Iffy for 14+
Realistic alien abduction tale too violent/chilling for kids
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this sci-fi thriller from director Olatunde Osunsanmi mixes supposedly real footage of alien abductees with re-creations played out by actors (including Milla Jovovich and Will Patton). That mix makes it hard to know what to believe, and it could confuse or mislead overly trusting kids (be ready to talk about telling the difference between fact and fiction). Plus, in addition to an overall sense of dread, there are a couple of shockingly violent moments -- including a bloody stabbing and a blurry scene in which a man kills his wife and children and then himself -- that could scare the daylights out of some viewers.
- Families can talk about whether or not they think the events in the film really happened. Are the things presented in the movie necessarily factual? How could they have been faked? How can you tell what's fact and fiction in situations like this?
- If the movie is a put-on, what is the effect? And what are the consequences?
- Why are some characters ready to believe that aliens exist, while others deny it?
- Why would aliens be interested in abducting and experimenting onhumans? Are there any similar circumstances in which humans behave thesame way toward other species?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie aims to suggest that the "truth" about alien abductions is out there -- and that it's being covered up -- but it doesn't suggest a healthy or proactive way to go about proving or changing this situation. And if you conclude that the movie is a fake and a put-on, that undermines any kind of positive message it's trying to impart.
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Role models: No real role models here. Dr. Abigail Tyler never really manages to help any of the people who are counting on her, and it's suggested that her behavior is unbalanced. A local cop behaves abhorrently and without much logic, and other characters are either inactive or victimized.
What to watch for
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Violence: Early on, there's a stabbing with spurting blood. Later, a man murders his wife and children and takes his own life, though the footage is distant and blurry. Some of Dr. Abigail's patients behave violently and unpredictably under hypnosis; some of this behavior is spooky and/or shocking. As for the alien abductions, the movie suggests some of the violence and terror that goes on during them but shows very little.
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Sex: During a flashback, Dr. Abigail is seen lying in bed with her husband very briefly (just before he's killed).
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Language: Characters keep a lid on particularly strong language (though there are a couple of uses of "s--t," "damn," and "hell"), but many terrified characters exclaim "God" in all different kinds of permutations ("Oh God," "Oh my God," "goddamn it," etc.).
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by 
5
Go See This Now! by uleij
Seriously, go see it. I am not an alien movie fan or really into the whole "other beings" stories etc...but you can't miss this movie. I just got done watching it and I will see it again because I know I missed things that I want to see again. I didn't find it slow at all like other complained of and I kept wanting more. I kept wanting so see more of the Real life footage. I love how the whole movie was set up. You will too. Go See It!
5
ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS, MIGHT BE PROOF OF ALIENS by RobbySTi
So I just got in after seeing The Fourth Kind. I went to see the movie paranormal activity and snuck into The Fourth Kind after..... Don't waste your time with the movie paranormal activity, if you want to see REAL paranormal activity go see the fourth kind, man i hope i dont get abducted for writing this review haha. I mean if that footage they have is real than man I am a bit scared that we are not alone in our huge universe. Ya the movie trys to sway you to believe because they connect all the right dots, but man go see it and decide for yourself. I wouldn't call this a normal movie you see for entertainment it is kinda half documentary and half acting, but the so called real footage you see is insane. it isn't a typical scary movie in fact it is not really scary it is more disturbing in an intriguing way. Bottom line go see the movie and why hasn't this already been a huge youtube conspiracy????
4
This poor lady... by aRePa
I want to say "Must Go", but I can't because it is disturbing. Some scenes, especially the "archived" material are beyond creepy and surreal. I don't think it was aliens at all, but it came across as some type of demonic possession or possession caused by some type of ancient Nephilim. The fact that "it" is speaking in ancient Sumerian and says something translated to "I am God", it is in fact very Un-Godly, but of the Earth, even Interterrestrial as opposed to Extraterrestrial for some reason. I hope to God that something like this has never been true, but if it has, poor "Abigail" has lost some type of battle...against what no one knows.
5
Fourth Kind = The Best Kind by FuzzyDad
Regardless of belief of the existence of any extraterrestrial life, the varied forms of contact, or the varied portrayals of events in films, this movie slams home the emotional repercussions that could potentially stem from abductions by life forms from beyond Earth.
