 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys
- Review Date: February 28, 2006
- R
- Genre: Drama
- 2002
Common Sense Media says
Coming-of-age film only for those already of age.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this film is not for kids. The protagonists are surrounded by difficult situations (one has alcoholic parents and is humiliated in school, another is a victim of an older brother's sexual abuse, a girl is suicidal and scars on her wrists are shown), and lack of parental involvement leads to substance abuse of all types, as well as copious amounts of swearing. Young teens pull dangerous pranks (such as cutting down telephone poles with chainsaws), break into wildlife parks and abandoned houses, and blatantly flout authority figures. These characters are rarely punished, and expulsion is treated lightly. Although characters draw obscene pictures and speak graphically about sex, their real-world experience is very limited, and little more than making out and touching above the waist is depicted onscreen. Animated sequences include a lot of comic book violence, and there is a deadly mauling by a mountain lion. There are also several conversations about masturbation.
What's the story?
Set in a small town in the 1970s, THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS centers on Catholic school best friends Tim (Kieran Culkin) and Francis (Emile Hirsch), who go to great lengths both to make life interesting by creating their own comic book series (depicted in the film's animated segments), playing pranks, and talking about sex. The boys must avoid getting in trouble with strict teacher Sister Assumpta (Jodie Foster). Francis' crush on troubled Margie (Jena Malone) leads the story into more serious territory.
Is it any good?
This coming-of-age film is much too dark for those actually coming of age, but for mature older teens and adults, it's well worth watching. The film nicely contrasts the dirty minds and knowledge the boys possess with their social awkwardness and hesitancy around girls. The comic-book-like animation sequences are initially distracting, but ultimately enhance the story. Although the nostalgic coming-of-age genre is generally a great one to watch with your family, hold off on this one until your kids are old enough to handle all of the mature themes -- these kids engage in substance abuse and other activities that you don't want them emulating.
Standout performances by the young actors render the characters lovely and believable, although the plot stretches the realm of possibility. Kieran Culkin and Emile Hirsch put in wonderful performances as Tim and Francis, and Jena Malone shines as Margie. Jodie Foster's character suffers from the necessary distance given to all adult characters, but she manages to impart enough humanity to allow the audience to relate to her.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the effect that Margie's secret has on those who know it. How does Sister Assumpta affect the boys? How does she change throughout the movie? How are adults portrayed in the film? How do the characters treat consequences? How does Tim's background affect the way that he sees the world? What is the importance of William Blake's poetry in the film? What does it mean to be a "dangerous thinker"? What is the point of Tim's 'trick' in the end? What does the film say about friendship? Forgiveness?
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AGE
Disgusting!
This movie is an Anti-Catholic creation. Starting with a stereotype Nun (Who's absurdly strict), Disgusting Conversations from Altar Boys, and Vulgar comics drawn By Altar Boys. It gives the Image that Altar Boys are Perverted, Drug Abusing, Alchoholics with little or No moral compass. Not to mention it's less than Realistic view on Catholic Schools and Lifestyles. I'm both Disappointed and Appalled that Commonsense gave this 4 Stars, and that they recommend viewing it.
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AGE
Offensive
With independent films, the experience is often either very good or very bad. I was bitterly dissapointed with this movie, and had to have me finger on the fast forward button throughout.
I do not know what offended me more, the obnoxiousness of the boys, the one-dimensional portrayal of religious men and women, or the negative view of Catholic education.
The title itself is misleading. The story had nothing to do with the fact that these boys were alter servers at Mass. Their behaviour throughout the story was more suited to John Belushi's "Animal House".
I am also a product of Catholic schools, and I find it difficult to believe that students in their early teens are capable of such destructive behaviour.
As a Catholic, I am very much offended by this movie.
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| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Peter Care |
| Cast: | Emile Hirsch, Jodie Foster, Kieran Culkin |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 105 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 18, 2002 |
| DVD release date: | April 1, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | language, sexual content and youth substance use |
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