Patch Adams Review

Messages: The film shows the importance and beneficial effects of laughter, and the positive results that can emerge when doctors see their patients as more than just their disease. It underscores the need for dignity and understanding when it comes to the sick and vulnerable.

Role models: Patch Adams is an earnest and caring medical student, driven by a desire to help others and ease their suffering through humor and compassion. He makes some major mistakes that are glossed over in the movie.

Violence: An aspiring female doctor strongly hints at sexual abuse as a child; she is later murdered off-screen by a mentally disturbed former patient. A patient is given a realistic toy gun to shoot balloons made to resemble animals found on a safari. A suicidal patient is shown with knife scars up and down his arms.

Sex: Upon receiving his diploma, a student has the back side of his graduation gown open to reveal his naked buttocks. Some jokes include some sexual elements -- like a reference to a penis and a masturbation joke. A visual gag involves the word "cervix."

Language: Occasional profanity includes "s--t," "p---k," and "ass."

Consumerism: Not an issue

Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters consume alcoholic beverages at a meat packers' convention and act boisterous.