Common Sense Note
Parents should know that death is the main theme of this movie. Vada's mother died while giving birth to her (this is never depicted; only alluded to). A main character dies tragically from bee stings (again, the death is off screen). This sudden, unexpected death is bound to have an emotional impact on impressionable viewers. Divorce is mentioned, and there are a few obtuse references to sex.
Families who see this film could use it as a way to discusss how to cope with the death of a loved one. Is it okay for Vada's father to remarry after his first wife died? How do we know when it is time to mourn or time to move on?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Elliot Panek
Darker than one might expect, MY GIRL is the story of Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky), a pre-teenage girl learning to deal with the death of her mother. Vada lives with her widower father (Dan Aykroyd), who runs a funeral parlor out of their home, and spends her days with her best friend, Thomas J (Macauly Culkin). When her father falls for his new assistant (Jamie Lee Curtis), Vada feels betrayed. In the end, a sudden tragedy brings her closer to her new stepmother, and she begins to understand how to move on after mourning the death of a loved one.
Death and single parenthood are never easy topics to talk about with children, and this film deals with them in a mature, responsible way, encouraging kids to talk about their feelings regarding death -- as well as the romantic lives of their parents. If kids are beginning to ask questions about these serious topics, they are old enough to watch this movie with parents. Families who enjoy this film may want to check out its sequel My Girl 2, or a more recent film that deals with both death and divorce, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentObscure references to sex and the sexual revolution. |
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ViolenceA character dies offscreen from bee stings. |
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LanguageThe "s" word, "ass." One character calls her friend a "retard." |
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Social BehaviorChild learns that life goes on after the death of loved ones. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoReference to lighting a joint. |
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