Iffy for 15+
Possession tale is low on blood, but high on scares.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is a review of the PG-13-rated movie and not the unrated DVD version. This horror film, while relatively bloodless, is still totally frightening (as in NOT for younger kids). It's full of freaky, scary stuff like monsters, creatures, and demons. Since the evil entity in the movie can jump from body to body, much of the violence in the film involves un-possessed people lashingout at possessed victims -- including children. There's also lots of talk about abstract, monster-related theological issues (i.e. can a Jewish rite of exorcism protect a non-believer?). A subplot about a Holocaust survivor leads to imagery of Nazi death camps and medical experiments. Because the film's plot revolves around a stillborn twin, there's also disturbing imagery involving pregnancy, birth, and infancy that's used to create shock and horror. Characters also drink, swear, and get intimate (though nothing too sensitive is shown).
- Families can talk about the way the film creates shock, tension, and horror with a relative minimum of blood. Is the movie's level of violence and unsettling imagery more or less scary because of its restraint?
- Why are audiences drawn to horror movies?
- Families can also discuss therole that traditional folklore of possession, demonic spirits, andghosts plays in the movie. Why do these stories appear so frequently inmost cultures?
- What role do they have intheology and tradition?
The good stuff
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Messages: Extensive discussion of mystical and demonic elements of Christianity and Judaism. Several scenes are set in a home for the elderly, with discussion of the frailties that can come with age. Discussions of the Holocaust. Extensive imagery involving birth and pregnancy and its complications, including a fetus in a jar (which is later shattered). Discussions of Alzheimer's (referred to as "old-timers"), clinical depression, and genetic abnormalities.
What to watch for
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Violence: Several scenes involve violence against -- or by -- children possessed by supernatural entities or supernatural entities in the form of children. Stabbings, bludgeonings, beatings, and other forms of violence. Some blood, though less than in many other horror films -- but there are many mutilated bodies, and some graphic images of contorted/dislocated limbs. Constant horror-film imagery, including swarms of insects, misshapen supernaturally influenced beings, howlingmonstrosities whose entire face is a fanged maw, and more. A child is hit by a car (though unharmed thanks to dark forces); later, the same child stabs a character to death. A plot point revolves around the death of an infant. The finale involves lots of supernatural violence -- people and objects being hurled about by psychic force -- and some violence committed by people possessed by that force. Characters are chased and threatened by scary monsters. Some World War II concentration camp imagery, including medical experiments on children; other medical imagery includes an eye examination.
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Sex: A couple (young, but college-aged) kisses and cuddles, presumably after making love. Discussion of "wood" as a indicator of arousal. Some images of the female lead character in nightshirt and panties and a waist-up, from-the-back shot of her showering. A babysitter is asked if the husband and wife she's working for have "porn," with a brief discussion of hypothetical masturbation. Sexual activity is shown to have clear consequences.
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Language: Some instances of strong language, including one "f--k," "s--t," and "bitch." "Retard" is used as an insult.
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Consumerism: Some brands are visible on-screen or mentioned in dialogue, including Cosmopolitan magazine, Red Bull energy drink, and Xanax.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink liquor at a club and talk about being drunk; one character notes of the other's stressed-out state that "I would just take one of my mom's Xanax and call it a day." A character is seen leading some sort of 12-step group, although for what, exactly, viewers are never told.
Fan Reviews provided by
2
THE UNBORN = horror stillborn - stunted scarefest. GRADE: D-minus by MOVIES REVIEWER
I attended the special advance press screening of this BAD 'horror' movie last week - and I practically yawned through the entire 88 minutes of this Michael Bay produced over-indulgent mess.
I could not decide if I was either watching a video of underwear commercial/modeling sessions or a comedy horror-flick - what with Odette Yustman prancing around in her tight skimpy underwear, and the scary scenes were at times comical.
The cast's acting was mediocre at best - even the usually commendable Gary Oldman seemed bored in his role as Rabbi Sendak.
And let's not even get started on the HORRIFIC dialogue/lines in the movie - who wrote this stuff???
Anyway, watch it at your peril - I'm glad I did not pay to watch this trash.
VERDICT:
Recommended for the most hardcore insatiable fans of horror movies.
Otherwise, skip it or wait for the DVD.
Note: At least this movie is better than The Ruins and most of the recent Japanese nonsensical horror films.
3
The Unborn by danejr
Pretty good movie but not as scary as I was expecting it to be. Showed most of the good part's in preview's.
1
Don't go by bebop25
This movie sucked!!!! The story was the stupidist part. I mean come on! It didn't even make sense! Hated it! I want my money back please!
5
Unborn by Jluisbet
Great movie, with creepy special effects, no gore, and pure entertainment. Definitie must see!
1
Not worth a trip to the theatre. by charmed14
The same old formula: put a hot girl (who can't act) in a semi-horror with a lame script and hope that people come to see it. Poorly written, acted and directed all around; with a very predictable ending. My advice is to wait until it's on cable or someone you know rents it, but don't spend your own money on this film.
5
The movie has a C- because of people who haven't even seen the movie. Idiiots. by K4G4
PG-13 or not... That movie is not alright for a 13 year old to see. It was scary and exciting through the entire movie. If you like having to look behind you as you walk out of the theater and not sleeping at night, See this movie. Scary movies are suppose to be scary, and this movie was terrifying. It is a must see.
5
need to jump by easyrider25
if you like your sweety to jump into your arms go see this (just dont let her hold the popcorn)
or you mite be wearing it (hahah) GO SEE IT
5
great movie!! by soccerstaryea
this was a great movie
but only if you like to get scared!! i loved it and didnt have nightmares afterward!! yayy
5
UNNNBORRN BABY! by yourmothaa25
this is a freaking a amazing movie! The acting was GREAT! I don't know what all these people are talking about, this is a must see movie. Me and my friends saw it and we all almost peed our pants. It had great scary parts that made us jump out of our seats! And now everytime the trailers come on I have to turn off my tv! It really is a terrifying movie, and I would absolutely see it again. 5 thumbs up all the wayyy!!!!
4
The Unbnborn by virgiemoreno
I took 2 twelve year old children, & to watch them both (1 boy & 1 girl) huddeling in their seats was too good. I found quite a few heart thumping moments in the movie. Both kids thought it was great. I thought it was a pretty good movie. Looked like a good (teen) date movie, I saw alot of boys cuddeling with their scared dates. I would rent this movie later on a cold dark night.