not for kids
Too much violence, not enough character in pointless remake.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this grim remake of the powerful 1971 Sam Peckinpah movie (which starred Dustin Hoffman) has very strong violence, including many gruesome murders, a brutal rape scene, and dead animals. While the original used its edgy content to explore character, the remake is much less subtle, which makes the violence seem intended to be thrilling rather than thought provoking. There aren't any positive messages or role models here; the main character is a passive, ineffectual man whose only way to regain his "manhood" is to defend himself and his wife through violence. There's also frequent strong language ("f--k," "s--t," "p---y," etc.), sexual situations (though no nudity), and lots of drinking (always Budweiser), including one character who's shown to have a drinking problem.
- Families can talk about the movie's violence. What is its purpose? Do you think it's necessary to the story? How does it compare to what you see in horror movies?
- How does the movie address the idea of "manhood"? Is it a relevant concept? Does a guy have to act strong or do violent things to be considered a "man"?
- Are there any good people in this movie?
The good stuff
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Messages: The general message here is that the weak, passive main character must eventually "man up" and defend himself and his wife. This requires him to engage in all kinds of gruesome violence. His success is therefore an ironic and bitter achievement.
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Role models: No role models here: The main character is passive and ineffectual and resorts to brutal violence to "regain his manhood"; his wife is shallow, petty, and manipulative; and the villains are murderers and rapists.
What to watch for
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Violence: Extreme violence in the final third of the movie, with many characters dying in gruesome ways: nail gun to the hands, shotgun blast to the chest, bear trap to the neck. A woman is raped by two men. A man accidentally strangles and kills a teen girl. A man is hit by a car and breaks his arm; blood and bone are shown. Deer are shot and killed, and a dead cat is seen hung by its neck in a closet.
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Sex: A married couple is shown kissing and flirting with each other, preparing to have sex (though it's not shown). A woman deliberately undresses by a window, though nothing is shown other than her belly button. Men ogle a woman's behind in tight running shorts. A woman is shown without a bra, her nipples visible through her top. A man slaps a waitress on the behind.
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Language: Very strong language throughout includes multiple uses of "f--k," "s--t," "p---y," "a--hole," "d--k," "goddamn," "ass," "damn," "hell," "for Christ's sake," and more.
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Consumerism: The main character uses a Sony VAIO computer that's visible in several shots. Characters drink and mention Budweiser beer throughout.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters are constantly swilling beer (and sometimes whisky). They occasionally appear staggering drunk. One supporting character is shown to be upset when he can't continue drinking.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Prime Example Of Southern Stereo-Typing, And A Bad Movie To Boot by hwinn7478
Let me just start by saying that I live in Tennessee and that movies like this one are a prime example of why people in other parts of the country think southerns are ignorant rednecks. Every person in this movie (save the lead guy and girl) was portrayed as your average backwoods, small town, southern hillbilly. It was disgusting, but even that I could have over looked if the movie had been half way decent. For the first hour and 15 minutes nothing happens at all, I mean NOTHING. I think the makers of this movie were trying to "build suspense" but it failed miserably and just came off as boring. When it finally did get going there was nothing exciting, innovative or great about it, they tussled a bit, the "hero" killed the "bad guys" and the movie went off. This was a huge let down. I implore you.............................save your money, stay away from this one.
5
Dont be so critical its really good. by kayleenabq15
The movie was good. A-lot of people were judging to much on the whole view of the southerns ignorant rednecks potrayed in the movie as they say. There some parts were they rape her and its over rated by a bit but overall the intensity was really good.
1
WORST MOVIE I'VE EVER SEEN by IHATESTRAWDOGS
Wow. This movie left me speechless.
1. Still speechless
2. Wow
3. This movie left me disgusted.
4. It should be taken out of theaters as soon as possible.
5. Not only is it offensive but also traumatizing to anyone who has a soul. The cat was strangled, deer was shot in the face, Kate Bosworth was raped multiple times leaving me wanting to throw up, people had bear traps set off on their necks, basically same idea of Of Mice and Men....cool, Janice was an annoying 15 year old who made the whole thing happen, if she didn't try to make out with the mentally retarded 40 year old...this whole situation would have never happened, people were running without bras. why?,
6. This movie should NOT BE WATCHED unless you want to be mentally scarred for the rest of your life.
7. I would have rathered flushed my money down toilet then watch this movie again.
8. By the end of the movie, I wish it was me with the bear trap around me neck.
3
Not Bad by dominiquethmpsn
Straw Dogs was enjoyable enough. It just took a little long for the action to get started. The wife was a little annoying and so was Janice but you'll figure that out once you see it. It was worth it if only to see Alexander Skardgard shirtless!
4
Straw Dogs review by nizzlyniz
The ending is awesome!!!
4
Straw Dogs by dhsm1995
This movie needed more of a back story to help explain some of the elements that did not make sense as you are watching it. You're left wondering why did this happen or why did this person feel this way. You know from watching the movie it has something to do with what happened in the past but it is never explained to the audience. Maybe too much editing and it ended up on the editing room floor. Just don't know. Love Alex Skarsgard tho.
4
slow but not bad by nosros