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Bottle Rocket

(1996, Rated R, Comedy, Starring Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Robert Musgrave)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    The first Anderson/Wilson offbeat, talky comedy.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Three friends seek out the excitement of a life of petty heists.

  • Violence:

    The cops beat up a suspect; Dignan gets into a brawl at a bar and ends up with a bloody gash on his face; Dignan gives Anthony a bloody nose; Bob's brother beats him off camera, and he subsequently wears a bandage around his ear.

  • Sex:

    Anthony and Inez kiss on a few occasions and make love once (no nudity). A woman flirts with Anthony.

  • Language:

    R-rated language: "f--k," "s--t," "asshole," "c---sucker," etc.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    The guys drink at a bar; partygoers drink cocktails and smoke cigars/cigarettes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Bottle Rocket

Parents need to know that this indie dramedy follows three best friends who become bumbling small-time crooks in hopes of getting in on a real heist. There is a lot of R-rated language plus one love scene (no nudity is visible, however). The overall theme of seeking excitement from planning and executing a robbery may not be suitable for younger children, but there's a great deal of humor to offset the "life of crime" elements.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about risk-taking and peer pressure. Did Anthony seem like he really wanted to go along with Dignan, or was he just humoring him? Kids: Was Dignan using Bob for his money? What would you do if friends asked you to do something illegal?
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