Iffy for 14+
Fact-based thriller paints harsh picture of drug trade.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Snitch is an action thriller that doesn't sugarcoat the violence inherent in the drug trade. There are plenty of bloody gunfights and shootings, some at close range, and other brutal clashes, too (a man is shown strangling another, etc.). Cars chase and drive into each other on freeways, crashing and exploding and claiming lives. Criminals threaten each other with words and weapons (mostly guns). There are also allusions to prisoners beating up others to exert their dominance. A teen is shown discussing the use of Ecstasy (though he's not seen actually using), and he and a friend plot the delivery and sale of drugs. There's also some social drinking and swearing, including "s--t," "hell," and "ass."
- Families can talk about Snitch's messages. How does the movie's violent content affect the impact of any positive themes/take-aways?
- How does the movie depict the drug trade? Do the consequences for use/dealing seem realistic? Fair?
- Talk about how Jason gets in trouble in the first place. Is it believable? What do you think of the legal consequences of his one mistake? Do they seem fair?
The good stuff
-
Messages: A father's love knows no bounds, and justice will be served. Very strong anti-drug messages. Mistakes have consequences. Some means to the end aren't exactly legal, but the characters' motives are strong.
-
Role models: John Matthews is a committed, dedicated father who is aware of his shortcomings and is eager to make up for them. He's willing to put his life on the line to get his son out of jail -- no matter the stakes, no matter the danger. Matthews' son faces many difficult challenges, but his character stays strong.
What to watch for
-
Violence: The body count is high, and the means to get there pretty brutal, with characters taking shots at each other with pistols, semi-automatics, and rifles, sometimes at close range and while driving. Other clashes include hand-to-hand combat and a character strangling another (though the main character never beats anyone up). Cars careen off the highway, crashing into others and/or exploding. There's plenty of discussion about how people are dispensed with by drug cartels once they're no longer considered useful. Threats to kids and families. A character in prison is beaten and (it's suggested) raped.
-
Sex: Some kissing between loving couples.
-
Language: Language includes "s--t," "goddammit," "p---y," "bitch," "hell," "ass," "damn," "crap," "oh my God," and more.
-
Consumerism: Several labels/products are seen, including Skype, Dodge, GMC, iPhone, Apple, Ford, Bugati, and Wikipedia.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Drugs -- specifically the shipment, sale, and use of MDMA/Ecstasy -- are at the heart of the story; marijuana and cocaine are also seen. Viewers don't see people using (except in one case where a character is forced to inhale cocaine to test whether it's genuine), but teens do talk about having popped some pills. Some drinking -- socially and when the main character is going through a rough time. A drug dealer smokes.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
SNITCH was REPETITIVE. by noahcross
The movie was over all an okay movie. All the cast was a great pick, but the story line was hard to follow and very repetitive. Some parts were longer then what it should have been. If you like "action" movies, you would probably enjoy the film.
5
Awesome by DaveAnson79
Seriously awesome...suspenseful...dramatic... Not the normal Rock movie, he showed real range in this. "No walls were injured during the making of this movie.."
5
SNITCH by thedoctor777
I really loved this film for several reasons. The story was based on true events and the director did a great job of keeping the pace perfect all the way throughout the movie. The entire cast did a wonderful job acting and each were perfect for their roles. This film proves that Hollywood can make a fine movie without nudity, sex, cussing or graphic violence. I never lost interest in this one from start to finish. The car chase scenes are intense; but not over the top. I came away from this film believing that what I saw on the screen was 100% believably. Nothing was over the top or exaggerated to the point of being fake. Good film if you want to be entertained and not offended by the trend of most movies made in Hollywood these days.
5
snitch by wwfstlmo1
go ans see it a must see!the rock playes a excellent roll in this movie and its not from wwe studios.throughout the whole movie quiet,as you could hear a pin drop.eveeryone tuned in to the movie.
4
Solid crime drama by jhs39
Good crime drama might disappoint those looking for a lot of action but it's a pretty solid movie and sorta realistic, as far as these things go. The Rock (who also produced) apparently wanted to stretch his dramatic muscles a bit. He won't be confused with Daniel Day Lewis any time soon but he's adequate for the material even if he doesn't seem to have a terrific amount of range--but he's a lot better at looking serious and pained than, say, Tyler Perry in Alex Cross, another attempt by an out-sized performer to expand his dramatic horizons from the same studio. It helps that the supporting cast in Snitch includes Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon, Jon Bernthal (Shane from The Walking Dead), Barry Pepper and Benjamin Bratt, so this thing never feels like a Rock ego vehicle. Plus there are others (especially Bernthal) to pick up the slack for The Rock's limited ability to express emotions. This is solid and entertaining, just don't expect a lot of action.
5
Transporter Rock style by jneth1
I've always liked Duane Johnson. He is so versatile a person that it is unheard of. This movie was one of his best, from a compassion standpoint, but you could still see the Rock personified, not necessarily in actions, but attitude. I think that is what makes him a great actor.
3
My view of Snitch by ada4482
Personally i thought it was good but when they said that it was based on actual events they must have been correct.. This was a really no frills movie and does not have the action that i normally would expect, the actors were really good, just seemed like something missing. This is a movie for the older kids and adults. As i said it was not a bad movie just missing that little something.
5
Snitch by debora_jiles
Now for Snitch, this move was great! of course because Dawayne was handsome and he was hot!! in this move. He has the muscles and he had the bottom working in this move. I didn't take my eyes off this move. He could have did some more fighting in this move cause I really love it when he is beating up on people, but other than that it was a very action packed movie and the young man that played with him was awsome. He almost stole the show from Dawayne. GREAT MOVIE go and see it. You will not be disappointed.
5
Wow...loved this movie! by mcbrouwer
This movie was everything I want a movie to be; intense, edge of your seat, emotional, with an ending that brought me to tears. What a great ride. We went out of the theater talking about it for the rest of the day...telling everyone in my path they need to see this movie. Dwayne Johnson was excellent in this role. It didn't expoit his buff exterior at all...this was all about his emotional and mental state of desperation. All of the actors were very believable in their roles as well. Based on true evens...this is a movei that makes one really think about laws that are passed that are intended to be a great deterrent, but leaves no room for a situation like this. I wish there were more movies like this...that you felt that it was worth the money you paid for it and the money they put into making it. Highly recommend it!
5
A Must See by dnafirester
Fast-paced storyline but took the time to build up characters and let you care about them. If you're going in expecting Dwayne to be some hotshot man-killer, go watch Walking Tall. This is not that type of movie. You'll have to watch this to find out in this action-packed, heart-tugging, suspenseful drama!