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
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.
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.
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 breekaminskas
Great movies to watch with the kids. Adam Sandler is funny as always, and his adult-humor kept me interested too.
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.
4
Alot of Fun by Beeraholic
Adam Sandler does a wonderful job in this movie he is funny, charming, and engaging. Keri Russell is gorgeous, sweet, and plays off of Adam nicely. My wife and I took our 9 and 6 year old sons to see this and we all laughed together it was a pleasant change of pace from some of the movies that come out for kids. We all enjoyed this and left the theatre with a smile on our faces. I would highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a light hearted feel good movie, even if you don't have kids.
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.
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.