What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the consistent use of profanity in this movie may override its many humorous scenes, and as such, may not be appropriate for preteens and younger kids. In one scene that adults may find funny, an irate Steve Martin employs "f--k" repeatedly while arguing with a rental car agent; in another, Candy jokes about picking up pick-up sticks with his "butt cheeks." At the same time, the film does impart a few moral lessons, such as the value of family and not judging a character by his first impression. Teens should be fine watching this film, but they should probably do so with an adult.
- Families can talk about whether a movie can still be funny without the use of foul language. You may also ask them if one can always a judge a person by his appearance or first impression, and if there are instances where it takes time to get to know a person better. Teens may also weigh in on a discussion about the value of family life: how does it affect a family when a parent works long hours and travels extensively for business?