Cool Runnings (PG, 1993)
common sense media says
Delightful, tween-friendly story of Jamaican bobsledders.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this underdog sports movie is based on the Jamaican bobsled team's appearance in the 1988 Olympic Games, the characters, most of the situations, and all of the conflict are heavily fictionalized. The resulting feel-good fairytale offers positive messages about sportsmanship, going after your dreams, and believing in yourself ... as well as some cartoonish potrayals of both the Jamaican people and their culture and some of their bobsleddding rivals (particularly the East Germans). A number of bobsled accidents are depicted, and there's one brief barroom brawl -- but no injuries or blood. Expect occasional mild swearing and lots of visible products/logos.
Educational value:
On a very basic level, kids will be introduced to international sports competitions (i.e. the Olympics).
Positive role models:
Hardworking underdogs achieve greatness despite long odds against them. A despairing coach who's punished himself for wrongdoing years earlier is able to find hope and redemption through hard work and believing in himself again. Some authority figures are portrayed as ignorant and unforgiving. They, too, learn lessons. There's some stereotyping among athletes from other countries.
Violence & scariness:
A pushcart crashes into a shack. There are a number of bobsled tumbles and crashes -- some are live action, others are taken from actual newsreel footage. One punch in a bar leads to a very brief, cartoon-style brawl with bottles broken over heads/backs and additional punches thrown.
Sexy stuff:
A short scene takes place at a kissing booth.
Language:
Infrequent use of words like "hell," "a--hole," "pee," "crap," "badass," "damn," "hooker," and "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation).
Consumerism:
Products/logos featured include Coca-Cola, American Airlines, ADIDAS sportswear and shoes, Carrera goggles, Red Stripe beer, Easton gloves, Relax Inn, and Ranchman's restaurant.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Men are seen in a bar with mugs of beer in front of them.
More on Cool Runnings
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Most useful reviews by all members
chalbridge zupe
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Approved for Tween and Teen Audiences Only! Watch at Own Risk!
This movie's hilarious! The intense moments are epic, the cast is clever, and of course, the messages are inspiring and moment you to work hard at what you love, so the past will wash away before your eyes. Only problem is the wise-ass statements that might inspire your kids with inadequite behavior ,which is not the true message of the movie. Don't get too caught up on that result! Very good movie for mature kids.
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james brown
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Great
Probubly the only clean comady out there any more not that much languge
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HenryRedJeanz
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
GREAT under-rated family movie!
This is a realllllly relalllllllly good movie for kids 7 and up, they will definitely enjoy it and its also very inspirational and has good rolemodels because its all about these jamaican people who try to win gold at the winter olympics and its a true story.
it will probably appeal more to younger kids, although i LOVED it and I know LOTS of adults who really enjoyed it as well. If its fun, safe and inspirational family viewing your after, you cannot go past Cool Runnings!
There are a few mild insults and some archive footage of bobsled crashes but nothing graphic. The film talks about loyalty, honesty and persistence and bravery, which is good for kids! :)
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Nondug
parent of and 8 , 8 , 10 year old
parent of and 8 , 8 , 10 year old
My kids loved it.
Funny story of the Jamaican bobsledders. The characters have to work hard and overcome struggle. Interesting look at a different culture (OK, a cartoonish representation of another culture). Curse words are used very infrequently.
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narnia rules
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
this movie is a great movie though the word ass is repeated several times along with crap. There is a fist fight and some mean bobsledding temas just taunting each other. There is a crash in the bobsled but nothing to serios it is hilarious and good for kidsages7 and up
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CSM Screen ...
adult
adult
Loved it
This is a great movie!!! I loved it! they do swear in this movie though!
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naner14
adult
adult
Great movie
Five words:
hilarious
clean
uplifting
watch it
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paul-cool4@hot ...
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Great for any age
Great Funny
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