Poster for Robot & Frank

Robot & Frank (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Curmudgeonly old Frank lives by himself. His routine involves daily visits to his local library, where he has a twinkle in his eye for the librarian. His grown children are concerned about their father’s well-being and buy him a caretaker robot. Initially resistant to the idea, Frank soon appreciates the benefits of robotic support – like nutritious meals and a clean house – and eventually begins to treat his robot like a true companion. With his robot’s assistance, Frank’s passion for his old, unlawful profession is reignited, for… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 1h 29m

6.9
1K+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
13+

Robot & Frank is a bittersweet sci-fi dramedy about an aging jewel thief, Frank, whose children give him a caretaker robot to help him manage his increasing dementia. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for language, including a single use of 'f--k' and other scattered profanities. The core of the film deals with mature themes of memory loss, aging, and loneliness, which may be emotionally complex for younger viewers. While Frank and… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Frank Langella
Frank Langella
Liv Tyler
Liv Tyler
James Marsden
James Marsden
Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandon
Peter Sarsgaard
Peter Sarsgaard
Jeremy Strong
Jeremy Strong
Jeremy Sisto
Jeremy Sisto
Bonnie Bentley
Bonnie Bentley
Dario Barosso
Dario Barosso
Rachael Ma
Rachael Ma
JO
Joshua Ormond
Katherine Waterston
Katherine Waterston
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Is Robot & Frank appropriate for kids?

Robot & Frank is a bittersweet sci-fi dramedy about an aging jewel thief, Frank, whose children give him a caretaker robot to help him manage his increasing dementia. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for language, including a single use of 'f--k' and other scattered… Read more — free account

Content severity in Robot & Frank

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Moderate 3/10
Language Strong 7/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Intense 8/10

What happens in Robot & Frank, moment by moment

  1. 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
  2. 0:09 💬 Language 4/10
  3. 0:13 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
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Sex and nudity in Robot & Frank

Sexual content is very light. There is a brief, gentle kiss between two older characters and a scene where a young couple is briefly seen making out. In one scene, a woman wears a sheer blouse where her black bra is partially visible.

Violence and gore in Robot & Frank

Violence is minimal and mostly consists of mild peril related to the heists. Frank and his robot break into buildings, but there are no physical confrontations or weapons. One scene involves a character yelling at another in anger, and in another, Frank uses a taser-like device on a security robot with little effect. A robot also threatens to self-destruct, creating a moment of tension.

Language in Robot & Frank

Language is the primary reason for the PG-13 rating. The film contains one use of 'f--k'. Other profanity includes several uses of 'sh-t,' 'b-tch,' 'son of a b-tch,' 'bastard,' and 'ass.' Milder exclamations like 'damn' and 'hell' are also used occasionally.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Robot & Frank

Substance use is infrequent and incidental. Characters are shown drinking champagne socially at a party. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

Mature themes in Robot & Frank

The film explores several mature and emotionally resonant themes. The central theme is Frank's struggle with dementia and progressive memory loss, which is portrayed with sadness and realism. Other themes include aging, family members coping with an ailing parent, the ethics of erasing an AI's memory, and loneliness. The ending is particularly bittersweet.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Robot & Frank appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Robot & Frank is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Robot & Frank is a bittersweet sci-fi dramedy about an aging jewel thief, Frank, whose children give him a caretaker robot to help him manage his increasing dementia. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for language…

What age rating does Robot & Frank have?

Robot & Frank is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is Robot & Frank about?

Robot & Frank is a bittersweet sci-fi dramedy about an aging jewel thief, Frank, whose children give him a caretaker robot to help him manage his increasing dementia. The film's PG-13 rating is primarily for language, including a single use of 'f--k' and other scattered profanities. The core of the film deals with…

Is there sex or nudity in Robot & Frank?

Sexual content is very light. There is a brief, gentle kiss between two older characters and a scene where a young couple is briefly seen making out. In one scene, a woman wears a sheer blouse where her black bra is partially visible.

How violent is Robot & Frank?

Violence is minimal and mostly consists of mild peril related to the heists. Frank and his robot break into buildings, but there are no physical confrontations or weapons. One scene involves a character yelling at another in anger, and in another, Frank uses…

Is the language in Robot & Frank appropriate for kids?

Language is the primary reason for the PG-13 rating. The film contains one use of 'f--k'. Other profanity includes several uses of 'sh-t,' 'b-tch,' 'son of a b-tch,' 'bastard,' and 'ass.' Milder exclamations like 'damn' and 'hell' are also used occasionally.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Robot & Frank?

Substance use is infrequent and incidental. Characters are shown drinking champagne socially at a party. There is no depiction of drunkenness or substance abuse.

What mature themes appear in Robot & Frank?

The film explores several mature and emotionally resonant themes. The central theme is Frank's struggle with dementia and progressive memory loss, which is portrayed with sadness and realism. Other themes include aging, family members coping with an ailing…

How long is Robot & Frank?

Robot & Frank runs 89 minutes, directed by Jake Schreier, released in 2012.

Where can I read the full Robot & Frank parent guide?

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