Information for Parents

Poltergeist (2015)

Poltergeist (2015)

Common Sense Media Age 13

Parents Need To Know

Positive Messages
Amid the scares is the message that families can work out any problem if they stick together and work as a team.
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence
Many frightening, disturbing sequences and jump-worthy moments. A young child is abducted by supernatural forces and taken to a parallel realm. A boy is dragged around by a haunted tree. In one tense scene, it seems like a man will be killed by a drill operated by the poltergeist. Scary scenes of skeletal ghosts and of the other world. Car is flipped upside down with the family inside it. A man goes into the other world and doesn't come back out.
Sex
A wife complains that her underwear is sad; her husband jokes that his is really happy. He then says "things are looking up" suggestively. They kiss and start to fool around on the bed (she's in a tank top and underwear; he takes off his pants), but they're interrupted.
Language
Strong language, including words repeated by a 6-year-old: "dumbass," "s--t," "bulls--t," "bitch," "Jesus!" (as an exclamation), "goddamn."
Consumerism
Brands featured include iPhone, Mac, Dodge Grand Caravan, John Deere Corp., Fruity Pebbles, and Honey Comb.
Education Value
Ease of Play
Privacy
The dad drinks pretty often, usually from a coffee mug. Adults drink wine at a dinner party.
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