What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that these cops definitely aren't your typical brave men and women in blue. Like the TV show it's based on, this movie is a raunchy, heavily improvised comedy. The characters may be diverse, but they're equal-opportunity idiots who know very little about enforcing (or upholding, for that matter) the law. The Reno officers love to wield their guns, drink, swear, and talk about sex. Those unfamiliar with the series should keep in mind that the characters are meant to be fumbling, bottom-of-the-barrel iterations of reality-TV cops.
- Families can talk about the predominance of reality TV in primetime. Are there programs on the air that that resemble the Reno 911! show-within-a-show? What movies or TV shows provide better, more realistic examples of law-enforcement officials? Older teens should also be able to discuss the many stereotypes depicted in the film. Is it funny to play up stereotypes for laughs? When do you cross the line? What's the appeal of deliberately offensive humor?