Jurassic Park (1993)

DIRECTED BY: Steven Spielberg
STARRING: Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Richard Attenborough
RATED: PG-13
OPINION STARS: 4 out of 5
THIS FILM IS: Suspensful, Scary, Fast-paced
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DESCRIPTION: An ambitous multimillionaire (Attenborough) unveils a new theme park where people can observe dinosaurs that have been cloned using advanced DNA technology. But when a devious employee tampers with the security system, the dinosaurs are unleashed, and the visitors find themselves fighting to survive. Winner of 3 Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects (1993)
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Based on the novel by Michael Crichton. Despite following its source material rather loosely, Spielberg's mega hit monster movie still succeeds on several levels. The dinosaurs - thanks to expert CGI-craftsmanship - are spectacular and terrifyingly realistic. The story itself is a bit lacking, but if you take Jurassic Park for the non-stop thrill ride that it is, you won't be disappointed. As in Frankenstein, there is an underlying theme about the dangers of trying to play God.
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For Ages 14+

Alien (1979)

DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott
WRITERS: Ronald Shusett, Dan O'Bannon
CAST: Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerrit, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright, Ian Holm
RATED: R
OPINION STARS: 3.5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS: Dark, Intense, Unsettling
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DESCRIPTION: When the space freighter Nostromo is sent to investigate strange signals from another planet, a deadly alien life-form is accidentally allowed to board the ship. When the lethal creature disappears, and begins to wind its way through the air shafts of the ship, a desperate attempt is made to locate and kill it before it does any more damage to the Nostromo... and it's crew.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: If you're a sci-fi buff like I am, you'll probably enjoy Alien. The story is intelligent and extremely well-paced, making for one of the most intense movie rides you'll ever take. Excellent acting overall - Sigourney Weaver does an especially good job as Ripley, the determined Warrant Officer who matches wits with one of the creepiest movie monsters of all time. (P.S. Not quite sure why this one is considered a "horror" flick. It's more of an out-of-this-world thriller than anything else. Unsettling, yes. Pointlessly terrifying, no. At least, that's my consensus, considering I got way more thrills than chills out of it.)      
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For Ages 16+

"Here Jonesy, Jonesy..." 

King Kong (2005)

STUDIO:    Universal Studios
DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson
STRARING: Naomi Watts, Adrien Brody, Jack Black, Andy Serkis, Thomas Kretschmann
RATED:        PG-13
OPINION STARS: 4 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Epic, Intense, Dramatic
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DESCRIPTION: Ann Darrow is a vaudeville actress who finds herself down on luck in Depression-era New York - that is, until manic film director Carl Denham (Black) tempts her with a lead role. Dazzled by the genius of screenwriter Jack Driscoll (Brody), Ann accepts the offer, and boards the tramp steamer S.S. Venture, which Denham claims is headed for Singapore. It soon becomes cear, however, that Denham is really searching for the legendary Skull Island, hoping to revive his failing career by capturing it's exotic wonders on film. Nominated for the Golden Globe Award for Best Director 2006. 
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: King Kong is Jackson's big, bold remake of the revered 1933 original. Getting off to a slow - though not uninteresting - start, this movie really begins to shine once the Venture arrives at Skull Island, where Jackson and his team once again prove their spectacular prowess in the world of visual effects. The choreography and execution of the action scenes are nothing short of stunning (particularly in the one involving Kong and three T-Rex, as well as another that can only be described as a bug-phobic's worst nightmare). Kong suceeds on the emotional level as well, playing out the platonic love-story with surprising poignancy and depth.  
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For Ages 15+

"Twas beauty killed the beast."

