Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Central Intelligence

film

Central Intelligence

2016

Calvin Joyner, a mild-mannered accountant whose high school glory days are long behind him, reconnects with an awkward pal from high school through Facebook. After meeting up, Calvin’s mundane life takes an unexpectedly thrilling turn when he's thrust into the world of international espionage.

Ages 15+Source checked

Why this age? Strong action violence includes shootings, fights, torture, abduction, peril, and a graphic throat-ripping death. Comic tone, sexual humor, nudity, bullying, and marital conflict also require mature teens. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age15+

Strongest cautions

  • Violence4/5
  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Uses Facebook as a plot device; no significant commercial push.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Characters are killed during the espionage plot; one death is by throat injury.

Graphic injury3/5
Why this rating?

Most violence is action-comedy, but a character is killed by having his throat ripped out, and another is shot with a neck injury.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent use of moderate language and crude insults.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on the marriage of the main character and a minor reunion romance for the partner.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Spy-action danger includes abduction, armed agents, torture, betrayal, a shooting, and a violent killing. The comedic tone softens the fear but does not remove the sustained peril.

Sexual content & nudity2/5
Why this rating?

Includes sexual innuendo, crude jokes, and brief non-sexual male nudity.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Alcohol is consumed in bar settings, not glamorized.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Frequent action sequences featuring gunfights, hand-to-hand combat, explosions, and a throat-ripping scene.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist steps out of his comfort zone to assist his friend and stand up for others.

Creativity & curiosity2/5
Why this rating?

Uses clever problem-solving within the action-comedy genre.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Diverse lead casting; portrays characters beyond stereotypes.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Shows the positive impact of kindness and compassion in high school.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes themes of overcoming bullying, self-confidence, and friendship.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Calvin shows compassion and ultimately supports his friend; both men also lie, betray others, use violence, and make questionable choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story handle conflict or violence? Did the characters have other choices?
  3. Which choice in Central Intelligence would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Central Intelligence, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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