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It Runs in the Family

(2003, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Michael Douglas, Rory Culkin, Kirk Douglas)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Disappointing story of a dysfunctional family.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Strong women.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Tense family scenes, bullies menace smaller kids.

  • Sex:

    Strong sexual references and situations for a PG-13.

  • Language:

    Strong language for a PG-13, including "s--t," damn, ass, and bitch.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Character uses and sells drugs, drinking and smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About It Runs in the Family

Parents need to know that this movie has a lot of mature material for a PG-13, including sexual situations and references. There is one casual sexual encounter in which a girl introduces herself to the boy just as they are about to go to bed together. An older brother nags his 11-year-old brother about kissing (or more) the girl he likes. A grandfather gives his grandson tips about seducing a girl. An adulterous encounter is halted because someone comes into the room. A character uses and deals in drugs, and characters turn to alcohol to numb their feelings.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why it is so hard for the people in this family to talk to each other, even though many of them want to. How do different families communicate in different ways?
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