OK for kids 7+
Sandler tames his jokes for family-friendly fantasy flick.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, unlike most Adam Sandler movies, this one is actually aimed at kids, so expect a lot of interest from elementary schoolers on up. The good news is that, also unlike most Sandler movies, there aren't any crass jokes, and both language ("butt kiss" is as wild as it gets) and sexuality (a couple of fairy-tale kisses and one brief scene of a clothed man and woman in a hot tub) are mild. The violence is also minor and mostly cartoonish, although there's some gunplay in the Wild West bedtime story.
- Families can talk about how this movie is different from most of Sandler's other films. He isn't known for making family-friendly films -- why do you think he decided to make this one? Is it a success without his signature crass jokes?
- Families can also discuss what makes a good fairy tale. How does the film itself, along with each bedtime story, follow the storyline of a traditional fairy tale?
The good stuff
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Educational value: Not an issue
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Messages: Shows the importance of family and working together for a common goal.
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Role models: Strong family connections: A single man gets closer to his niece and nephew and helps his sister. Characters work together to save a school from closing.
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Some cartoony gun violence in the "wild, wild West" bedtime story.
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Sexy stuff: A couple of kisses and some benign flirting -- including a bedtime-story scene of a man and a woman in a hot tub (clothed). References are made to a Paris Hilton-type heiress' "reputation" for having a "good time" with guys she meets at clubs.
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Language: Mild, especially for a movie starring Sandler: "butt kiss," "shoot," "jerk," "shut up," "stink."
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Consumerism: Featured brands include Ferrari, Toyota (Prius), Disney (Buzz Lightyear), and Apple (Mac).
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Grown-ups have cocktails and champagne at a party.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Bedtime Stories by missmarci79
So, our whole family just went. My father, mother, my 10-year-old sister, my 40-year-old husband, my 30-year-old self and my very particular brother. AND I have to say, if you leave a theater talking about it, it was AWESOME!! Something for everybody. Great for the kids, a little Sandler for the dads, and a little romance for the ladies. Sandler keeps from getting TOO silly and making it just right! Glad I went and thankful it was a Christmas full of fun for my family!
5
Woo hoo! by Hi_I_play_Bass
This was an awesome movie. It was waayyyy better than expected. Great acting, crazy good effects, and funny parts kids and adults will like too. Plus it was a clean movie suitable for kids..Must go!
5
bedtime stories by cherone57
Started out a little slow, but ended up being a really good movie. I am not a big Adam Sandler fan, but I enjoyed this one.
5
ENTERTAINING, FUNNY AND REALLY ENJOYABLE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY. by BARGER1942
WE WENT AS A FAMILY AND ALL 9 OF US ENJOYED THE MOVE AND WERE WELL PLEASED.
GREAT ENTERTAINMEN AND GREAT MOVIE. I WILL DEFINITELY BUY IT WHEN IT COMES OUT.
4
Excellent Family Movie by Island Trash
We continued our tradition of seeing a new family movie either on Christmas Eve or Day and chose this new release. Though not a fan of Adam Sandler, this movie truly transfixed the kids and was enjoyable for us oldsters! I recommend it highly to anyone looking for a light, fun 1 1/2 hour flick which is not offensive and is not too predictable--except for the predictability which is central to the plot-line. Well-worth the $$.
4
Bedtime Stories by UGAcritter
The overall movie was cute and humorously put together. I wouldn't recommend children under 5 because it isn't capivating to this age of audience. My 4 yr old found going up & down the steps more entertaining. However, 5 to pre-teen age, found it very funny, entertaining & hilarious (per son). They sent me for snacks so they wouldn't have to leave the movie. It provided what it is suppose to ... entertainment.
5
Bedtime Stories. by sueb98
I loved this movie! I took my 9 year old so to see this on Christmas afternoon and it was well worth the money. I have told everyone I have talked too about it as well. It is the first actual kid friendly movie I have seen in years. Disney needs to take a look at how this movie actually delivered to the family a clean and fun movie. No sex, No violence, No drugs, all very well done. I would recommend this movie to anyone and everyone who is looking for a good clean movie that is entertaining. Adam Sandler did a great job and impressed me beyond belief here. Thanks for letting me share my opinion.
5
perfect family movie by fireflybob
this was a good movie we went with our cousins and we all loved it it was easy to follow and had some irony to. it was really funny and well made bugsy the guinea pig is made to seem intelligent and was really funny also. this movie is good for all ages. i mean all ages like you could bring your great grandma and she would love it. it was an amazing movie and if you are going to see anything see this it was PERFECT.
4
Bedtime Stories by frannie39
Adam Sandler's his typical best in this light-hearted farce about a man who uses bedroom stories he tells to his niece and nephew to change the outcome of his own life. I thought it was cute and my kids really liked it. Great special effects were also used in the movie.
5
bedtime stories by iansmom24
great fun -- holes in the plot you could drive a semi truck through, but a great fantasy picture. Perfect for the family and suprisingly no strong language from Happy Gilmore productions! The idea was interesting and they could have done better with the script but Adam Sandler was great at playing himself. His sidekick "Mickey" stole the show but that is a tribute to Sandler that he would let a supporting role shine. Probably will even buy the dvd.