Identity Thief (2013) Movie: A Parent’s Guide
This guide provides parents with essential information about “Identity Thief,” a 2013 comedy film. It aims to help you assess the movie’s suitability for teens and younger viewers, highlighting key content elements.
Movie Overview
“Identity Thief,” released in 2013, is a comedy film starring Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy. The movie centers around Sandy Patterson (Bateman), a mild-mannered businessman whose identity is stolen by Diana (McCarthy), a con artist living in Florida. Diana uses Sandy’s identity to fund a lavish lifestyle, racking up debt and causing chaos in his life. The plot follows Sandy as he embarks on a cross-country journey to confront Diana and clear his name. The film is directed by Seth Gordon and features an ensemble cast including John Cho, Amanda Peet, and Jon Favreau. “Identity Thief” blends humor with elements of crime and road trip genres, exploring the consequences of identity theft in a comedic manner. However, it’s important for parents to be aware that the film contains mature themes, including language, sexual content, and violence, which may not be suitable for all viewers. The movie received an R rating from the MPAA, primarily due to its sexual content and language, indicating that it may not be appropriate for children under 17 without parental guidance. Despite its comedic nature, “Identity Thief” touches on serious issues related to identity theft and its impact on individuals and their families. The film’s premise highlights the vulnerability of personal information and the potential for financial and emotional distress caused by identity theft. While the movie aims to entertain, it also raises awareness about the importance of protecting one’s identity and being vigilant against fraud. Parents should consider these factors when deciding whether to allow their children to watch “Identity Thief” and be prepared to discuss the film’s themes and content with them afterwards. The movie’s humor is often crude and slapstick, which may not appeal to all audiences. Some critics have noted that the film relies on stereotypes and offensive jokes, which could be problematic for some viewers. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to watch “Identity Thief” should be based on individual preferences and values, as well as an understanding of the film’s content and potential impact.
Plot Summary
Sandy Patterson, a Denver accountant, falls victim to identity theft when Diana, a con artist in Florida, steals his information. He faces legal and financial troubles due to her spending sprees, forcing him to track her down and bring her to justice to clear his name.
Identity Theft as the Central Theme
“Identity Thief” revolves around the devastating consequences of identity theft, portraying its impact on both the victim and the perpetrator. The film showcases how easily personal information can be compromised and the far-reaching effects it can have on an individual’s life. Sandy Patterson’s world is turned upside down when Diana’s fraudulent activities lead to financial ruin, legal troubles, and reputational damage. He faces arrest, job loss, and immense stress as he struggles to prove his innocence and reclaim his identity.
The movie also explores the motivations and lifestyle of the identity thief, Diana. She lives a lavish life funded by stolen credit cards and false identities, highlighting the allure and potential rewards of this type of crime. However, the film also hints at the emptiness and lack of genuine connection in her life, suggesting that her actions stem from a deeper sense of loneliness and insecurity. While the movie approaches the topic with comedic elements, it also touches upon the serious nature of identity theft and its potential to disrupt lives and cause significant harm.
Parents should be aware that the film may spark conversations about online safety, data protection, and the importance of safeguarding personal information. It can serve as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need to be vigilant about potential scams and to take proactive steps to prevent identity theft. However, it’s important to note that the movie’s portrayal of identity theft is often exaggerated for comedic effect, and parents may need to provide additional context and information to ensure that children understand the real-world risks and consequences.
Content Rating and Classification
“Identity Thief” has received an R rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This section will delve into the specific reasons behind this rating, providing parents with a clear understanding of the content that led to this classification.
