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Rudy

(1993, Rated PG, Drama, Starring Sean Astin, Charles Dutton, Jon Favreau)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    5.0
  • Common Sense says

    Inspiring sports film about a real life underdog.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The movie extols the virtues of perserverance and hard work.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Football field brutality.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Rudy

Parents need to know that some scenes of bitter disappointment and brutality on the football field might be inappropriate for younger or more sensitive kids. The movie extols the virtues of perserverance and hard work.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about other sports movies. What is appealing about them? Do you ever doubt the outcome? What kind of feelings do they stir up? How does this one compare to other sports films you've seen?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Rudy?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Beware of Language

    Yes, this movie has a tremendously positive theme. I loved this movie. However, I agree with previous reviewers concerned about the language involved. While the use of profane language might be perfectly appropriate for the college age characters in the film, it is not appropriate for my pre-teen children. I'll save this one for when my kids are a little older.

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 4.0

    Great Movie but plenty of profanity as well

    I was surprised that Common Sense had this rated for 9 year olds. It's a great movie, but unfortunately, like so many movies, it is unnecessarily filled with a surprising number of basic profanities by multiple characters in casual conversation throughout. Though it didn't have the F-bomb, it had an ample amount of "Bullsh _ _, GDs, etc." I've never met anyone who approves of talking to 9 year olds like this so the review shouldn't support such exposure either in my opinion. I made the mistake of trusting that the Commons Sense review with the "Grey" box for language (with no comments included) meant that there were no profanities worth mentioning...unfortunately, I learned later that my son and his friend got an ear full.

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 4.0

    I winced

    I agree with all the descriptions of this being a movie of self reliance, making your dreams happen, and on and on, but it gets a big goose egg from me for being rated PG... In no uncertain terms, based on language used, the movie should have been rated PG-13. I would love for my 8 and 9 year olds to watch this movie, but there is no way I will let them, factoring in the unnecessary foul language.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    For any person who wants/wanted to be a star

    I have watched this movie at least a dozen times and every time it keeps me enthralled to the very end. I know how the movie is going to end, but Sean Astin so vividly protrays Rudy you not only see his disappointments, you feel them. While he might be better known for the "Lord of the Rings", Astin absolutely shines in this movie. The supporting cast take to their parts like few movies I have seen. This is an absolute not miss for anyone. You don't have to be a sports fan as the sports aspect is secondary to Rudy's quest to be a part of the team. The movie will make you feel part of Rudy's life and celebrate his success.

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