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You've Got Mail

(1998, Rated PG, Comedy, Starring Tom Hanks, Greg Kinnear, Parker Posey, Meg Ryan)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Predictable-but-sweet romantic comedy.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    David-and-Goliath story of corporate aggressors versus the little guy.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Brief mild profanity.
  • Consumerism:

    Apple, AOL, and other modern-day brands in evidence. Practically an ad for Starbucks.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About You've Got Mail

Parents need to know that the movie contains brief bad language, and that Joe's father and grandfather become involved with a series of younger women, which is portrayed as humorous --including a comment by Joe's father (Dabney Coleman) that he may marry the mother of his son. Sexual overtures to Joe by that woman seem inappropriate for a movie of this kind. A later reference to a woman who leaves a man for a woman is also intended as humor.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about online relationships and how it's not OK to talk to strangers online. They can also explain why they should never accept an invitation to meet in person anyone they have corresponded with online. Other good topics for discussion include how it can be easier to be yourself in email than in person and how you balance the need to stand up for yourself with the importance of not hurting others.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Possibly the greatest movie EVER

    Possibly one of my favorite movies of all time. I don't see how You've Got Mail could be considered inappropriate by any stretch of the imagination. It is one of the greatest love stories I have ever seen, and I would recommend it to anyone, although I do think that anyone under about 13 would get pretty bored with it. There is a great message, and it is very touching

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive consumerism

    Might be a little boring for small children

    It's a wonderful comedy/romance that shows how two adults fall in love, first by meeting in a chat-room. The only problem about this movie is that there's LOTS of money and business issues in this movie that may not be appropriate for tweens. The movie does have some bad language, but a very mild amount. So I wouldn't consider it a problem. If you love a good romance, this is the movie for you!

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Georgia
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0

    One of my faves, but NOT for kids.

    I LOVE this movie, and the on-screen chemistry between Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan never fails to please. However, if you are the type of parent who teaches your children to value the sanctity of marriage, skip this one. I would not recommend this a movie for anyone under the age of 14. While there are no nudity or "bedroom" scenes, there are, as the main review mentions, plenty of inappropriate relationships, not to mention some very strong language. While I realize that my 9 & 12 year olds are probably exposed to some of this in the real world, I believe that we, as parents, need to realize that we send a message of approval to our children when we bring media into our homes. Just because it is out there, and others may be allowing their children to watch, doesn't mean that we should lower our standards and follow suit. Home should be a haven from the "noises" of the world. There are plenty of other choices for the younger set.

  4. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    A Witty and Light-Hearted Family Comedy!

    YOU'VE GOT MAIL is from the same creators, actors, and director as SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE. The differences being: in this one there's internet instead of a call-in-radio show, Hanks's son is replaced by Hanks's dog, and the characters meet before the very end. Saying that, it succeeds everywhere that SLEEPLESS did. It is just as fun, just as intelligent, just as romantic, and just as family-friendly. Two women briefly mention "cybersex" (not graphic at all). Passing reference is made to Hanks's stepmom "running off with the nanny" (both are women). Language consists of a few "a*s"s, one "hell", and one "b**ch". There is no violence or drugs. Great family comedy. Anyone who can watch SLEEPLESS can watch this.

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

  6. Kid Reviewer Age 8
    Lives in Kansas
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    i laughed

    it is cool

  7. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    Romantic but yes, predictable.

    You've Got Mail is one of those movies that is like a soap opera because its almost too romantic but you can't stop watching it. I really liked it because it was a very touching story of a guy who really screwed up with his love life but was able to realize his pig-headedness and fix his mistakes before it was too late. It was funny to keep wondering whether Katharine would ever realize who her Internet buddy really was. You should definetly see it!!

  8. I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  9. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  10. I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 3.0

    Sweet.

    This movie was a lovely little tale, as Tom Hanks as a brilliant (as always) leading man and Meg Ryan suprisinly good. A family or a girls-night-in movie.

  11. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Good, romantic chick flick!

    There were a couple of iffy parts, but they were only dialogue. No visuals. I liked the plot, and Tom Hanks is as funny as ever. I fell in love with Meg Ryan in this movie. She was at her best. Perfect for ages 12+.

  12. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Texas
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 2.0

    Way off

    Since when does Goliath winning make for a good romantic comedy? I came away from this movie angry. I didn't like Tom Hanks self-absorbed character and I didn't want Meg Ryan's to fall for him.

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

  14. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    A 'watch it 100 times' kind of movie!!!

    It is a romantic comedy, that the whole family will love.You can watch it over, and over again and it will be as; New, funny, and cute as it was when you first saw the opening credits!!!

  15. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0

    A Must See!

    Meg and Tom are wonderful in this. No bad language and Meg is a stitch! Definantely a must see!

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