MPAA Rating: R Justification
The R rating assigned to “Identity Thief” by the MPAA is primarily due to sexual content and language present throughout the film. Parents should be aware that the movie contains suggestive scenes, dialogue with sexual innuendo, and potentially crude humor. While not explicitly graphic, the sexual content contributes significantly to the R rating. Additionally, the film features frequent use of strong language, including expletives and potentially offensive terms. The intensity and pervasiveness of the language are factors that pushed the rating beyond PG-13;
Furthermore, some sources indicate that the “R” rating is also due to the violence and mayhem that the movie contains. Car crashes, shootings, and theft are all elements that contribute to the rating. The R rating is for good reason. These scenes, while often played for comedic effect, may be intense or disturbing for younger viewers. Ultimately, parents should consider their children’s maturity level and sensitivity to these elements when deciding whether “Identity Thief” is appropriate for them. The combination of sexual content, strong language, and violent situations warrants the R rating, making it unsuitable for younger audiences without parental guidance. Parents need to know that Identity Thief is full of (comic) mayhem.
It’s important to note that while some may consider the film a “soft R,” meaning the jokes are tame and silly, not overly crude or crass, the cumulative effect of these elements justifies the restrictive rating. Some reviews highlight that the movie contains racist and gay jokes, and the word “vagina” is wielded as an insult. Parents should take into account that there are scenes of stealing another persons identity / identity theft. The premise centers around a thief (Melissa McCarthy) who steals someone elses identity.
Violence and Mayhem
“Identity Thief” features a significant amount of violence and mayhem, primarily played for comedic effect, but nonetheless present and potentially concerning for some viewers. The film includes numerous scenes of car crashes, often intentional and exaggerated for comedic impact. Characters are shown shooting at each other, although the violence is generally not graphic or bloody. Physical altercations and fights occur throughout the movie, contributing to the overall level of mayhem. Theft and other criminal activities are central to the plot, with characters stealing from each other and engaging in various illegal schemes.
Parents should be aware that the level of violence, while often cartoonish, could be disturbing or unsettling for younger or more sensitive viewers. The frequency of these events contributes to the film’s overall tone and may not be suitable for all ages. The movie is full of comic mayhem. Given the high profile security breaches and the very real threat of ID theft, this couldve been a timely comedic masterpiece. Identity Thief exhausts you with slapstick. Some reviews note that the film is needlessly violent, as if half the crew misguidedly thought they were making a foul-mouthed action thriller. The film wants to be Midnight Run meets Planes, Trains and Automobiles, but it carries little of the dramatic heft and real-world semi-plausibility of those films.
While the violence and mayhem are presented in a comedic context, it’s important for parents to consider their child’s tolerance for such content. The movie makes it clear that stealing is wrong – until Sandy and Diana both steal from Sandy’s ex-boss. Although the violence is not overly graphic, the cumulative effect of car crashes, shootings, physical altercations, and theft might be overwhelming for some viewers. Parents need to consider whether the movie’s violent and chaotic elements align with their family’s viewing preferences and values.
Language and Profanity
“Identity Thief” contains a significant amount of strong language and profanity, which contributes to its R rating. Parents should be aware that the dialogue includes frequent use of curse words, including but not limited to “f–k,” “s–t,” “a–hole,” and other offensive terms. These words are used in various contexts, including moments of anger, frustration, and comedic effect. The prevalence of strong language throughout the film is a key factor in its mature rating and may be unsuitable for younger or more sensitive viewers.
The language is not limited to isolated incidents; rather, it is woven into the fabric of the film’s dialogue and character interactions. The movie is rated R for sexual content and language. Some reviews note that the language is extreme. There’s something to offend everyone in Identity Thief: racist jokes, gay jokes, the word vagina wielded as an insult. Some find the jokes tame and silly, not overly crude or crass. This is a key element for parents to consider when deciding whether the film is appropriate for their children.
Parents should also consider the context in which the profanity is used. While some instances may be intended for comedic effect, others may be used in moments of conflict or emotional intensity. Parents may want to research the movie. The frequency and intensity of the language could be particularly concerning for parents who prefer to limit their children’s exposure to such content. It is important for parents to weigh the potential impact of the language on their children and make an informed decision based on their family’s values and preferences. If strong language is a concern, this movie may not be a good choice for family viewing.
