What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this based-on-a-true-story black comedy centers on a man (played by Jim Carrey) who leaves his family and becomes an unapologetic con man to support a self-indulgent life of shopping, partying, and sex. He eventually lands in prison, where he falls madly in love with a fellow male inmate. While there’s little nudity (some glimpses of male backsides), there are several highly suggestive sex scenes -- both gay and straight -- and lots of explicit language, including "f--k," "s--t," and some homophobic slurs. The main character's devotion to his object of affection is clear, but the often criminal lengths he goes to for love hardly qualify him for role model of the year.
- Families can talk about the fact that the movie is based on a true story. Do you think it's all accurate? Why do you think filmmakers might decide to change certain parts of fact-based stories?
- Do you think Steven Russell’s actions, including stealing and deception, demonstrate real love? Parents, talk to your teens about your own family's values regarding sex and relationships.