses of "s--t" and "asshole," "bitch," "Goddamn," and the like. Pattinson and co-star Emilie de Ravin share several love scenes, but the camera focuses mostly on their faces and bare backs (no R-rated nudity). There's a lot of drinking and cigarette smoking. On a positive note, the movie explores the importance of repairing damaged relationships and allowing yourself to heal from loss.
- Families can talk about the theme of violence in the movie. How does violence affect each of the characters?
- Is it difficult to see Pattinson as someone other than Edward? Who has been most successful in staying believable in roles outside the Twilight universe -- Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, or Tyler Lautner?
- How did you feel about the twist ending? Was it shocking, or did you think it's still too soon to incorporate into a movie?
- Both Tyler and Ally have problems with their fathers. Who has the stronger relationship? Is what he does forgivable? How do the two fathers react to grief differently?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although the overall message is about love and forgiveness, the majority of the movie is spent chronicling Tyler's self-destructive behavior and the emotionally distant or borderline abusive relationships between grieving fathers and children.
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Role models: Tyler is a loving, selfless older brother, putting his little sister's needs above all else. He loves her so much, he's willing to defend her, to try and force their father to acknowledge and support her. However, he also starts off his relationship with Ally on false pretenses and doesn't tell her truth for a long time. Ally is forgiving, even when the men in her life hurt her deeply.
What to watch for
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Violence: The movie starts off with a shocking murder -- a mother is shot by young muggers right in front of her 11-year-old daughter -- and violence continues throughout the movie. There are several fist fights that leave characters bloody -- in one instance a man nearly strangles another to death. A father strikes his daughter. A woman slaps a man across the face. A man pushes a schoolgirl's desk and throws a fire extinguisher through a school window, frightening all the students and the teacher in a class. A young man's suicide isn't shown, but it's frequently alluded to and explicity described. A young girl's hair is horrifyingly cut off by spiteful girls at a slumber party. An unforeseen and seriously traumatic event leaves all of the characters grieving and broken.
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Sex: There are several love scenes that show the main couple kissing passionately, breathing heavily, moaning, and obviously making love. A couple of the scenes show a lot of skin (bare backs, legs, shoulder, and arms tangling in sheets) or Ally in a bra, but there's no actual nudity, and the emphasis is on the couple's faces. In addition to the sex scenes, Tyler's roommate discusses sex and relationships on a regular basis. He makes jokes about Tyler having a way with ladies and his own accomplishment of having "bagged" a girl from every continent. Ally's father accuses wealthy Tyler of slumming it with middle-class Ally ("having a little vacation in coach before heading back to first class").
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Language: For a PG-13 film, there is a surprising amount of strong language: more than one "f--k," plus frequent "asshole," "pr--k," "s--t," and "Goddamn," and the occasional "p--y," "jerk," "damn," "bastard," and "bitch."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Tyler smokes cigarettes in nearly every scene, and it's an ongoing reference in the movie (everyone comments on it). College students drink at a bar, at parties, restaurants, and at home. One night Ally drinks so much she gets sick in front of Tyler and basically passes out on his bed. It's implied that Ally's father could be an alcoholic.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Five Word Review by jlsommers
Heartbreaking, Breathtaking and Tragically Beautiful
5
WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CRITICS? by keatsgirl
There is definitely some bias going on out there in "professional" critic land. This movie had my attention and delight the whole time. Not just a romance at all. There are a variety of relationships and situations that are dealt with and bring most of the cast together at some points. Every actor was totally believable and natural. Nothing seemed forced or out of place. Additionally, it is pretty clean. Intimate scene was a little lengthy,but no nudity there or something that would feel inappropriate with opposite sex. Language was minimal. Real life situations brought to the screen in engaging,funny,sad and captivating performances and directing. PLEASE MAKE MORE PREVIEW SCENES LIKE THIS MOVIE HAD--THAT DID NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY. We definitely were blown away and impressed with everything the whole movie meant by the ending. Will go again. Will buy as soon as it is out. Rob P. is going to go far as an artist,as will the lovely younger sister in this movie
5
BEWARE OF INCONSIDERATE PEOPLE WHO PUT THE ENDING IN REVIEWS by birac
LUCY MENDIOLA DIXON FOR ONE!!!! You wrote how "surprised" you were. Now,whoever reads yours wont be!!!!! WTH????? Those who do so know what the heck they're doing too,because there are plenty of times people say things like "..don't want to give away the ending" (thankyou to i_marty) and "SPOILER ALERT" come on,have some tact! AS FOR THE MOVIE-hands down one of the best in the last year.Not oscar best movie,real people best movie. You know the difference! It is not any particular genre,it was written with good purpose,acting was all just right. No upstaging,real cohesiveness with the whole cast and idea of what they were putting out. Easily could have turned formulaic,easily could have descended into crude language and gratuitous sex/nude garbage-but did not. Thank you to director and cast who had confidence in their material and abilities. WILL SEE AGAIN AND WILL BUY!