Sexual Content
“Identity Thief” features several instances of sexual content that contribute to its R rating. Parents should be aware that the film includes suggestive dialogue, innuendo, and some scenes with sexual themes. The sexual content is not explicit or graphic, but it is present and may be considered inappropriate for younger viewers. The movie is rated R for sexual content and language. This means that there are some sexual jokes in the movie. The R rating is for sexual content and language.
Specific examples of sexual content include references to sexual activity, discussions of physical attraction, and some sexually suggestive behavior. The movie contains scenes with partial nudity, though not extended or graphic. There are also jokes that might be considered offensive. The sexual content is primarily used for comedic effect, but it can be uncomfortable or inappropriate for younger viewers. Parents should consider their children’s maturity level. Some reviews note that the movie has gay jokes. It is important for parents to weigh the potential impact of the sexual content on their children and make an informed decision based on their family’s values and preferences.
The film’s sexual content is not limited to isolated incidents; rather, it is woven into the fabric of the film’s dialogue and character interactions. There are also some scenes with partial nudity. Parents may want to research the movie. The frequency and intensity of the sexual content could be particularly concerning for parents who prefer to limit their children’s exposure to such content. It is important for parents to weigh the potential impact of the sexual content on their children and make an informed decision based on their family’s values and preferences. If sexual content is a concern, this movie may not be a good choice for family viewing.
Suitability for Teens
Determining the suitability of “Identity Thief” for teens requires careful consideration of its content. The film carries an R rating due to its sexual content and language. While some teens may be mature enough to handle the film’s themes, parents should be aware of the potential impact of the movie’s mature elements. The movie is rated R for sexual content and language. This means that there are some sexual jokes in the movie. The R rating is for sexual content and language.
The movie’s overall tone is comedic, but the presence of violence, profanity, and sexual content may be problematic for younger or more sensitive teens. Teens may be mature enough to understand the film’s themes. Parents should consider their children’s maturity level. Some reviews note that the movie has gay jokes. It is important for parents to weigh the potential impact of the sexual content on their children and make an informed decision based on their family’s values and preferences. The level of violence and mayhem could be unsettling for some teenagers.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not “Identity Thief” is appropriate for a particular teen rests with the parents. It is essential to discuss the film’s themes and content with teens after viewing to address any questions or concerns they may have. The film’s suitability depends on individual maturity levels and family values. Parents may want to research the movie. Parental guidance is crucial. Before allowing teens to watch “Identity Thief,” parents should carefully review the film’s content and consider their children’s individual sensitivities and maturity levels. If sexual content is a concern, this movie may not be a good choice for family viewing. This film is for adults only!
Overall Recommendation for Parents
Based on the content analysis, “Identity Thief” is generally not recommended for younger viewers or families seeking lighthearted entertainment. The film’s R rating, stemming from pervasive language, sexual innuendo, and scenes of violence, positions it as more suitable for mature audiences. Parents should exercise caution when considering this movie for teens, carefully weighing their maturity level and sensitivity to potentially offensive material.
The film’s comedic premise, revolving around identity theft, is undermined by its reliance on crude humor and chaotic situations. While some may find the performances of Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy entertaining, the film’s overall tone is often aggressive and crass. The R rating serves as a strong indicator of the mature themes and content present throughout the movie, making it unsuitable for younger or more sensitive viewers. Parents should be aware that the movie contains violence, profanity, and sexual jokes. Identity theft is a crime and should be taken seriously.
For families seeking a movie night option, there are numerous alternative comedies that offer similar entertainment value without the excessive language and explicit content found in “Identity Thief”. Consider exploring PG-13 rated comedies or family-friendly options that align with your values and preferences. Ultimately, the decision to watch “Identity Thief” rests with the parents, but a thorough understanding of the film’s content is essential before making an informed choice. Parents need to be aware of the film’s content before deciding if it’s appropriate for their children. Parents should educate themselves about credit card security and identity theft.