Poster for The Sentinel

The Sentinel (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Veteran Secret Service agent Pete Garrison investigates a colleague's murder and is subsequently framed as a mole in an assassination attempt on the President due to the machinations of a blackmailer who knows the secret he is hiding. Disgraced, dismissed, and now a fugitive with two relentless federal investigators hot on his heels, Garrison must both clear his name and save the president from assassination.

Rated PG-13 • 2006 • 1h 48m

6.1
800+
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Age
13+

The Sentinel is a political thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its action violence and a scene of sensuality. The story follows a veteran Secret Service agent, Pete Garrison, who is framed as a mole in an assassination plot against the President while concealing an affair with the First Lady. Parents should be aware of multiple shootouts, some resulting in death (though not graphically), tense situations, and a non-explicit scene… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Michael Douglas
Michael Douglas
Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland
Eva Longoria
Eva Longoria
Martin Donovan
Martin Donovan
Kim Basinger
Kim Basinger
Ritchie Coster
Ritchie Coster
Blair Brown
Blair Brown
David Rasche
David Rasche
Kristin Lehman
Kristin Lehman
Raynor Scheine
Raynor Scheine
Chuck Shamata
Chuck Shamata
Paul Calderon
Paul Calderon
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Is The Sentinel appropriate for kids?

The Sentinel is a political thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its action violence and a scene of sensuality. The story follows a veteran Secret Service agent, Pete Garrison, who is framed as a mole in an assassination plot against the President while concealing an affair with… Read more — free account

Content severity in The Sentinel

Sex Strong 5/10
Violence Strong 7/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 7/10

What happens in The Sentinel, moment by moment

  1. 0:03 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
  2. 0:08 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
  3. 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
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Sex and nudity in The Sentinel

This category is moderate. The plot's central driver is an affair between a Secret Service agent and the First Lady. One scene early on shows them kissing passionately in a bedroom, with the camera focused on their faces and shoulders; no nudity is shown. An IMDb user also reported a very brief shot of a woman's butt in a different context. The content is more sensual and thematic than visually explicit.

Violence and gore in The Sentinel

Violence is moderate and consistent with a PG-13 action thriller. The film features several intense gunfights and shootouts where characters, including Secret Service agents, are shot and killed, though typically without graphic detail or gore. Notable scenes include a man being shot on his doorstep, a chase and shootout in a public mall, a helicopter being destroyed by a missile, and an extended firefight during the climax with multiple casualties.

Language in The Sentinel

Language is relatively mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of "shit," several instances of "damn" and "hell," and some uses of "God" as an exclamation. The profanity is infrequent and not a primary content concern.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Sentinel

Substance use is very light. Characters are briefly shown drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages in social or professional settings. The main antagonists are linked to a Colombian cartel, which serves as a plot point, but there is no depiction of drug use.

Mature themes in The Sentinel

The film explores several mature themes, including treason, betrayal, and blackmail. The central plot revolves around a mole inside the Secret Service, a trusted friend's murder, and an agent forced to go on the run after being falsely accused. A major subplot involves adultery and the personal and professional consequences it brings, including a character's decision to sacrifice their career and another's life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Sentinel appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests The Sentinel is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. The Sentinel is a political thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its action violence and a scene of sensuality. The story follows a veteran Secret Service agent, Pete Garrison, who is framed as a mole in an assassination…

What age rating does The Sentinel have?

The Sentinel is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.

What is The Sentinel about?

The Sentinel is a political thriller rated PG-13 primarily for its action violence and a scene of sensuality. The story follows a veteran Secret Service agent, Pete Garrison, who is framed as a mole in an assassination plot against the President while concealing an affair with the First Lady. Parents should be aware…

Is there sex or nudity in The Sentinel?

This category is moderate. The plot's central driver is an affair between a Secret Service agent and the First Lady. One scene early on shows them kissing passionately in a bedroom, with the camera focused on their faces and shoulders; no nudity is shown. An…

How violent is The Sentinel?

Violence is moderate and consistent with a PG-13 action thriller. The film features several intense gunfights and shootouts where characters, including Secret Service agents, are shot and killed, though typically without graphic detail or gore. Notable scenes…

Is the language in The Sentinel appropriate for kids?

Language is relatively mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of "shit," several instances of "damn" and "hell," and some uses of "God" as an exclamation. The profanity is infrequent and not a primary content concern.

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Sentinel?

Substance use is very light. Characters are briefly shown drinking wine and other alcoholic beverages in social or professional settings. The main antagonists are linked to a Colombian cartel, which serves as a plot point, but there is no depiction of drug…

What mature themes appear in The Sentinel?

The film explores several mature themes, including treason, betrayal, and blackmail. The central plot revolves around a mole inside the Secret Service, a trusted friend's murder, and an agent forced to go on the run after being falsely accused. A major…

How long is The Sentinel?

The Sentinel runs 108 minutes, directed by Clark Johnson, released in 2006.

Where can I read the full The Sentinel parent guide?

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