Released in 2018, Skyscraper quickly became a summer blockbuster, primarily due to the massive star power of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Known for his action-packed roles, Johnson’s portrayal of Will Sawyer—a former FBI agent turned security expert—sits at the heart of this movie. While Skyscraper delivers adrenaline-pumping sequences, it also raises an important question for parents: Is Skyscraper safe for kids? In this review, we’ll dive deep into the movie’s content, analyzing the visuals, plot, and action to help you decide whether this movie is a good fit for family movie night.
Skyscraper Movie Overview
Skyscraper takes place in a Hong Kong skyscraper, the tallest and most secure building in the world, known as the Pearl. Will Sawyer, a former FBI hostage rescue team leader, is hired to evaluate the building’s security. When a group of terrorists set the skyscraper on fire and take control, Will’s family is trapped on the top floors, and it’s up to him to save them.
With its high stakes and nerve-racking action, the movie is packed with suspenseful scenes and daring stunts. However, these elements might be too intense for younger audiences, especially considering the PG-13 rating, which signals some intense sequences of violence, peril, and strong language.
The Visuals
The visual effects in Skyscraper play a significant role in amplifying the movie’s action. Director Rawson Marshall Thurber ensures that viewers feel the height, the danger, and the overwhelming threat that the towering skyscraper poses. The building itself is a massive visual centerpiece, towering high above Hong Kong, a constant reminder of the stakes.
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CGI and Special Effects
Skyscraper doesn’t shy away from heavy CGI, especially in the action sequences. The burning skyscraper, explosions, and daring stunts are presented with a level of intensity that you’d expect from a Hollywood summer release. Explosions, collapsing floors, and intense fires contribute to a chaotic and visually engaging environment.
The special effects enhance the suspenseful scenes, such as Will’s attempts to scale the building’s outside and enter through precarious windows. While the visual effects are impressively done, parents should be aware that some of these scenes could be unsettling for children, especially with the high level of danger depicted.
The Story
The plot of Skyscraper revolves around Will’s heroic journey to rescue his family from a perilous situation. His background as a hostage rescue expert provides a solid foundation for the suspense and action throughout the movie. The story offers themes of family, survival, and redemption.
Action-Packed Drama
In Skyscraper, every action scene heightens the stakes. From Will’s daring escape through the skyscraper to the hostage rescue mission, the movie is filled with explosions, combat, and intense confrontations with terrorists. While the heart of the story is Will’s determination to save his family, these intense action sequences keep the film engaging.
The movie also brings in some Die Hard references, with the towering building being similar to Nakatomi Plaza from the iconic action movie. The perilous situations Will faces are reminiscent of the one-man-army trope, though with a modern twist.
For a family movie, these action-packed moments can be both thrilling and overwhelming, depending on the child’s age and sensitivity to violence. However, Will’s relationship with his wife and children adds an emotional layer, making it more than just an action flick.
The Action: Is It Too Intense?
One of the most striking aspects of Skyscraper is the non-stop action. The movie delivers explosions and action sequences that rival any major action film. Will’s heroic journey to save his family includes daring stunts, hand-to-hand combat, and even the use of machine guns and combat as he takes on the terrorists.
Intensity of Violence
There is no shortage of danger in this film. The violence is sharp and dramatic, with gun violence used in several scenes. The use of strong language is also prevalent, adding to the intensity of certain moments. There are several moments where Will is in life-threatening situations, such as trying to escape a burning building or battling the armed criminals. These sequences might be too intense for young children, particularly those sensitive to gun violence in movies or distressing imagery.
Parents should consider the Skyscraper age recommendation (PG-13) and whether their children are ready for this level of intensity. For younger viewers, this could be a bit much.
The PG-13 Rating: What Does It Mean for Families?
Skyscraper is rated PG-13, and that rating isn’t given lightly. It comes with its fair share of violence, including intense explosions, combat, and gunfights. The film’s violent moments are balanced with suspenseful action but also carry a level of peril that may not be suitable for young children.
Strong Language and Violence
The film includes strong language, which is typical in action movies aimed at a PG-13 audience. There are instances of cursing, particularly in moments of extreme stress or danger. While the language isn’t excessive, parents should be prepared for the language level and the potential effect it might have on younger viewers.
Additionally, the action movie has its fair share of terrifying and suspenseful scenes, such as when Will faces perilous heights, is chased by terrorists, or has to rescue his family from a building on fire. While these scenes keep viewers on the edge of their seats, they might be too intense for younger viewers who are sensitive to scary or violent imagery.
What Age Group Is Skyscraper Suitable For?
The Skyscraper 2018 movie is clearly geared toward older children, teenagers, and adults. The PG-13 rating reflects this, as it’s meant for viewers who can handle moderate violence, intense action, and strong language. If you’re considering whether the movie is a movie for tweens or a younger child, it’s essential to gauge how well your child can manage intense action and violent scenes.
Here’s a breakdown:
| Age Group | Is It Safe? | Why? |
| Children (Under 10) | Not Safe | Too intense, violent, and frightening. |
| Tweens (10-12) | Caution Required | Can handle action, but may be disturbed by intense violence, explosions, and perilous situations. |
| Teens (13-17) | Safe | Appropriate for older kids and teens. The level of violence and language is moderate and suitable for a PG-13 audience. |
Performance and Cast: Dwayne Johnson’s Role as the Action Hero
As always, Dwayne Johnson delivers an impressive performance. Known for his charisma and larger-than-life presence, The Rock is a natural fit for the role of Will Sawyer. His portrayal of a loving father, a man determined to protect his family at all costs, brings an emotional depth to the film. Will’s vulnerability—his disability after losing a leg—adds complexity to his character, showing that even action heroes can have weaknesses.
Representation in Action Films
Skyscraper also stands out for its disability representation in movies. Will’s prosthetic leg, a key part of his character, is depicted realistically, showing that disabilities don’t prevent someone from being a hero. This aspect of the character offers a positive message for kids and can serve as an inspiration for those facing challenges in their own lives.
Overall Thoughts
Skyscraper is a thrilling, high-octane action movie that’s perfect for fans of big-budget, explosive films. However, for parents wondering if it’s safe for kids, the PG-13 rating should be taken seriously. The movie contains strong language, intense violence, explosions and action sequences, and suspenseful scenes that may be unsettling for younger children.
Ultimately, Skyscraper is best suited for older kids, teens, and adults who can handle the action-packed intensity. The themes of family and heroism make it a potentially great watch for teens, while the high-stakes action sequences keep it firmly rooted in the realm of blockbuster thrills.
If you’re looking for an intense, visually stunning summer blockbuster with an action hero that fights to save his family, this is the movie for you. Just make sure it aligns with your family’s viewing preferences and parental guidance standards.
Tina Grey is an experienced blogger with a passion for uncovering the best in film. With years of writing and a keen eye for detail, Tina brings insightful reviews and engaging content to Parentzia. Her deep love for movies, combined with her expertise, helps readers discover must-watch films across genres. When she’s not reviewing, Tina enjoys exploring new cinematic trends and sharing her love of film with her audience.
