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Dennis the Menace

(1993, Rated PG, Comedy, Starring Christopher Lloyd, Walter Matthau, Lea Thompson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Contrived movie is not true to its origins.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 7–8

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    All the female characters wear dresses only. Margaret is obsessed by girlish things, such as turning the boys' fort into a house with curtains. Some bathroom humor and mean-spirited gags.
  • Violence & scariness:

    When Christopher Lloyd takes his lumps, the result is a bloody, swollen face. Dennis is kidnapped by a hobo.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Dennis and his pals discuss how babies get into a mother's stomach (the mother's belly button opens up so the baby can enter). Dennis tells Mrs. Wilson how his parents "wrestle" on Sunday mornings, by themselves and with their shirts off.
  • Language:

    Mr. Wilson says the initials "G-D" out loud when he's really upset.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Dennis the Menace

Parents need to know that although the hero is 5, this movie comes with caveats for those who are squeamish or easily scared. Also, parents should know that the contrived story is unnecessarily sinister, neither true to its comic-strip origins nor suitably updated.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the relationship between Dennis and Mr. Wilson. Why can't they get along? How do you get along with someone who is difficult?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Excessive violence
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    a great movie but kinda inapreat for the age it's aimed at.

    this movie is funny and little kids will luv it. And there is way to much vilonce and Denis knows way to much about sex and stuff for a five year old. and the bad thing this movie is aimed at toddelers when the movie is not for them. ON for 8 off for anyone under that age.

  2. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0

    everyone should see it

    I loved this movie i cracked up thru the whole thing i think it is great for all ages and everyone should see it

  3. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Find another movie for your young ones.

    The review also forgot to mention the babysitter making out on the couch scene. Parents should also note that if they watch it, their kids are eventually going to watch it. Thus when it comes to violence and sexual content, you should only watch things you would want your children to watch.

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