Screened Out-Kids’ Movie Review
Have people become too dependent on their smartphones and technology? Filmmaker Jon Hyatt claims as a young kid he liked to play outside and interact with his family and friends. As an adult he still likes to be outside, though he tends to interact with friends on his smartphone, and his loves his phone. However, he says it pulls him away from his work, his children and his relationships. Screened Out is a documentary exploring how social media, smartphones, tablets…etc. have changed the way we communicate and interact in society.
Rating: 3. 5 out of 5 popcorn buckets
Release Date: May 26, 2020
Rating: NR
Best Age Group: 11+
Sexual Content: None
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
Will Kids Like It? No
Talking Points:
- The film has many interesting interviews with experts, and conversations with kids regarding their screen use.
Sexual Content: None
Violent/Disturbing Content: Mild
- There’s talk of cyberbullying, harming oneself, and suicide.
- We see brief footage of an animated video game that shows shooting and blood.
Crude or Profane Language: Mild
- We hear “butt” and “screwed.”
Drug and Alcohol Content: Moderate
- The narrator claims that screen time addiction is similar to drug and alcohol addiction.
- Cell phone use is compared to using cocaine.
- They mention that Blackberries were called “Crackberries,” as they were so addictive.
- They say that checking your phone is compared to smoking a cigarette; they fill a lull in the conversation.
Will Kids Like It? No
Overall Screened Out is an interesting documentary for the whole family. Though kids may not find it as interesting, it will spark some great parent/child conversations!