The Birds (1964)

STUDIO: Universal Studios

DIRECTOR: Alfred Hitchcock

STARRING: Tippi Hedren, Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette

RATED: PG-13 

OPINION STARS: 2.5 out of 5

THIS FILM IS:  Unsettling, Dark, Intense

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DESCRIPTION: Largely considered to be one of Hitchcock's best films, The Birds follows chic socialite Melanie Daniels (Hedren), who travels to Bodega Bay to hook up with an eligible attorney (Taylor) she's only just met. Upon her arrival, however, the bird population inexplicably runs amok, and the town becomes the center of a terrifying chain of events, as the feathered marauders begin to viciously attack and kill the townsfolk.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Based on the story by Daphne Du Maurier. One of the most creepy, psychologically-intense films I've seen. The movie itself is very well done, with superb direction from Hitchcock and good acting from Hedren and Taylor. What is disappointing is the story, which in the end is only a platform for creating pointless fear and terror in the audience. It's scary only for the sake of being scary. And I just can't see how that's edifying - especially for Christians, who should be fearing God rather than man... or birds.   
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Not Recommended

"These birds didn't just get in: they came in!"

Iron Man (2008)

STUDIO:     Paramount 
DIRECTOR: Jon Favreau
STARRING: Robert Downey Jr., Jeff Bridges, Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard
RATED:        PG-13
OPINION STARS: 4 out of 5
THIS FILM IS: Fast-Paced, Intense, Exciting
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DESCRIPTION: When billionaire, weapons-designer prodigy Tony Stark (Downey) is captured by Middle-Eastern terrorists during a weapons test, he invents a suit of high-tech armor to help him escape. Now, struck by the selfishness of his former egotistic lifestyle, Stark utilizes his genius invention for good, and emerges as a hero whose built - not born - to be unlike any other.   
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: If you can get past the tasetless indecency that pervades the first twenty minutes or so, Iron Man is a blast. The storyline is surprisingly thoughtful and clever, and sets the stage for some jaw-dropping action sequences (the scene where Stark breaks out of the terrorist camp is brilliantly paced). Robert Downey Jr. is superb as the selfish-turned-selfless Tony Stark, and the climactic one-liner at the conclusion of the film will knock you off your seat.   
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 Iffy for Age 16

"They say the best weapon is one you never have to fire. I prefer the weapon you only need to fire once. That's how dad did it, that's how America does it, and it's worked out pretty well so far."

Minority Report (2002)

STUDIO:     Dreamworks
DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg
STARRING: Tom Cruise, Colin Farrell, Max Von Sydow, Samantha Morton
RATED:        PG-13
OPINION STARS: 4 out of 5 
THIS FILM IS:  Suspenseful, Thought-Provoking, Unsettling
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DESCRIPTION: John Anderton (Cruise) is a top "Precrime" cop in the late 21st century - when technology can predict crimes before they're committed. But when Anderton is targeted for a murder charge by another investigator (Farrell), he must find a glitch in the system and prove his innocence before it's too late.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Based on the story by Phillip K. Dick. Set in the chillingly possible future of 2054, Minority Report easily ranks as one of the most intelligently provocative sci-fi thrillers you'll ever see. Period. The premise - intriguing and eerie at the same time - is top-notch. Were it not for several tastelessly indecent scenes, this movie would definitely get 5 stars. 
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Iffy for Age 16

"You know I can't see without my glasses..."

The Matrix (1999)

STUDIO:     Warner Bros. 
DIRECTOR: Andy and Larry Wachowski 
STARRING: Keannu Reeves, Laurence Fishburne, Carrie-Anne Moss, Hugo Weaving
RATED:        R
OPINION STARS: 5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Thoughtful, Fast-Paced, Intense
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DESCRIPTION: In this complex futuristic thriller, a computer hacker named Neo (Keanu Reeves) searches for the truth behind the mysterious force known as the Matrix. After an intense turn of events, Neo finds himself in the company of a group of strangers led by the charismatic Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne), who ultimately shows him what the Matrix truly is: a reality beyond reality that's both mind-boggling and terrifying. Winner of 4 Academy Awards, including Best Visual Effects 1999. 
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: A personal favorite. As one critic noted, "... [The Matrix] is much more than an out-and-out action yarn; it's a thinking man's journey into the realm of futuristic fantasy." Fusing a one-of-a-kind premise with mind-blowing special effects (most notably "bullet-time"), this is a classic film that sci-fi fans will not want to miss. And there's plenty to think about long after the credits have finished rolling. Biblical themes - such as Original Sin - are easily found beneath the enthralling storyline. Highly reccommended.       
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 For Ages 16+

“You take the blue pill, the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in wonderland, and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes.”

