OK for kids 8+
Jackie Chan family flick high on stunts but low on laughs.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Jackie Chan spy comedy is a moderately action-packed choice for families. Several sequences involve gun-toting Russian criminals, but aside from a character who gets some bruises, there's no bloodshed in the fight scenes. Since this is a family movie, the villains are often knocked out humorously with things like a slammed door or a dropped appliance. There's no iffy language besides insults like "idiot," "stupid," and so on (though even those words aren't exactly something you want your 8-year-olds saying to their friends...), and the "sexy" stuff is limited to a couple of tame kisses and hugs between Chan and Amber Valletta, as well as some slightly off-putting (but mild) flirting between an older teenage spy and a 13-year-old character and a few risque lines from a younger boy. Overall, this is an age-appropriate (if not particularly funny) option for families with tweens and up.
- Families can talk about the movie's messages about honesty and family relationships. What does Bob mean when he tells Farren that family isn't about "blood" but "love"?
- The movie's violence is pretty mild, but there are still several characters that use guns. Is this OK for a family movie?
- Is Jackie Chan believable as a romantic lead? Why or why not?
- How are the Russian villains portrayed? Are Russians still considered a threat to America?
The good stuff
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Messages: One important message that the movie conveys is that family isn't just "blood," but also the people you love and who love you. Other take-aways include the importance of honesty in family relationships and how you shouldn't judge someone solely by the way they dress or what they do for a living -- people are complicated and can surprise you.
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Role models: Bob is a loyal, generous man with well-honed instincts and an unwavering desire to do the right thing. Gillian is a loving single mother who puts her children's needs first. On the downside, the Russian villains are portrayed in somewhat broad stereotypes.
What to watch for
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Violence: Several action sequences, a few with gun-wielding Russian villains. But even during a hostage situation, the threat of real harm is virtually non-existent. Some of the bad guys point guns and act menacingly, but no blood is spilled, and no one is seriously hurt.
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Sex: Bob and Gillian exchange a couple of embraces and tame kisses. Farren flirts with a much older teenager and occasionally tries to wear inappropriate clothes to school. A Russian criminal wears tight, cleavage-bearing clothes. A young boy (Ian) says he watched the Playboy channel in hi-def (and then claims to have spent time at the Playboy Mansion). He also uses a risque pick-up line on an older girl ("If I told you you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?").
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Language: Mostly insults: "stupid," "idiot," "loser," "hillbilly," and the like.
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Consumerism: Apple is represented with iMac and iPod.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Family fun, courtesy of The Spy Next Door by Moviebuff360
It won't win any big awards or have young girls swooning over the hero, but The Spy Next Door is a fun, lighthearted movie that young and old can watch together without worry of embarrassing dialogue, nudity or suggestive content. It has some truly funny moments, visually exciting action sequences where no one dies, and a good moral to the story. If you go to see it in that frame of mind, you won't be disappointed and the satisfaction of being able to see a movie with the whole family and not leave the theatre having to explain uncomfortable situations to children makes it a hit in my book.
5
The Spy Next Door by JulieDoane
This movie was a great movie for all ages to see. I am a pretty good judge of character when it comes to language and I did not hear any foul language at all! This is what most parents are looking for and the plot was really cute! I would go back and see it again and again with my child.
4
Enjoyed by 7 year old! by jcforaker
The theater was packed with kids apx ages 6-13. They all seemed to love this movie: laughing at appropriate parts, oohing and aahing. It wasn't half bad for the parents either. I would recommend this for that age set.
4
Clean Family Film by cindy50
My friend told me Jackie Chan did this movie for kids in mind. Seeing how the movie had no sex, bad language, I believe it. Young kids and teens in the theater enjoyed it from what I saw and by hearing their laughter. Very happy ending. Chan still has the moves although you can tell he's slowing down. The movie was shot in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Jackie became a fan of the city by shopping and frequenting a restaurant there many times. Read his blog to find out more. I plan on buying the DVD when it comes out.
4
Great Family Fun by Mom_and_kid
At 6 my son is just getting to like movies on the big screen. He loved this movie, he is a new Jackie Chan fan, and the movie inspired him to start studying martial arts. So now I am a big Jackie Chan fan too! Definitely a great movie for families.
4
Worth Seeing! by chanfan1
My husband and I went to see this. I talked him into it because I am a Jackie Chan fan and will see anything that he is in, but was not that excited about this one. Surprisingly, we both enjoyed it. Cute with some funny moments. And he may be 55 years old, but he still moves pretty good (it is obvious he did have a little help with this one) and is stil appealing. Looking forward to June for Karate Kid!
4
A Spy Next Door by lee72370
I enjoyed the movie with my son. It made him laugh a lot. Thank you again.
5
Jackie Chan is Awesome! by JazyWazy
My family loved this movie.
1
The worst by Dawnmb409
I usually love Jackie Chan movies but that was the WORST one I have seen. The acting was pathetic and there was no chemistry between Jackie and his love interest.
How many more movies are going to have the spoiled kids hate new man in mom's life theme? It was an afternoon special movie at best, and at least then, you can change the channel.
4
Cute Movie by mendee79
I recommend seeing it. Great family movie!