Billy Madison - PG-13

In-your-face and immature humor will appeal to younger teens.

Rating: PG-13 for language and crude humor Studio: Universal Studios Directed By: Tamra Davis Cast: Norm MacDonald, Adam Sandler, Bradley Whitford Running Time: 90 minutes Release Date: 01/01/1995 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this film features some strong language. The humor is immature and is targeted toward teenagers. An older maid makes continuous sexual advances at the protagonist (including a request to take her shirt off for him). The film contains some scenes of binge drinking. Rude behavior rules. The ending features a positive message of accomplishment and resilience.

Families who see this movie could talk about Billy's apathetic view on life. How may growing up without any pressures or responsibilities result in Billy's degenerate lifestyle? Parents could highlight Billy's ability to act as a role model for his fellow classmates. Why is it important to have positive role models?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Alex Orner

To inherit his family's chain of hotels, Billy (Adam Sandler) makes a deal with his father to pass grades 1-12 without cheating. There is only one problem: Billy is a good-for-nothing idiot. The 27-year-old spoiled brat is usually drunk. He chases invisible penguins and pranks neighbors by setting fire to bags of poo on their doorsteps. As the movie progresses, Billy slowly learns responsibility. The film culminates while in an academic decathlon against conniving Madison Hotels V.P., Eric Gordon (Bradley Whitford) and falling love with his teacher Veronica Vaughn (Bridgette Wilson).

Similar to Sandler's Happy Gilmore, BILLY MADISON is a silly, unintelligent comedy that offers no real message. Without warning, though, audiences both young and old may find themselves guffawing at the film's more random memorable moments (Miss Lippy's paste facial comes to mind). The film features great cameos by Steve Buscemi and Sandler's old SNL pals Chris Farley and Norm McDonald.

Families who enjoy BILLY MADISON might also enjoy Adam Sandler's other popular 90s comedy Happy Gilmore (1996). Other films with this comedy style include Dirty Work (1998), Tommy Boy (1995), and Black Sheep (1996).

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Sexual advances; covers of eccentric pornos shown ("over 80 women", "drunk chicks").
Violence
Language Sporadic profanity.
Message
	Social Behavior The main character is an unmotivated "party hound" that coasts through life on his father's funds.
	Commercialism Triscuit, Coke, and Snack Pack references.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Some binge drinking.