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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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