Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Poltergeist (2015) is the remake of one of the most popular horror films of all time, 1982's Poltergeist. Those familiar with the legendary original know that it's a haunted-house story featuring jump-worthy moments of terror directed toward a family with three kids. The youngest child is abducted by supernatural forces, and the rest of the family is terrorized, but no one dies. Expect some strong language ("s--t," "bitch," etc.) and a couple of adult situations involving parents fooling around and drinking -- the dad a bit too heavily. But as far as horror movies for teens go, at least this one doesn't feature blood and gore ... just lots of scares, tension, and peril. All told, it's a bit less scary than the original, but it's still too frightening for younger kids.

Sexual Content

A wife complains that her underwear is sad; her husband jokes that his is really happy. He then says "things are looking up" suggestively. They kiss and start to fool around on the bed (she's in a tank top and underwear; he takes off his pants), but they're interrupted.

Violence

Many frightening, disturbing sequences and jump-worthy moments. A young child is abducted by supernatural forces and taken to a parallel realm. A boy is dragged around by a haunted tree. In one tense scene, it seems like a man will be killed by a drill operated by the poltergeist. Scary scenes of skeletal ghosts and of the other world. Car is flipped upside down with the family inside it. A man goes into the other world and doesn't come back out.

Language

Strong language, including words repeated by a 6-year-old: "dumbass," "s--t," "bulls--t," "bitch," "Jesus!" (as an exclamation), "goddamn."

Social Behavior

Amid the scares is the message that families can work out any problem if they stick together and work as a team.

Consumerism

Brands featured include iPhone, Mac, Dodge Grand Caravan, John Deere Corp., Fruity Pebbles, and Honey Comb.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

The dad drinks pretty often, usually from a coffee mug. Adults drink wine at a dinner party.