Cellular (2004) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A young man receives an emergency phone call on his cell phone from an older woman. She claims to have been kidnapped – and the kidnappers have targeted her husband and child next.
Rated PG-13 • 2004 • 1h 34m
Cellular earns its PG-13 rating with sustained, high-stakes peril and frequent violence. The story follows Ryan, who receives a desperate call from Jessica, a woman who has been kidnapped by ruthless criminals. The film contains numerous scenes of violence, including shootings, fights, car chases, and a home invasion where a character is killed. Profanity is strong and frequent, with one use of "f--k" and dozens of other curse words… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Cellular appropriate for kids?
Cellular earns its PG-13 rating with sustained, high-stakes peril and frequent violence. The story follows Ryan, who receives a desperate call from Jessica, a woman who has been kidnapped by ruthless criminals. The film contains numerous scenes of violence, including shootings… Read more — free account
Content severity in Cellular
What happens in Cellular, moment by moment
- 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:06 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Cellular
A few brief sexual references are made. During scenes at the Santa Monica Pier, many women are seen in revealing bikinis. This content is mild and not a focus of the film.
Violence and gore in Cellular
Violence is frequent and a core part of the plot. It includes shootings resulting in death (some bloody) and injury, a home invasion where a housekeeper is shot and killed, and a woman being physically manhandled and threatened. There are also intense car chases, a man holding up a store with a gun, and several fights. A character's artery is cut, leading to a bloody death, and another is strangled with a handcuff chain.
Language in Cellular
Language is strong for a PG-13 film. There is one use of the f-word. Other profanity is frequent, including approximately 40 uses of "shit" and multiple uses of "bitch," "ass," "goddamn," and "hell." Other terms like "dickhead" and "pussy-whipped" are also used.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Cellular
Substance use is minimal. There are a few brief scenes of characters drinking alcohol socially in a bar and some incidental smoking.
Mature themes in Cellular
Thematic material is intense and sustained. The central plot revolves around kidnapping, home invasion, and mortal peril for a family. The helplessness of Jessica in the attic and Ryan's frantic race against time create constant tension. The film also features a significant theme of police corruption, as the villains are revealed to be dirty cops, with a video showing them murdering people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cellular appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Cellular is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Cellular earns its PG-13 rating with sustained, high-stakes peril and frequent violence. The story follows Ryan, who receives a desperate call from Jessica, a woman who has been kidnapped by ruthless criminals. The film…
What age rating does Cellular have?
Cellular is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Cellular about?
Cellular earns its PG-13 rating with sustained, high-stakes peril and frequent violence. The story follows Ryan, who receives a desperate call from Jessica, a woman who has been kidnapped by ruthless criminals. The film contains numerous scenes of violence, including shootings, fights, car chases, and a home invasion…
Is there sex or nudity in Cellular?
A few brief sexual references are made. During scenes at the Santa Monica Pier, many women are seen in revealing bikinis. This content is mild and not a focus of the film.
How violent is Cellular?
Violence is frequent and a core part of the plot. It includes shootings resulting in death (some bloody) and injury, a home invasion where a housekeeper is shot and killed, and a woman being physically manhandled and threatened. There are also intense car…
Is the language in Cellular appropriate for kids?
Language is strong for a PG-13 film. There is one use of the f-word. Other profanity is frequent, including approximately 40 uses of "shit" and multiple uses of "bitch," "ass," "goddamn," and "hell." Other terms like "dickhead" and "pussy-whipped" are also…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Cellular?
Substance use is minimal. There are a few brief scenes of characters drinking alcohol socially in a bar and some incidental smoking.
What mature themes appear in Cellular?
Thematic material is intense and sustained. The central plot revolves around kidnapping, home invasion, and mortal peril for a family. The helplessness of Jessica in the attic and Ryan's frantic race against time create constant tension. The film also…
How long is Cellular?
Cellular runs 94 minutes, directed by David R. Ellis, released in 2004.
Where can I read the full Cellular parent guide?
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