Should I take my kids to see Star Wars The Force Awakens?
Should I take my kids to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens?
First of all if you grew up in the 70s & 80s – well even in the 90s and you have children that you are thinking about taking to see the new Star Wars: The Force Awakens you can thank George Lucas for creating a multi-generational experience – revisit your childhood while creating your kids’ memories…very cool.
As with all decisions about parenting, you guessed it, it is up to your judgement. You know your kids best. But here is a quick short guide to help you navigate whether or not to take your kids to see the latest in the Star Wars movie. And no spoilers…I promise.
First, it is not bloody. But that is not to say it is not violent. It is sci-fi violence – with a lot of blowing up of air craft and pew-pew-pews (laser gun sounds). There is a bloody hand print that ends up on a Stormtrooper’s helmet – that probably won’t bother kids too much but it did send me back to my childhood..and I realized I had thought the Stormtroopers were robots when I first saw the Empire Strikes back at age 8. Kids will definitely know that the Stormtroopers are human (and that they are both male and female this time around).
Luckily nothing cute dies, and there is no sexual violence or even a hint of it. Thank you J. J. Abrams.
There is a pretty up close and personal death scene that you might want to take the little ones out to get some popcorn during. In fact, go in and get your seats – have another adult or older kid save the seats and then take your youngest out to get popcorn for the previews. The movie previews we saw were much more intense than Star Wars. Also, the movie is over 2 hours so plan accordingly if you are taking your youngest family members.
The movie is rated PG-13. Though there is not gratuitous violence there is a mass killing that is ordered (though you don’t see it), lots of blown up air craft, many people shot, light saber injuries, death by monsters, and the death scene mentioned above. As far as monsters go, and I am thinking nightmares here, there are some pretty creepy monsters early on in the movie but you are given warning that they are coming up, so again…bathroom break? And the new bad guy Kylo Ren is pretty dark. But while most of the violence may bypass the youngest viewers’ understanding, the intensity of the movie is something that you would have to gage for your child. It can be pretty intense.
So what is the verdict? Well most 10 and olders would probably be fine and most under 6 would probably be scared. But you know your kids best and what movies they have already seen would be a better indicator of how they would handle this movie.
So, what are we doing? Our 8 year old will love it. Our 6 year old is dying to go – but I suspect you will see her and me getting drink refills and taking several bathroom breaks so that she misses the scary parts. And that is OK with me…she will LOVE the new lead girl Rey and besides I saw the movie last night with my husband so I can miss a few minutes here and there. Yes, in our family the Force is strong and Star Wars will continue to the next generation.
Happy watching!
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