I went to the midnight showing and left absolutely shaken, butterflies in my stomach and thoroughly entertained. Milla Jovovich was outstanding as Dr. Abigail Tyler, as was her supporting cast. As a "documentary", the storyline leaves one questioning their belief in the extraterrestrial and their contact with us. As a thriller, the movie has many points where you want to jump straight out of your seat & head for the doors.
I loved "The Fourth Kind", it scared the pants off of me. I just might go see it again. As long as one goes with either an open mind, or without prejudgmental expectations, prepare yourself to be blown away.
5
Very Creepy! by Mr Tommy
As a retired fillmmaker, I found this story to be very interesting as I had an encounter of the First Kind when I was 20 years old of coming in contact within 200 ft. What I really liked about this story as it did not just feel like some movie made on stage.... This film included the actual footage, and by using it in conjuction with the story.... it made it even more believable. Most of these type of movies are more fiction than fact, and what made this film even better... it had fact with the story to back it up. So it allow you to become the believer or not. For myself, I am a TRUE believer as I have been for many many years now.... This film just took this belief a step further, and it gave me goosebumps as it was really CREEPY.... Make sure you see it from the beginning and do not get into the theatre late.... Enjoy!
4
Creative Story Line and Direction by Cal Varnson
I purposely avoided reading any reviews leading up to this movie as I wanted to go into the theater without any preconceived notions. I'm glad I did, because the overwhelming response to this movie is average at best. I disagree, I found it to be creative and compelling.
The director does a very good job getting the audience to "believe" this story is factual. The archival footage is realistic and chilling and I found the story to be as believable as one can find an alien abduction film.
I think this was an entertaining move and I recommend it to anyone that enjoys SciFi with the occassional spine tingling moments.
5
Have I Been Abducted? by ProphecyWatcher
I was completely shocked and disturbed by this movie.
I went expecting it to be another bad/cheesy horror flick, instead I was completely engaged and forced to get really honest with myself and answer some hard questions.
I can't go into them here but I will say this, this is not your ordinary ET movie. It is based, from my own personal research and experience, on actual real life events. I predict we have not heard the end of this movie. I suspect there will be quite a buzz.
I saw the movie twice on the same day, due to the fact that is was so disturbing. At times during the movie, I had completely zoned out, lost in my own thoughts and past experiences. It gave me more insight as well as left me wondering....have I been abducted? This is my honest question. I recently published my first book about the alien invasion based on dreams I had between 2004-2007, called Dreams & Visions of our Future. Watching this movie has forced me to take a second look.
4
Overall enjoyable! by vip816
I was drawn to this movie because I like thrillers and scary movies. Since I do not want to ruin it for you, I won't say anything to spoil it. This movie definitely had its intense moments that made me jump a few times. The way the movie was made/played out was ingenious in my opinion. It was a new format and something I did not expect. This is a decent movie overall, but be warned that it is inappropriate for children. There were several children in the audience at my viewing and one got so scared from one of the scenes that he started crying nonstop and his idiotic family had to leave the theater. Anyway, the one thing I will suggest is this: DO NOT READ ANY MORE REVIEWS OR RESEARCH INTO THIS MOVIE BEFORE WATCHING IT... too many people are giving away spoilers in their reviews without even flagging it as a spoiler. I'm so happy I only researched into this movie AFTER I saw the film. If you want to be entertained, this movie will do that for you.
4
Five Word Review by Keeping_It_Reel
Thought provoking Mysterious DiStUrBiNg Worth_seeing
5
worth it by jpease4
I went to see this movie today with a gift card.... It is definitely worth giving 2 hours of your day to enjoy. Its smart, fast paced, true, and leaves its audience informed. I recommend this movie to everyone, even people who don't buy any of the U.F.O. theories. It is based on a true story and contrary to the review left by a 21 year old resident of Nome, Alaska (see that review below) all the information from this movie can be verified on-line @Google. I know because I did it myself, thats what made me choose this movie to see today. I made the right decision ...I loved it, and any openminded, theoretical loving, looking for some answers individual will enjoy this just the same.....Thank me later :-)