 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The River
Common Sense Media says
Chilling paranormal-adventure show isn't for faint of heart.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this horror-suspense series from Steven Spielberg and Paranormal Activity producer Oren Peli is too scary for tweens and anyone sensitive to "jump" scenes. Violence isn't as much of a concern as the spooky sequences that show supernatural forces at work (inanimate objects move, ghosts haunt sections of the jungle, and malicious spirits nab people from their tents) which often is more frightening than a blood-and-guts flick would be. Language is a mild concern ("hell" is audible, but everything harsher is bleeped); there's also some mystery surrounding the nature of a shady character's intentions that adds to the suspense and sense of peril. On the plus side, there's some positive human drama aligned with Tess and Lincoln's search for Emmet, since they see finding him as a second chance at a positive family relationship.
What's the story?
When renowned adventurer/TV personality Dr. Emmet Cole (Bruce Greenwood) goes missing on an Amazonian expedition, his family and friends join forces to track him down and bring him home. Led by Emmet's wife, Tess (Leslie Hope), and his estranged son, Lincoln (Joe Anderson), the team's journey into the jungle is fraught with mystery as they follow the uncertain clues they've gleaned from Emmet's final recordings. Their mission takes them to unexplored places where paranormal forces threaten their progress and even their lives, and where the line between what's real and what's fantasy is hazy at best. Joined by a hodgepodge team of researchers, bodyguards, and videographers, all of whom have their own agendas for tagging along, Tess and Lincoln press on to locate Emmet in the hopes that reuniting with him will help heal their strained relationships.
Is it any good?
THE RIVER is a chilling, unpredictable series that pairs heart-pounding suspense with intense human drama. The story borrows plot and style points from the likes of Lost and The Blair Witch Project, as well as producer Oren Peli's well-known Paranormal Activity, so it's hardly groundbreaking. That said, the show is a fun watch, and its spine-tingling mysteries don't end with the things that go bump in the night. Longstanding tensions among the characters create drama where there otherwise isn't any, and unraveling the secrets behind their motivations conjures almost as much nail-biting as the unsettled spirits do.
The human side of The River explores the tenuous relationships between parents and kids and between marriage partners, and some of the issues it raises are worthwhile for families. Grown-up Lincoln is reluctant to forgive his father for what he views as an unfulfilled childhood, but his emotions are complicated by the possibility that his father might be alive and in danger. This side of the show's content may well spark some productive discussions within families, but parents should be thoughtful about exposing their tweens or young teens to the show, since the paranormal-based suspense is potentially more haunting than gory violence would be.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the supernatural. Do you believe in spirits and ghosts? What evidence (or lack thereof) influences how you feel? Do you know anyone who claims to have had a firsthand experience with a spiritual being? Do firsthand accounts seem believable to you?
Do you find The River scary? How does the nature of its horror compare to a show or movie that has more physical violence? Which type of content is more disturbing to you? Why?
Teens: How far would you go to protect or save a family member? What if doing so put you in danger? Is there anything you wouldn't do for someone you love?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
not that bad
the previews made this show look realy scary but it was not all that bad you just need to know yoursellf and your children before letting them view espsualy alone because some of it is scary
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Kid, 12 years old
February 19, 2012
AGE
kinda scary
This show is not as scary as the trailer.this movie is kinda violent. Most of the violence is paranormal force. Most of the language is bleeped out. Only the sware words that are just bearly sware words are unbleeped. In the first episode, they are drinking beer, but other then that, there is nothing with drugs. The things positive and good role models are they are trying to fins an exploer and risking their lives, I think they should of never gone in the first place though. This tv series should be good for teens, but no tweens or kids.
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AGE
Great show
Great show. There is violence though with shooting and such and swearing but its bleeped out. Overall its a great show but it seems that its going to be cancelled.
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AGE
Awesome show,not scary,
I have seen every episode of this not scary at all of it is you should know firsthand Oren Peli made Paranormal Activity,what do you expect?
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| Topics: | adventures, monsters, ghosts, and vampires |
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | ABC |
| Cast: | Bruce Greenwood, Joe Anderson, Leslie Hope |
| Genre: | Drama |
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