The Road (2009)

STUDIO:     Sony
DIRECTOR: John Hillcoat
STARRING: Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron, Kodie Smitt-Mcphee, Robert Duvall
RATED:      R
OPINION STARS: 4 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Dark, Gritty, Disturbing
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DESCRIPTION: After an unnamed catastrophe strikes, a father (Viggo Mortensen) and his young son (Kodi Smit-McPhee) struggle to survive in the sunless and unforgiving landscape that was once North America. With few clothes, little food, and only two cartridges in a revolver, they trek through the desolation towards the coast in search of a better life - scrounging for food and shelter, and taking advantage of anything useful they can find among the debris. But the father's health is failing, lending urgency to a journey hindered by roaming bands of cannibalistic marauders.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Based on the Pultizer Prize winning novel by Cormac McCarthy. A disturbing yet poignant post-apocalyptic tale that's genuinely hard to watch sometimes, even if you have a strong stomach . On the one hand, it presents with gritty realism the wickedness that the depraved man is naturally inclined to (the scenario with the cannibals is more chillingly realistic than one might think at first). On the other hand, it is also an incredibly powerful story of a father's fierce love for his son. Should be required viewing for older male audiences.            
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Iffy for Age 16

"Even if you knew what to do, you wouldn't know what to do."

War of the Worlds (2005)

STUDIO:   Dreamworks 
DIRECTOR: Steven Spielberg
STARRING: Tom Cruise, Dakota Fanning, Justin Chatwin, Miranda Otto, Tim Robbins
RATED:    PG-13
OPINION STARS: 3.5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:   Unsettling, Intense, Dark
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DESCRIPTION:  Tom Cruise stars as Ray Ferrier, a divorced dockworker whose teen son and preteen daughter (Fanning) are staying with him for the weekend when a massive alien battle machine suddenly appears in their home town and begins its terrifying work of destruction. Forced to become the protective father he's never been, Ferrier rushes to get his kids to safety, as the invasion escalates around them.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Adapted from the novel by H.G. Wells. Although the 1956 version with Gene Barry does a somewhat better job of following the book, this remake is still good. The special effects are really impressive, especially in the case of the alien battle machines. This movie also offers a sadly realistic portrayal of how quickly people turn on one another like wolves when disaster strikes.  
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For Ages 15+

The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003)

STUDIO:     New Line Cinema
DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson
STARRING: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortenson, Ian McKellan, Sean Astin
RATED:        PG-13
OPINION STARS: 5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Epic, Stirring, Intense
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DESCRIPTION: In the third and final installment of The Lord of the Rings trilogy, Ringbearer Frodo Baggins (Wood) and his companion Sam, led by the treacherous Gollum, near the end of their hazardous trek across Middle-Earth. Meanwhile, Aragorn (Mortenson), the heir to the Kingdom of Men, must lead his outnumbered followers in a final struggle against the Dark Lord, so that the Ringbearer can complete his mission and destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The last and greatest battle for Middle-Earth has begun. Winner of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture 2003.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTES: Told with epic energy and passion, The Return of the King serves as a grand and masterful conclusion to the film trilogy based on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. Director Peter Jackson book-to-screen adaptation is one of the best I have ever seen, and he is to be highly commended for staying so faithful to Tokien's overall vision. Like its predecessors, The Return of the King is certain to stand as an adventure for all time.
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Iffy for Age 13

"Sons of Gondor, of Rohan, my brothers! I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the half of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails; when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship. But it is not this day! And hour of wolves and shattered shields when the age of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight! By all that you hold dear of this good earth, I bid you stand, Men of the West!"

