Iffy for 16+
Aliens vs. potty-mouthed, sex-obsessed humans.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Watch is a raunchy sci-fi comedy about four suburban guys (including Ben Stiller, Vince Vaughn, and Jonah Hill) who end up taking on an alien invasion. There's some blood and gore, as well as sci-fi shootouts. Expect lots of sexual content, including nudity (toplessness), an orgy scene, implied mutual masturbation, and rampant sexual innuendo. Language is equally strong and constant, with "f--k" and "s--t" both used frequently. Characters drink a lot, and some take drugs. Consumerism is also a big issue, as the movie feels like a huge ad for Costco. The movie made the news in February 2012, when its marketing campaign coincided with a fatal shooting in Florida by a real-life neighborhood watch captain. The movie's marketing and title (formerly Neighborhood Watch) were quickly changed.
- Families can talk about The Watch's violence. What's the effect of showing bloody carnage in a comedy? Does it make the movie funnier? Less funny? How does it compare to the impact of the violence in, for example, horror movies?
- Why do you think sex is such a big subplot in this movie? In what ways does The Watch talk about sex in a realistic way? In what ways is it simply trying to be shocking?
- Can these characters be described as "men-children"? Why are so many movies made about these types of characters? Are they believable?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Despite a lot of iffy behavior, the movie does have messages about teamwork and learning to communicate. Characters also show courage in the face of danger.
-
Role models: Evan is a responsible, brave member of his community, but he's also uptight and insecure. Happily, he learns to overcome some of these problems by trusting others.
What to watch for
-
Violence: A few human characters are slaughtered in an alien attack. Viewers see huge blood spatters, body parts, and mutilated corpses. There's lots of shooting -- both guns and extraterrestrial laser cannons -- though aliens take most of the hits (they ooze green blood). Also some hand-to-hand fighting (with injuries) and lots of arguing.
-
Sex: One scene takes place at an orgy. At least one woman is shown topless, several characters engage in simulated sex, and three men engage in mutual masturbation (shown from the chest up). A teen girl is shown making out with a teen boy, and they engage in some foreplay; she wants to stop but he insists on continuing -- then they're interrupted. The teen boy buys some large-size condoms. Porn magazines are glimpsed. The main character and his wife are trying to have a baby, and there are a few scenes of kissing and seduction, as well as much discussion about sperm. Sexual innuendo is very strong and constant.
-
Language: Language is strong and constant, with multiple uses of "f--k," "s--t," "p---y," "c--t," "ass," "a--hole," "c--k," "d--k," "c--ksucker," "goddamn," "hell," "damn," "prick," "vagina," "jizz," "hymen," "balls," and "jackass," plus uses of "oh my God," "Jesus," and "Jesus Christ" (as exclamations). There's some 1980s-era "gangster rap" on the soundtrack that also has strong language (including "motherf--ker").
-
Consumerism: The main character is a manager of Costco. Many scenes take place inside a Costco store, and the name is mentioned many times. Many other brands are mentioned and shown as well, often more than once, including Coca-Cola, Budweiser beer, Rayovac batteries, Magnum condoms, Bugles snacks, and Tide. Facebook is also shown and mentioned.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: A minor character celebrates inside a Costco, drinking hard liquor, smoking pot, and popping pills from a pharmacy. The main characters are almost constantly drinking, either beer or Scotch, but are never shown drunk. One of the main characters mentions possessing pot, but this isn't shown.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Even Space Aliens Love Costco...Fun & Very Funny.... by Alon Patterson
This one's short on plot but long on comedy. It hits the ground funny and stays there with comedic timing and gags only these guys can deliver. If you're looking for an adult comedy (without most of the raunchiness of recent films in this genre), this is your ticket. See it. You won't be disappointed...... And just a side note, when Stiller gets some time off, it would be really cool if he would give Adam Sandler some comedy lessons because "Happy Madison" ain't so happy any more......just saying.
3
Funny by kkmoviekk
There were some incredibly hilarious moments, but this is probably one of those movies to catch when it comes on DVD. Vince Vaughn was funnier than usual, Richard Ayoade was hilarious, Jonah Hill had a few funny moments, and Ben Stiller was average. Overall, an average movie with some ridiculous and unexpected hilarious one-liners.
4
great movie, worthy of purchasing by riotgrrl420
the entire is a string of **** jokes, awkward pauses, and ad lib. The bloopers and extended scenes must be gut busting if the movie this funny. Vaughn, Stiller, and Hill are hilarious and play on each other very well. Richard Ayoade is amazing and I need to watch the It Crowd now.
5
The Watch by leovaca
Great movie ! A movie full of comedy, action, love and a little sex and words that we all use now a days.I recommend for adults of any age that want to laugh and are understandable or acceptable with the sexual revolution that we have now a days.I also like the actors different races and different backgrounds gives the movie a little of everything for all of us to laugh about our own races in America including alliens.Very surprising scenes that make you wonder whats going to happen next.I love it and so did my dad and well my mom ? you know moms when they see sexual contents like if they dont understand.A great family movie with young adults.Well I think Costco should sell the movie when it comes out with a great discount for its customers and free to those who dont have a membership card. and I will gladly join.
5
Awesome, Poker night movie by Settle down there partner
I laughed at this movie more than I have laughed at a movie in a long time. My wife and I went with my brother and his wife, I got the "that's you and your poker buddies" look several times. A total riot with a little something for everyone. Ben Stiller was the right lead to hang the movie on and I appreciated the motifs and progress of the storyline, not to mention all the various jokes. The characters meshed well with each other, so well that I wouldn't be surprised to see a sequel. Excellent!
5
Sci Fi meets Comedy??? by coachingkids
I for one really enjoyed the movie. My two boys and I laughed more times than I could remember in a movie. Some part not perfect for the boys but overall a winner.
4
If you don't take things too seriously...GO!! by karatchris
I really enjoyed this movie. I wasn't expecting much, after all, the premise sounds quite far fetched. However, after a slow start, I found myself liking the guys from the Watch, and was looking forward to and rooting for them to catch the bad guys. Not too much of a laugh out loud movie, but enough laughs to keep the plot moving. I think everyone can relate to one of the these four guys, and truly, they do endear themselves to you through their stupidity and naivete. Go see it, it was a lot of fun!!
5
Very Funny! by itsjknight
Signed up just to write this review Not sure what people are expecting when seeing a movie with Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn but there is nothing wrong with this movie. I laughed most of the movie and was shocked at how good it was considering all the bad press on here. Glad I didn't listen and went to see for myself.
4
Good...could have done with out the aliens by JCHAV1980
My husband and I loved the jokes and it was quite funny. If this had been just been a neighborhood watch movie with out the alien aspect I would have wanted to see it twice.
2
Aliens? Really? by clarissa1dc
Surprisingly bad- wasn't expecting aliens. Vince Vaughn needs to find a new schtick as the usual is getting tired. Save your money and watch it on cable - you'll likely end up switching the channel before it ends.