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Ace Ventura Pet Detective Jr.

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Funny, animal-loving kid lost in crude script.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Good lessons on being true to yourself and caring for animals are muted by kids who are repeatedly disrespectful to authority figures. A son lies to his mother but at least shows regret. Scenes of conspicuous consumption at a rich boy's birthday party aren't played as ironically as they should be, if the intent was to make fun of them. Poop and fart jokes (and displays) galore.

  • Violence & scariness:

    Dream scene of a panda cub-napping may be intense for young kids. Repeated kicks by kids to adult crotches. Kids are chased by guards who run into poles, fall down, etc. Threatening school bullies chase a nerd but don't catch him.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Adolescent flirtation between a lovesick tween and a classmate.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Universal Studios theme park gets a major and distracting plug. Other recognizable brands include MySpace, TMobile, Heelies, CNN, Rolex, Exxon, and the CSI franchise.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Ace Ventura Pet Detective Jr.

Parents need to know that kids will probably enjoy the slapstick humor of this animal-centric film, but that farting and poop jokes may garner more laughs than the rest of the script. The hero's dad is dead, and the mom is put in jail during the movie, leaving only a quirky grandfather to watch over the boy (which he does only minimally.) Kids get away with breaking and entering, and repeatedly disrespect federal officers. There are some nice lessons about being who you are, even if that makes you stand out from the crowd. Compassion for animals is central to the plot.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about Ace Jr.'s devotion to helping animals. How far do you think you would go to help a lost pet, and when does Ace cross a line that would put him in danger? Do you think it's realistic that his classmates would be so angry at him because he offered to find their pets but didn't?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    lilmissfrankie
    I rate this title on for age 7 and give it 1.0

    ........

    HORRIBLE MOVIE ALERT

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Goseewacthmen
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 1.0

    ....

    ugh i cant describe this movie in words.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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