The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)

STUDIO:      New Line Cinema
DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson
STARRING: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortenson, Ian McKellan, Sean Astin
RATED:        PG-13
OPINION STARS: 5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Epic, Stirring, Intense
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DESCRIPTION:After the breaking of the Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo (Wood) and Sam continue their journey towards Mordor, guided by the mysterious creature Gollum. Meanwhile, Merry and Pippin awaken an ancient power in the forest of Fanghorn, and Aragorn (Mortenson), Legolas, and Gimli join the people of Rohan in war against the renegade wizard Saruman. The destiny of the divided Fellowship now lies between two towers - the Tower of Orthanc in Isengard, and the fortress of Baraddur, deep within the dark lands of Mordor.  
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: The Two Towers is a seamless continuation of the epic fantasy film series based on the books by J.R.R. Tolkien. As a rule, sequels tend to disappoint; not so with this film. It is not only a worthy sucessor to its predecessor, but also serves as a magnificent prelude to the climactic events in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. Highly recommended.
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 For Ages 13+

"There's some good in this world, Mr. Frodo: and it's worth fighting for!"

Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

STUDIO:      New Line Cinema
DIRECTOR: Peter Jackson
STARRING: Elijah Wood, Viggo Mortenson, Ian McKellan, Sean Astin
RATED:        PG-13
OPINION STARS: 5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Epic, Stirring, Intense
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DESCRIPTION: The Fellowship of the Ring is an epic saga of good and evil, the power of friendship and individual courage. The tale centers around an unassuming Hobbit named Frodo Baggins (Wood), who inherits the One Ring - a ring the Dark Lord Sauron desperately desires for his own. Aided by a loyal fellowship of elves, dwarves, and men, Frodo embarks on a perilous quest to destroy the ring once and for all in the fires of Mount Doom, deep within Morder, the realm of the Dark Lord.  
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Based on the first book of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterpiece trilogy, The Fellowship of the Ring delivers fantasy adventure on a grand scale while remaining faithful to the original story. It  also marks the beginning of the greatest fantasy series in film history: it's sucessors (The Two Towers and The Return of the King) are just as amazing. Tolkien incorporated many biblical themes into his tales, and for the most part, these themes can also be seen in the films. Highly recommended.     
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For Ages 13+

"One Ring to rule them all,
One Ring to find them;
One Ring to bring them all
And in the darkness bind them."

I Am Legend (2007)

STUDIO:     Warner Bros. Pictures
DIRECTOR: Francis Lawrence
STARRING: Will Smith, Alice Braga, Emma Thompson, Dash Mihok
RATED:        PG-13
OPINION STARS: 4.5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Thoughtful, Unsettling, Intense 
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DESCRIPTION: Somehow immune to an unstoppable man-made virus, military virologist Robert Neville (Smith) is now the last human survivor in New York City and maybe the world. But he is not alone. Mutant plague victims lurk in the shadows... watching Neville's every move... waiting for him to make a mistake. Working by day and hiding by night, Neville is driven by only one remaining mission: to find an antidote using his own immune blood. But he knows he is outnumbered... and quickly running out of time.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Based on the novel by Richard Matheson. A surprisingly thoughtful film that raises question about sin, human nature, and redemption. On the aesthetic side, it really is impossible not to be fascinated by the extraordinary, computer-generated rendering of a decaying Manhatten. Another plus is Smith's remarkable performance as the lonely but determined Neville.  A superb, under appreciated sci-fi film, and highly recommended. 
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Iffy for Age 14

"I'm listening..." 

I, Robot (2004)

STUDIO:   20th Century Fox
DIRECTOR: Alex Proyas
STARRING: Will Smith, James Cromwell, Bridget Moynahan, Alan Tudyk
RATED:          PG-13
OPINION STARS: 4.5 out of 5
THIS FILM IS:  Intense, Thoughtful, Fast-Paced
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DESCRIPTION: In the year 2035, robots and other highly- advanced technology are a trusted part of everyday life. But that trust is broken when a prominent scientist (Cromwell) is found dead and a skeptical detective (Smith) believes that a robot is responsible.
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VIOLENCE AND GORE:   0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
FRIGHTENING CONTENT: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
LANGUAGE:            0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
MATURE THEMES:       0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
INDECENT CONTENT:    0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
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NOTE: Suggested by the story by Isaac Assimov. A personal favorite. In addition to thrilling action-sequences, stunning visuals, and a clever script, I, Robot leaves the viewer with some serious food for thought, and should give pause to anyone who thinks that technology is free of ethical or moral questions. Highly recommended.    
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For Ages 15+

"You have so got to die!"