5
OK,COULD NOT STAY SPEECHLESS FOR VERY LONG! by LTMF 2
So excited to talk about Remember Me. To address the big Pattinson question first--the man totally made me forget that he was EDWARD! That in itself is something,however,i need to say his acting was superb. He only had himself to depend on,not a phenomenon of a saga,and to me he came through triumphantly. Professional critics are making a big mistake by giving this film lukewarm attention just because of the Twilight popularity Pattinson brought to the studio. Please do not write this off because you think you know what it is. FOR ONCE,the previews gave barely anything away. this is a quality story. Brosnan,Cooper,the best friend,the little sister and the girlfriend were all award winning performances. This movie will stay with you. I can't wait to go again and take all my friends,etc. Maybe most of my enthusiasm is because the success was so unexpected. Please trust me. All over 12 will be happy. ALSO-no r rated unnecessaries that easily could have been implemented in this type movie
5
I AM SPEECHLESS..... by lovestalentmoviefan
....and those familiar with my reviews know that is weird for me...and probably sighing with relief :) MUST GO AND I WILL GO AT LEAST A FEW MORE TIMES!
4
Remember Me by kammommy
I thought Rob's acting was good in this movie. He could play a real boy, with real emotions, and without white make-up. From the trailers I was worried this film would be overboard cheesy - but it wasn't. Each storyline was interesting, the characters were great, and the ending was...I'll just say the ending was as to not spoil it. Go see it for a good time.
5
Remember to watch this by ershtorman
I thought this was going to be a stereotypical, cookie-cutter romantic drama. But when I actually saw it, I was surprised to find more than I was expecting. First things first, this is a well made movie. Great cinematography that would show up most movies coming out today. For the most part, the acting was really great. Especially from Robert Pattinson, who I just passed off as another teenage heartthrob with no talent. The movie is also very well written and moves along at a very nice pace. The characters are what really drive this movie, though. They are well written, have depth, each one has their own arc, and the audience can't help but care for them. It's definitely not for younger audiences, as the film touches darker, more adult themes from time to time. I'd anyone from the mid-teens on up would really like Remember Me.
5
This movie is a must see by erblovesmovies
I thought this movie was really heartfelt and moving. It was an emotional movie that makes you think about those you love and have lost; about forgiveness and a reminder to be there for those who need you; that even when bad things happen, you can move on but certainly don't forget.
Like the character Tyler, I too actually have lost a brother named Michael to suicide when I was 13 or so. He killed himself at the age of 17. I came home from school and found him. He died April 22, 1996. So this movie definitely brought back many feelings and memories of him. The ending made me think that no matter who you may meet in life and for those you have to let go of, you are just thankful to have loved them and to have all the good memories of them to take with you.
5
Amazing, motivating film. by AmoreBella88
Initially, I went to see Remember Me because of Robert Pattinson. Fess up, a
lot of us did. What I didn't expect was to fall in love with the story aside
from how drop-dead gorgeous Rob is. It's been five days since I've seen it
and all I can think about, still, is the story and how life happens. It's
heart-wrenching, sad, funny, angry, and romantic. The tale of two people
coming together after having such horrors happen in their respective lives
is utterly amazing. The acting brought forth by all of the participants in this movie was spot-on and i felt for their characters. The journey I was brought on made me leave the theater
in tears and in shock. I urge you to go see it, if not for the handsome Rob
Pattinson, then for the sole event of leaving the theater a changed person.
4
This is a really good movie. Period. by Iciar
Despite its uncharitable reviews, I really enjoyed this movie. In fact, I have not seen such a thought-provoking (and conversation-provoking) movie in a very long time. My two companions and I were still talking about the movie long after we left the theatre. I encourage people to go see it. It is not a weepy romance nor a teen fluff vehicle. It is a subtle and affecting family drama with very engaging characters and surprisingly strong performances from Robert Pattinson and Emilie de Ravin. Kudos to the young actors for not being afraid to take risks (and for doing a darn good job) and to Allen Coulter and Will Fetters for pulling this off. I look forward to seeing this movie again -- and someday watching it with my toddler when she is old enough.
To parents: This movie is rated PG-13 and perfectly appropriate for your 13+ kids. More importantly, this is a movie parents SHOULD watch with their children. It's important that we remember and talk about what happened.