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The Truth About Cats & Dogs

(2002, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Ben Chaplin, Janeane Garofalo, Uma Thurman)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 14.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Funny and intelligent, despite some flaws.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    While the movie tries to depict romance from the position of the average woman, it affirms a lot of stereotypes--especially that concerning "dumb" blondes. Some sexual innuendo.

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Sexual innuendo and one fairly explicit phone sex scene in a bathtub with implied masturbation (though nothing is ever shown).

  • Language:

    Mild and, for the most part, of the bathroom variety (though "f--k" is used on one occasion).

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some drinking to excess.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Truth About Cats & Dogs

Parents need to know that while the pet antics make this movie seem like a great preteen pick, Abby plays a liberated woman who discusses sexual matters frankly. Her telephone relationship with Brian culminates in a prolonged bathtub phone-sex scene.

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  • Families can talk about why we will still watch movies and enjoy them, even when the plot isn't plausible.
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