OK for kids 14+
Jolie's shallow, ludicrous thriller has lots of violence.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that action thriller Salt -- which stars Angelina Jolie as a CIA agent on the run -- is quite violent: There's lots of fighting, shooting, stabbing, killing, chases, and explosions, as well as a brief torture scene and a flashback scene suggesting that a child was beaten. Strong language isn't constant, but you'll hear both "f--k" and "s--t." Sexy stuff mostly stops at kissing (though one scene also features Salt removing her underwear from beneath her skirt), and some Russian spies drink vodka, but it's not prominent. Teen fans of Jolie and action may be intrigued, but it's not as entertaining as her 2008 hit Wanted.
- Families can talk about the violence in the film. How did it make you feel? Why do you think it worked that way?
- Was Salt acting out of revenge or for the best interests of the country? Or both? If both, how did she balance the two?
- Was Salt right in killing and stealing to reach her goal? Could she have reached it any other way?
The good stuff
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Messages: The main message here seems to be "trouble could be lurking under your very nose" -- Russian spies could be anywhere, and there's nothing you can do about it unless you're a trained super spy. A slightly more positive message is hidden for the purposes of a "twist" in the movie's plot.
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Role models: Salt is a hero who's made to look like a villain for most of the film. Her ultimate aim is to prevent the world from being destroyed, but she also acts out of revenge. She kills many people during her journey and steals things whenever she needs them, and she never trusts anyone.
What to watch for
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Violence: Heavy action violence, with lots of shooting, stabbing, fighting, punching, chasing, and explosions. The heroine is tortured in the opening scene; she's pummeled, and gasoline is poured down her throat. A man kills two guards with a shoe knife. Salt is shot and wounded; she stabs and kills a man with a broken vodka bottle. A flashback of Salt as a little girl shows her bruised and clad in bandages, as if she had been horribly beaten.
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Sex: Some romantic kissing. In one scene, Salt removes her panties from under her skirt, using them to cover up and disable a security camera. She's also shown in her underwear during the opening scene. There's a shot of a Long Island bar called "Jugs and Strokers."
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Language: The most frequent words used are "goddamn" and "s--t." "F--k" is used at once. Also "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation), "damn," and "hell."
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Consumerism: One very prominent Pepsi billboard, a brief glimpse of a Heineken truck, and images of board games like Operation, Connect Four, and Othello.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The Russian spies drink a lot of vodka in a "background" way.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Forget what the critics say, GO SEE THE MOVIE by GemLadyTee
This movie was awesome on so many levels. Just when you think you figured out the plot, there's another twist thrown in the mix. This is a MUST SEE. Angelina Jolie is the BADDEST B&$%^!!!! This movie rocks and will keep you on the edge of your seat the entire time. I LOVE ANGELINA JOLIE and this movie. I highly recommend it to anyone that loves action and suspense. It will not disappoint. Leave whatever personal feelings you have about Angelina and go see a great movie.
2
Are you serious? by ValGirl
I have serious doubts about the intelligence of anyone who didn't see the "twists" in this movie after the first 15 minutes. I had pegged the plot from the beginning and was so disappointed to find out I was right! I thought no, certainly they wouldn't do that because it's so obvious. Wrong, they did it. There was nothing surprising about this film, predictable & monotonous. I can't believe how many people rated this a must go, did we watch the same movie? She defies gravity and physics in a completely unrealistic manner. I mean more unrealistic than normal for these sorts of films. And we're supposed to believe she got all this training before she was 8 years old? Yeah ok. Stupid back-stories, obvious twists, overused and unnecessary action sequences, blech. Wish I had seen Cats & Dogs 2 with my daughter & her grandparents next door. Well ok not really lol. But I do wish I had gone to Inception again instead. Do yourself and pass the Salt, or at least wait for the DVD lol.
5
Salty Enough! by Xaaralia
I thought that I would wait for this on DVD or cable. But, on the advice of a lady friend, I saw this in the theatre. I was not disappointed. Angelina was channeling Jason Bourne; but she out-Bourned Matt Damon. The action was non-stop from start to finish and it was done without all the jump-cut gimmickry of the Bourne films. Even the story was enjoyable with a couple turn-a-rounds and gotchas.
3
Movie was really fine. by LTMF 2
I still am only saying so-so though because the action was just too much,believability wise. Yes,these movies usually push it,but the semi roof jumping and elevator shaft,were laughable and thus,ruined any idea to recommend spending theatre money.Definitely do rent it,or even see it at matinee price. jolie is good and they tried to make an intriguing story.Just too over the top ridiculous stunts to say GO.And even though I give them kudos for filming the in the main without sexual situations and nudity.....they just had to have the Korean torture scene mostly nude,with lingerie,heavy breathing etc.
4
agree it's unreasonable...maybe...but very entertaining by love2watchu
i want to be just like her when i grow up! she's- as always--stunning. no dull moments. worth the view.
5
Salt by moviewatchdawg
Enjoyed all the action and there was plenty of it! Movie is for mature adults who seek a thrilling flick!
5
Salt by EWG
Great movie. A lot of action and a good plot. Must see if you like action movies!
2
Five Word Review by EzraHugeReview
Angelina, Pass the Good Salt!
5
Five Word Review by eharrell
electrifying awesome thrilling breathtaking terrific
2
Movie Review: Salt by MrToolBox
Jolie plays a CIA officer as if it really matters. Just get to the explosions within 10 minutes so you don't lose the interest of the ignorant immigrants would flood American theaters and now march against Immigration laws in Arizona while Homeland Security watches on the sidelines, knowing most of those marching are illegal.
Where were we? Oh yeah, she is a Russian spy. Run Jolie, run!! Soft, pretty, no extreme muscles, but watch as she jumps, hurls, shoots, and kicks guys butts twice her size and never loses. Unbelievable. I mean literally, unbelievable. She gets shot and just keeps going. She must be related to the Energizer Bunny.
Hollywood: If you're going to make a movie, please include a STORY and make it BELIEVABLE.