Iffy for 14+
Old Testament meets old jokes in rough, unfunny comedy.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this farcical romp through the Book of Genesis -- which was originally rated R but got edited down to an edgy PG-13 -- is full of slapstick violence, crude sexual material, strong language (including "f--k"), and stereotypes. Since it stars Jack Black and Michael Cera, it's pretty clear that this isn't The Flintstones: There's lots of gross-out humor (bear feces are viewed up close, an obese hairy man gets an oil massage, a eunuch carries his removed testicles around in a small pouch, etc., etc.) and some fairly pointed mocking of the ideas and concepts of the Old Testament. Whether that adds up to ribald fun or offensive insults will depend on your perceptions.
- Families can talk about the comedic appeal of putting modern characters and ideas into the ancient world -- is the point to make us laugh at the shortcomings of the past or to encourage us to look at our own era's ideas and assumptions with clearer eyes?
- Why do you think the filmmakers chose to gofor a PG-13 rating instead of an R? Can you sense where the edges of the film weresmoothed down for a PG-13? How different do you think it would havebeen if it had stayed R?
The good stuff
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Messages: Much of the movie mocks prehistoric/Old Testament-era attitudes about everything from worship to gender relations ("give her a little tap on the head -- women really respond to that"). It's clearly satirical, but it can be difficult to separate the satire from the depiction of questionable acts. There's also lots of potty humor (including one character eating feces and another peeing on his own face), extensive discussion of sex, violence, and some strong racial and gay stereotyping. It's all meant in fun, but it's regrettably not that funny.
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Role models: Although the two main characters generally mean well, they're not really meant to be seen as role models -- Zed acts rashly and doesn't consider the consequences of his behavior, while Oh is a little too passive and often gets caught up in situations against his will. Women are frequently objectified, and characters are routinely portrayed in stereotypical fashion.
What to watch for
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Violence: Scuffling, mostly for comedic purposes. Cain repeatedly beats his brother Abel with a stone, a man is speared in the shoulder, virgins are hurled into a sacrificial flame (a high priest doused with oil also wanders a little too close...), characters are stoned in public, a woman is punched in the face, characters are attacked by a cougar and a snake, a soothsayer reads bloody entrails, characters are whipped, and prisoners are hung upside down.
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Sex: Extensive discussion of sex, sexual acts, and techniques; many jokes about "sodomy," as much of the plot takes place in the ancient city of Sodom. References to "laying with"; at one point it's implied that a character has "lain with" their mother. One character explains that she's "into girls," plus other references to homosexual acts (including between priests and boys). Also references to coerced sex, orgies, enuchs, and virginity (and its absence). Kissing, scantily clad women and men. Discussion of castration, circumcision, and more.
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Language: Pretty frequent strong language, including "suck," "a--hole," "ass," "f--ked the pooch," "s--t," "crap," "hell," "dick," "poop," "bastards," 'bulls--t," and more. Discussions of "sodomy."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink wine and liquor and smoke pipes. References to "killer hemp."
Fan Reviews provided by
4
Not bad...but careful if you take the kids by 4EverGreen
I trust the fan ratings (more than those of the critics) and I wasn't sure I wanted to see this movie. But my boys (15 and 11) really wanted to see it so we did. My kids realy liked it and I thought it was pretty good. It probably helped that we were in a full theater with what seemed like a ton of teenage boys and there was lots of laughter. The movie had a lot of sexual references that were funny but perhaps not appropriate for the pre-teen set (like my 11 year old). All in all entertaining, though I think the writers could have done so much more with the story and the actors.
If there was a rating between So-So and Go I'd say that would be more accurate for me...but I'll give it the benefit of the doubt and go with a mild "Go".
1
Year One; Pusing the limits of a PG-13 movie by leedawg62
Year one was hyped up to be a funny movie with a funny cast featuring Jack Black and Michael Cerra. The commercials probably featured all of the "funny" parts that were appropriate enough to be approved for general audiences. While I am usually a fan of Jack Black's movies, I was very un-impressed with this one. It started off with a funny scene but quickly went south from there. I am one who usually will laugh at "crude humor" but this one pushed the limits way to much and crossed the line. I am very familiar with the bible and the great stories and sacred nature of many of the parts of the Old Testament that this movie used and completely twisted. It was definitely a "Sodham" of a movie. Don't make the mistke and waste $10 on this one like I did.
4
Hard to beleive all the reviews of people being offended by this movie. by idontwannasignup
I don't feel the least bit sorry for someone who goes to this movie without first looking at what it's rated PG-13 for or what it is about.
All these actors are well known for the type of humor portrayed in this movie and it should come as no surprise to anyone that didn't go to the movie blindly.
While the movie is indeed a juvenile, semi-slapstick, and tongue-in-cheek type comedy (which normally never does great ratings-wise, anyhow); it was done in a light manner and was never outright offensive to anyone's beliefs that can actually take a joke.
While I'll admit that there were only a few times I really laughed out loud, I did find myself amused for the majority of the movie and found myself chuckling after wards. This type of comedy is becoming more and more popular it seems with comedians like Michael Cera, and Christopher Mintz-Plasse.
As for it being PG-13, perhaps more people should actually look at the rating more closely and see what it means.
4
I liked it. by Comedy for me
If you are in to crude humor and love Jack Black movies you will most likely enjoy this movie. I would not recommend brings children but if your into immature humor you will like this. I have heard many reviewers saying this should be rated R, but the truth is there is little cussing compared to some Jack Black movies and the humor is sexually related but you could find comedy worse than this on tv any day. Saw lots of both sexes enjoying this so might as well give it a try.
4
Movie was good. by TjLaz
I thought the movie was really good, it had a plot. But the whole movie isnt as funny as the previews show, there are some hilarious disgusting parts that make the movie great. They are basically "gimme laughs" when most of the stuff comes on. Overall I loved the movie, thought it had a good plot, good lines for the movie. Enjoy the movie if you decide to go. :)
2
Best Scenes were on the TV trailors by captcrm
Wait to rent the video and smoke ALOT of weed before watching.
3
What are the 'PROS' thinking? by mrjay2u
After reading some reviews on this movie I was planning on waiting for the dvd release to watch it. Well my 12 year old son is a Jack Black fan and had to see as soon as possible. I gave in and we headed out. I went there with med-low expectations, and left laughing all the way to the car. I really think that the professional movie critics were wrong with their review of this flick. I enjoyed it as did my son. Go see it if you like jack black and if you need to just get away for a bit
4
Tellin' it like it is.... by caldwjo
Here is the bare bones for you... greatest comedy of all time? No... Two hours of laughter? Yes. It was worth my 8 bucks to get away from reality for a couple hours and enjoy a funny movie. People are too judgmental these days... A lot of people expect everything to be an award winner. This movie does what people long ago went to movies for... Short break from reality to just enjoy a motion picture. Relax people... go see it.
3
Year ONE by sole63
Better than I thought it would be. The reviews were pretty negative, so we didn't expect much. It was funny most of the time..........couple of really gross parts could have been left out. Mostly entertaining, but not great.
5
year one!! by brookeb89
this movie was so hilarious regardless of what people say. who cares if it is quote idiotic is is humorous and that is all that matters. i literally stopped laughing for maybe 5 seconds during the movie and LOVED it. If you wanna see a movie that will make you laugh please see year one. **** YOU OTHER REVIEWERS