OK for kids 9+
Few laughs in crude, kid-targeted Sandler comedy.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, like all Adam Sandler movies aimed at families, Jack and Jill includes lots of potty humor and crude jokes at the expense of women who don't fit the Hollywood ideal of beauty. Since Sandler plays both Jack and his twin sister, Jill, the movie "allows" him to make many jokes about women's bodies and personalities -- not to mention bodily functions. There's also plenty of insult language ("freak," "stupid," "loser," etc.), some suggestive comments/humor, and an extended sequence featuring a stereotypical Mexican family that may offend some viewers. Parents concerned with commercialism should note that the comedy is chock-full of product placements, from Sony (which is also the movie's distributor) to Dunkin Donuts and many, many more.
- Families can talk about why Adam Sandler's movies are so popular. Are fart jokes and gags about people's appearance that funny? What's the difference between his "family" movies and the ones for older audiences?
- How does Jack and Jill portray women? What message is it sending about appearance and body image?
- Does the movie undermine or reinforce stereotypes? When does portraying an ethnic group shift from comedy to insulting?
- Do you think that all of the companies and products featured in the movie are necessary to the plot? If not, why are they included?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Although Jack and Jill's positive message is overshadowed by the many gross-out gags and fart jokes -- not to mention the many jokes made at others' expense (especially women who don't fit the "accepted" standard of beauty) -- there are some take-aways about the importance of family, friendship, and not taking your siblings for granted.
-
Role models: Jill, despite her obnoxious personality, is a loving sister and aunt, and she manages to be optimistic despite all the disappointments she faces. Jack realizes how important his twin sister is to him, even though she annoys him. On the downside, women who don't fit a certain standard of beauty are the butt of jokes, and there are some stereotypical depictions of a Mexican family.
What to watch for
-
Violence: Slapstick and physical comedy throughout: Jack's son punches his Aunt Jill, and she falls off her chair. Jack, disguised as Jill, shoves and hits Al Pacino, and he retaliates. Jill punches a bathroom attendant, who goes flying through a bathroom door.
-
Sex: Pacino makes lots of suggestive overtures toward Jill, and Felipe also flirts with her. Jill's full-figure bras and control-top panties are shown on more than one occasion for laughs. Jack and his wife hug and are shown in bed together, but they're just getting ready to sleep.
-
Language: "Hell," "crap," "oh my God," and insults ranging from "freak" and "annoying" to "loser" and "stupid." Jill, who's rather sheltered, makes tactless comments (she wonders if a bearded man is Al Qaeda, etc.).
-
Consumerism: Like many of Sandler's movies, there are nonstop product placements and corporate tie-ins. The sequence on the cruise feels like an extended commercial for Royal Caribbean and its ship. Everyone uses Sony computers (Sony is also distributing the film); Pepto and Dunkin Donuts aren't just prominently featured -- the companies are Jack's clients, and fake commercials the brands are shown in the movie. Other tie-ins include The Price Is Right, YouTube, Craigslist, Morton's Steakhouse, online dating sites like Match.com and eHarmony, and celebrity cameos.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults are shown at dinner parties with wine or champagne on the table, but it's not overt.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Jack and Jill review by sam'spirateprincess
A very good family movie! The entire family laughed and found the movie very entertaining. I thought it would be weird seeing Adam Sandler as a woman but he pulled it off very well.
4
Critics see to many movies.... by Dawn4
I think critics forget why many people go to the movies. Sometimes you just want to laugh and enjoy yourself. The theater I was at was almost full and from the sound of it most of the people really enjoyed this movie. Lots of laughs and fun. Don't listen to the critics, see it..
4
Something Different by camaywhite05
This movie was great for families. It was great seeing a movie for once that didn't have any cursing or foul subject matter in it. This movie was something different to see, its not a normal movie that you see these days. The twin thing is great and its so awesome how one man can play both parts so well. I am a huge Adam Sandler fan and he was definitely 95% of the movie. I wasn't a huge fan of the role Al Pacino played in this movie, but it all ties together in the end. Great ending. Had a few funny scenes. If you are looking for a comedy to go see with your family, this is the movie to take them too.
5
Jack & Jill by virginiakustra
We absolutely loved it. We haven't seen a movie so funny in a long time. It's a great family
movie. We kept waiting for a lull in the movie but their wasn't. My 14 yr. old son couldn't stop
laughing. He's still talking about it today. What I like about the character Jill was that even
though you knew it was Adam Sandler playing the part, He disappeared and the character
Jill took over. We can't wait until the DVD comes out! It will definitely be added to out family
colllection of movies. Great Job!
4
Very Funny Stuff....Goofy Sandler At His Best. by Alon Patterson
After "Bucky Larson," Sandler's last screenwriting attempt, anything, ANYTHING, would have been an improvement. He definitely redeems himself with this one. Known for over-the-top goofiness, A.S. takes his audience one step further this time by doing something HARD, pulling off drag AND being funny, without being offensive. Even the most die-hard cross dresser wouldn't be offended, since it's obvious end-to-end, nothing is off limits as far as political incorrectness is concerned. Peppered throughout with some of the most famous faces in film making cameo after cameo, the hilarity is nearly non-stop and this film is FUNNY. Film comedy is a hard gig. Doing it well is even harder. If you're an looking for a good laugh, this is just the ticket. The concept is family friendly over all, but probably wouldn't interest small children. It's teen safe and likely to be very popular among that age group, so grownups may want to do the later shows. See it. You won't be disappointed.
5
Jack and Jill by moviemom43840
I took my 12 year old son with me to see this show ,we laughed alot,i would say it is a family friendly show, you know its funny when you can laugh out loud!
5
Jack and Jill...Quite a surprise! by ehaberman
I am quite the Adam Sandler fan, but was not too sure about this one...but my 10 year old and her 12 year old friend wanted to go... I reviewed it, and it was more of a harmless PG series, for my 10 year old (who has 16 and 14 year old siblings). I thought it was going to be an obnoxious, swicher-oo kind of knock off in bad taste.. But My girlfriend and, as well as the kids, were actually in stitches, the whole time!!! Its quite the Its witty, modern film, and most of all, reaches out to both adults, and the younger crowd as well. Kept us laughing the whole time. I will just say, Adam Sandler, does not make a pretty look ing woman.. lol, but I think thats the whole point. But kept us laughing the whole time. I was unexpectedly surprised!!!!
5
Jack and Jill by kaba's favorites
This was a wonderful movie and I loved the comedy which was so well done. Superb acting by all and one movie that I would not ever want to miss:-)
5
Laugh-a-minute!! by ocklebockle
Adam Sandler doesn't disappoint. Jack and Jill was one of the funniest movies I've seen in a while. And Al Pacino was quite a surprise! Katie Holmes was terrific. Just a fun time. You HAVE to see Adam playing his own twin!!
5
Great humor by great actors by ralphhu
The list of actors in this movie was A+++ and they all did a great job. The storyline was amusing but made a good point. Very enjoyable. Al Pacino acted out about 4 of his characters from earlier years and reminded me of why he is considered one of the very best. Adam Sandler, as usual, is very funny in his laid-back style.