Iffy for 14+
Horror remake has more tension than blood.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this thriller/horror remake of 1987's The Stepfather has plenty of tension, scares, and violence, though most of it is relatively bloodless. Three murders take place on screen (as well as fighting, attacks, etc.), and several other dead bodies are shown. Characters talk a lot about how families move on after divorce and loss, and there's some sensuality (a lot of kissing and skimpy swimsuits), underage drinking, and salty language. A supporting character is in a committed same-sex relationship. Also, this review is for the rated, theatrical version. There are unrated versions available.
- Families can talk about how the violence in this movie compares to bloodier horror films like the Saw series. Do the different types of violence have different impact? Is one scarier than the other?
- What are the challenges that real families face whenmoving on after divorce and loss? Is any of what the on-screen familygoes through relatable?
- Why do you think Hollywood is so fond of remaking horror movies? Whatmotivates them?
The good stuff
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Messages: You could argue that the movie has a message about family sticking together, but any real positive content is lost amid the violence and tension.
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Role models: Although the film features a character who stresses the importance of family above all, he happens to be a psychotic killer. On the brighter side, the teen hero is a steadfast young man trying to cope with his family's divorce and his own reactions to it.
What to watch for
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Violence: Three bloodless murders take place on screen (the victims are thrown down stairs, suffocate, and drown). Several dead bodies, including three children, are seen in a killer's wake. Also beatings, fighting, chases, a knife attack, falls, and a stabbing with a shard of mirror to the neck, with some blood.
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Sex: Some swimsuit-clad kissing and sounds of hanky-panky being initiated (implied sex). Plenty of skimpy outfits; one female character spends the majority of the film in swimwear.
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Language: Some strong language, including "goddamn," "damn," "screwing," "ass," and the finger being given.
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink beer, wine, and hard liquor. An older man offers a minor two shots of tequila in an attempt to bond. A sleeping pill is taken.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Don't bother seeing this movie. by jsimants
This had to be the dumbest movies ever. I can't believe we choose this one to see.
I'm not sure if this was supposed to be a comedy or a horror flick, yet the plot was predictable every step of the way. The acting was horrible, but without any big names in the cast that didn't surprise me. There were constant jump scenes which anybody listening should have expected by the overuse of suspense background music, and when it wasn't that, the movie was set to crappy emo music. Other than the Stepfather, you'd think one of the charactors would have had the sense for what to do with a phone.
If you're one for eye candy, you'll love the son's girlfriend who, aside from at the beginning of the movie, apparently seems to live her entire life wearing only underwear or bikinis.
4
The Nip Tuck guy did good! by smizraim
I am not so sure why this movie has not been rated higher, because it is an excellent film. Yes these type of stories have been done several times before, but hasn't everything else in Hollywood? The characters were very well developed and the story was great. I thought the film kept a good pace throughout, and we were thoroughly entertained. I really have no beef with this film and I recommend it to anyone who would like to see an edgy look at rushing into marriage with a psycho. I dig the twisted concept.
4
The Stepfather by snoozie09
I enjoyed this movie. It had me guessing throughout. I was on the edge of my seat quite a few times. The ending was a surprise, not what I was expecting at all. I was very pleased. As a matter of fact I may go see it again, to catch all the little things I may have missed.
4
The Stepfather by Jan1028
I liked the movie - the casting was good and the actors were very good. I found that the fact that it had no gratitous violence - blood only where there had to be blood - to be refreshing and it was, in fact, a thriller as opposed to a horror film. I think it moved along a good pace and while it's not going to garner any Oscar nominations, it's good entertainment and certainly worth seeing
4
good movie by movielver89
I really liked this movie becasue it was very suspensful and it really makes you think about people you dont really know lol. It was crazy and kept you guessing the whole time and it didnt have a chessy ending. the actors are so hot and make the movie even better. acting was really good and im serious when i say it wasnt cheesy.
3
The Stepfather by beetlebug1969
It had some really good scenes. My overall experience wasn't bad! I think it might be a better video rental.
4
The Stepfather by shoesandsocks
Very scary- i a suspenseful kind of way. Even when you knew what was coming- it got you! Several times everyone in the theater (weekday, so only about 20) jumped simultaneously. Constant adreneline rush. Too much skin with the young couple- very sensual- not recommended for teens.For sdults- a good scare- not an overwhelming plot, but a fun scary movie.
4
The Stepfather by cherylthebutterfly
Typical psychological thriller, but with a good plot and good acting.
5
Great Suspense! by c560bra1
This movie was excellent! I was a little leary on seeing it at first because of the bad reviews received by my peers, however, I am glad I checked it out for myself. I went with my teen daughter and husband and we all were at the edge of our seats. The scenes with the young couple in the pool was totally for ratings. The girl wore a bikini through most of the movie, however, she was shaped like a "dakota fanning". In other words, there was nothing to look at. No big woop there so I don't know why so many people were bothered by those scenes. Anyway, a must see movie. GO STEPFATHER!!!!
3
Five Word Review by secretxtwo
please just wait for DVD