this is the greatest movie ever made funny stupid and dirty love it every 13-100 year old should see this movie
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Running with Scissors
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 16, age appropriate for kids over 17; suggested age 16. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Dysfunctional-family memoir wallows in smug humor.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 16–17
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About Running with Scissors
Parents need to know that this film isn't for kids. It's based on the true story of author Augusten Burroughs' extremely dysfunctional childhood (his manic mother handed him over to her therapist) and runs the gamut of bizarre, often-crazy behavior. Characters smoke, drink, use drugs, receive very questionable psychiatric treatment, and discuss suicide (in one scene, a boy is outfitted with electroshock therapy gear, though he's not shocked). The film includes frequent arguments between family members, with yelling, crying, and occasional aggression (including a knife threat at one point). Sexual images include lesbians kissing and hugging and an affair between a teenage boy and a 35-year-old man (who ends up being his adoptive brother). Lots of profanity, especially "f--k."
Read our full review by Cynthia Fuchs
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about Augsten's difficult relationship with his mother. How does he come to eventually understand her behavior? How does the movie show that he has to leave her to survive, even though the separation is painful for both of them? What about Augusten's relationship with Neil? Is it abusive, tender and loving, or both? Does Augusten (the "victim") truly understand the nature of their relationship? How does his perspective of Neil change over time? Why? How is the "therapy" that Deirdre and Augusten receive from Dr. Finch bogus, detrimental, and dangerous? If you were in Augusten's position, how do you think you would have coped?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
love it
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
One of the most fantastic movies I've seen,
But you certainly have to be able to understand it. It's a certain type of comedy that's hilarious but not many people want to understand; within the first twenty minutes, you'll know if you like it or not. It's all a matter of taste, but this was one of the most brilliant memoirs I've seen.
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
If you were of age in the 70's
If you were at least 16 in 1970, and/or have had a significant number of friends who were clinically schizo you will enjoy this. Others probably won't relate. Since the writer was 14 at the time this all happened, and came out all right in the end, it seems perfectly appropriate to me for a 14 year old to watch, should they be interested, which would probably take a pretty special 14 year old. If your teens can't cope with language, drugs and sex as they are presented in this movie you should probably just throw your computer away right now and keep them away from all media, including the Bible, from now on!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
This was a great movie and it made me cry.
When I rented this movie I was expecting a light hearted comedy. This movie is not like that at all. It has a few funny moments but it was a serious disturbing yet heart warming film. It had incredible acting, and taught you so much. I think anyone over the age of twelve should see this movie.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Deceptive Marketing
I rented this video because it looked funny. Reading the box it appeared to be a COMEDY about a dysfunctional family. The majority of the film my husband an watched had us swinging back and forth between shock and disbelief. It was never funny. After about 35 min we turned off the film and put in Oceans 11. There may be families that are truely this dysfunctional but I won't waste my time watching them. This film is highly inappropreate for children and young adults. AND I am including my 26 year old self in that category.
- I rate this title iffy for age 17 and give it
I Love This Movie!
I read this book, and the movie was woderfully true, to this fabulous book. Running with Scissors, is a very strange & quirky story. While you are watching it, you have to remind yourself, that it is a memoir, and most of this stuff really happened! The characters are amazing, just do not let your child under 17 see this movie. It is definately Rated R for lots of reasons.
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
Wished that I watched something else at my free time!!!
Although the cover says it should be funny, It really wasn't. I thought it was just DUMB!!!
- I rate this title off for age 17 and give it
deceived by the promos
could not decide if movie was meant to be funny, dramatic or a satire. it was slow moving and the story line was actually painful to watch. some small moments could not carry this movie nor its flippant attitude toward serious subjects. quality actors in this film and inspired sets could not improve the way this was filmed or the story line. definitely skip it!!!!!!!
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