What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Do-Deca-Pentathlon is an independent dramedy from filmmaking brothers Jay and Mark Duplass. The biggest issue is language, with more than a dozen uses of "f--k," plus "s--t" and other words, some of which are heard in front of, or from, a pre-teen boy. Characters argue and fight; the main character throws a few angry, raging fits, and there's a big fistfight. There's no real sex, but a husband and wife are comfortable and affectionate with each other, and one character is briefly seen in a strip club (no nudity). Characters occasionally drink or smoke cigarettes. The movie is more likely to appeal to grown-ups, though fans of the Duplass brothers will certainly want to see it.
- Families can talk about the relationship between the brothers. What causes them to fight like this? Why would the fight go on for years and years? Do you think it's realistic?
- The Do-Deca-Pentathlon ultimately has a positive message about communicating and bringing families back together, but are there any positive role models? If so, who, and why?
- Have you ever competed with your brothers or sisters? Was it fun or stressful? What's the appeal of competition or sports?
- Jeremy wonders why Mark is so unhappy when he "has everything," i.e. a wife and a son, whereas Mark is jealous of Jeremy's "freedom." Are either of them correct?