Iffy for 15+
The Force isn't with crude story of fandom and friendship.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Star Wars-centered comedy really pushes the limits for PG-13, with lots of swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t"), drinking, smoking, and sexual content (particularly discussions of sex and sex acts, though naked butts are also shown). That said, under all the rude and crude comedy is a message about friendship and believing in something.
- Families can talk about why they think this movie was rated PG-13 instead of R. Does it seem that different from other crude comedies that did earn R ratings? If so, how?
- Discuss the overall cultural impact -- for good and for ill -- of Star Wars.
- How have George Lucas' films changed how we watch movies? How have they affected what kids of movies get made?
- What happens when someone's love for a piece of pop culture goes a little too far?
The good stuff
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Messages: There's a message about friendship hiding here (the lead characters are willing to do anything for a terminally ill friend), but it's overshadowed by plenty of iffy stuff. On the up side, a real, sincere relationship blossoms between two of the leads -- in contrast to less meaningful dalliances and attractions -- but women are also fairly marginalized characters overall.
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Role models: Charcters partipcate in a break-in (it's well-intentioned, but...), and there's lots of bathroom humor.
What to watch for
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Violence: Comedic scuffling and flailing, mostly ineffectual and inept. Some mock-martial arts action and weapons violence (quarterstaff combat, science-fiction replica weapons), all for comedic effect. A man is hurled from a van; a van drives toward people on foot.
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Sex: Nude buttocks, both male and female, are shown as passersby are "mooned"; other implied nudity. Sexual situations (kissing, etc) -- both in the context of a relationship and with young women who turn out to be escorts. A young man meets face-to-face with his "cyber girlfriend," only to discoverthat she's approximately 10 years old ("I'm a pedophile," he shrieks). Many digressions about sex, sex acts, sexual conduct, and sexual prowess. A gay bar is depicted as a den of iniquity. A joke revolves around male homosexual prostitution.
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Language: Lots of strong language, including "f--k," "bitches," "fag" (as an insult), "s--t," "Jesus Murphy" (as an exclamation), "cornhole," "man package," "penis," "dickhead," "a--hole," "pimp-slap," "whores," "dips--t," and much, much more. "The finger" is given.
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Consumerism: The entire film revolves around a group's quest to see Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace prior to its release; the movie is a constant series of references to the fantasy-world myths and real-world genesis of the Star Wars saga. Other brands mentioned or shown include Star Trek; iPhone; Palm Pilot; The Rocketeer; Top Gun; Paramount/Viacom; Lucasfilm; Six Days, Seven Nights; Raiders of the Lost Ark; Batman; Priceline; and many more.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink beer and hard liquor to excess; scenes take place in bars. Characters smoke cigars and cigarettes and are given Peyote-laced guacamole; a terminally ill character is given a large amount of Peyote. Prescription drugs are administered by a physician.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Fanboys by whittyb
I loved this movie. It took a long time and went through some rough times to get to the screen. Any fan of Star Wars Casual or hardcore will love this. I'm glad I made the trip to the big city to see it!! I can't wait till the Blue Ray comes out.
5
Wow by Rogue_Leader
I have been waiting for this movie for a few years now and it did not fall short of my expectations. Great movie! If you like SW as much as I do, then it is a must see!
5
Terrific Road-trip Movie for Star Wars Fans by islandman2929
Forget the critics and their whimpy, over-analytical reviews. They seem to get paid to act unimpressed. This is a terrifically funny movie. The superb script is filled with great lines that recall that special period in movie life in America. You may have to pay attention to get all the gems but the effort is worth it big time. The critics seem to want "classic", completely unique movies handed to them and cannot appreciate the genius behind this little gem. Vox Populi - the voice of the people count more than these elite fools - spread the word; there is a great comedy ready to make you laugh over and over again.
The editing is a bit uneven but the energy of the story carries the day. Trekkies (Treckers, sorry) and Star Wars fans will love this....and we also get to see great cameo appearances, especially that Shat man.So it's two thumbs up for the movie and two middle fingers up for critics who seem more interested in proving their pretentiously pompus inabilities.
4
Star Wars Fans will love it by kremper
Lots of Star Wars references combined with childish comedy with a great cast. Lots of cameos. Tends to drag in some parts but all in all, the movie will get you laughing. Lots of Star Trek bashing!
5
a MUST for SW Fans by pixiepants
Hilarious... for fans of the movies. If you love 'em, you'll likely love this movie. (We certainly did.) But if you're not a big fan, or just looking for a comedy, this may not necessarily be the movie for you.
5
AWESOME!!!! by crazynutcasenuthead
Clever script, excellent acting, sweet plot, and every inside joke ever made.
And R2.
What more could you as for.
5
Fanboys: The Epic Tale of Generation X by bibbikinz
This movie was the perfect summary of the lives of my social circle 10 years ago. I want my post Episode 1 innocence back! Damn you, Lucas!