 | 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. |
A Fish Called Wanda
- Review Date: July 27, 2005
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 1988
Common Sense Media says
Crime caper has a wicked edge; not meant for kids.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this fast-paced heist comedy from some of the folks behind Monty Python's Flying Circus isn't intended to provide positive messages or role models -- just to be funny. Much of its humor is of the envelope-pushing variety: There's sadistic treatment of a stuttering character, dogs and fish are killed, guns are wielded, and characters are roughed up and targeted for murder. There's also a fair bit of strong language (including "f--k" and "s--t"), some simulated sex, infidelity, kissing, explicit sex talk, and a scene in which a man is shown naked from behind. Characters frequently betray and double-cross each other; they also get away with crimes without being punished. But it's all presented in a comic way, so as long as they're ready for edgy, British-flavored humor, mature teens should be able to handle it.
What's the story?
After pulling off a daring daylight diamond heist, a team of theives -- including sexy Wanda (Jamie Lee Curtis), unpredicatable Otto (Kevin Kline), and mild-mannered Ken (Michael Palin) -- starts double-crossing one another in order to claim the loot for themselves. An unsuspecting barrister (John Cleese) gets pulled into the fray, and as lying begets more lying, it all turns into a delightfully loopy farce.
Is it any good?
A FISH CALLED WANDA is a British crime caper that features a comedic tour de force performance by Kline. Cleese's character is a distant cousin to the one he played in beloved Britcom Fawlty Towers, a brow-beaten husband whose efforts to hide an indiscretion result in hilarity. These familiar situations benefit immensely from Cleese's skill; he carries off such scenes with aplomb.
Kline, though, is the real star here -- his elevation of obnoxiousness to a high art won him a well-deserved Best Supporting Actor Oscar. His amalgamation of overconfidence and kinetic energy is so extreme, his shifts in manner from faux-Buddhist to faux-Italian so abrupt, that you can't help but laugh. Without him, the movie would be a bit plain, with the familiar twists and turns of the double-cross jewel-thief escapade. But with him, it's a comedy treat sure to entertain Monty Python fans and British humor enthusiasts alike.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the characters. Are any of them intended to be role models? If not, are they still sympathetic? Why? How do movies get us to root for "bad" guys?
What kind of consequences would these characters face in real life for their actions?
Do you find this movie funny or over the top? Why do you think different people find different things funny?
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AGE
SO Funny
A Fish Called Wanda is a really, really, really funny movie. It has slapstick, crudeness, crime, betrayal, and dour British people! This sort of film is really best suited to a more mature audience, as there are many, many instances of strong language, a subplot where a man with a stutter is badly mistreated, and several very steamy (albeit ridiculous) sexual situations, inclding harrassment. Until a teen is old enought to appreciate this movie for what it is: an adult's obnoxious, immature, and totally un PC flick, they're not ready for A Fish Called Wanda.
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AGE
Funnier than anything that comes out today, but not as good as Monty Python
The CSM review for A Fish Called Wanda is a bit harsh, both in terms of how appropriate the movie is, and in terms of how good it is. To start with, it's a very funny movie with great performances by Kevin Kline, John Cleese, and Michael Palin. I wasn't so big on Jamie Lee Curtis, but she didn't do badly. I thought it was a very clever, witty film and not the bland comedy that the review here seems to convey.
As for appropriateness, well, there is a good amount of language and sex, but the sex isn't explicit. At one point John Cleese is undressing (a very funny scene) but you don't actually see anything, except for maybe his bare behind. Honestly, I think this is appropriate for mature 14 year olds and up.
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Kid, 12 years old
August 6, 2010
AGE
Violence (PG): Charecters murdered, charecters rob, and try to kill an old lady.
Sexual Content (R): Jamie Lee Curtis does a lot of it with her "so called brother" Gay jokes.
Language (PG-13): Lots of mild profanity.
Drugs/Tobacco/Alchohol (G): Jamie Lee Curtis drinks often.
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AGE
Hysterical, but very profane and violent (the latter surprising for a comedy).
Suggested MPAA rating: R for strong language, sexual content and some dark comic violence.
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| Studio: | MGM/UA |
| Director: | Charles Crichton |
| Cast: | Jamie Lee Curtis, John Cleese, Kevin Kline |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 108 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | July 7, 1988 |
| DVD release date: | February 3, 2000 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
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