16 Blocks

MPAA Rating: PG-13

Entertainment: +3

Content: -1 1/2

Cast: Bruce Willis, Dante Mos Def Smith, David Zayas, David Sparrow, David Morse. Written by Richard Wenk. Directed by Richard Donner.

FILM SYNOPSIS: A world-weary police detective (Bruce Willis) has to transport a witness (Dante Mos Def Smith) from one station house to another. One small problem there are people who dont want them to make it including some crooked cops.

PREVIEW REVIEW: Part actioneer, part sensitive drama, 16 Blocks is well paced, has effective performances and is structured around a positive moral concerning man being able to change from bad to good. That said, consider the content before attending. Although there is less objectionable content than in most action genre films, and though Mr. Willis abstains from profaning Gods name, still our content breakdown signals a warning for those concerned with brutality and offensive language in their movie-going choices.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor:
Warner Bros.

Summary
The following categories contain objective listings of film content which contribute to the subjective numeric Content ratings posted to the left and on the Home page.

Crude Language: None

Obscene Language: 3 f-words; 11 s-words; 3 others

Profanity: 3 GDs from the villain; 2 JC also from the bad guys

Violence: 4 dead bodies are seen at the opening in a crack house; as the chase begins, there are several gun battles, with a couple more men getting killed, others wounded. The action is intense and brutal. Blood: There is some blood, but not a gory amount.

Sex: None

Nudity: None

Sexual Dialogue/Gesture: The prisoner asks about the cops love life, showing concern for him, but the story steers clear of implicit or graphic sexuality.

Drugs: The lead, on a self-destructive binge, drinks to excess, but the films use of alcohol stresses how destructive it can be.

Other: The down-and-out cop has had enough of life, but he learns a lesson about doing whats right. This is the basis for a positive outcome.

Running Time: 97 minutes
Intended Audience: Older teens and adults


Click HERE for a PRINTER-FRIENDLY version of this review.