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Chalk

(2007, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Troy Schremmer, Shannon Haragan, Janelle Schremmer)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Mockumentary shines light on high school teachers.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 14 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    High school students and faculty are mostly treated with respect; racially sensitive portrayal of multi-ethnic classrooms; uses humor to illustrate staff insecurity and weaknesses, but doesn't make fun of kids.
  • Violence:

    Some inconsequential tussling between high school students (teacher has to break up a fight).
  • Sex:

    Discussion of P.E. teacher's sexual orientation.
  • Language:

    Infrequent, but words include "f--k," "bulls--t," and "ass."
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One teacher is shown smoking; teachers drink in a bar after work on one occasion.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Chalk

Parents need to know that this indie film feels much more like a documentary than a typical high school comedy. Teens may find its sophisticated, character-driven humor funny -- and reflective of their actual school experience -- but younger kids probably won't be interested in the staff's trials and traumas. There's some discussion of sexual orientation, specifically with regard to P.E. teachers. The rare cursing (including "f--k") comes from the students, not the teachers. One teacher is shown smoking; others go out for drinks after work. It's worth noting that there's a lot of jerky handheld camera work, which could be difficult for those who are sensitive to the abrupt movements.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how Harrison High is similar to and different from their own experience. How realistic are the teachers and the students? How can you tell that this is a fake documentary, rather than a real one? What tools did the filmmakers use to make this feel like a true story? What do you think a real documentary about an average high school would be like? Does the movie successfully explain why so many teachers leave the classroom after such a short time? If you were Mr. Lowery, would you come back, and, if so, what would you do differently?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Funny

    I liked this movie. It had the essence of The Office. A good comedy 'doc' for teachers and kids alike.

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