 | 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. |
Harry and the Hendersons
- Review Date: May 25, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 1987
Common Sense Media says
A big, Harry family adventure full of laughs.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the action scenes are kept cartoonish. The male Hendersons are avid hunters -- Grandpa Henderson owns a gun store and his son works there. Also, Mr. Henderson holds up a rabbit he's just killed as his son cheers; citizens arm themselves and go on hunting parties to kill Bigfoot. There's no blood and no one gets shot, but lots of guns and ammunition are shown. There are a few scuffles and minor fights. Some adults and one child swear, using many versions of "s--t."
What's the story?
The Henderson household turns upside down with the arrival of humungous houseguest Harry family comedy. After accidentally mowing down a real live, really smelly Sasquatch, the Henderson family believes the strange creature is dead. In complete shock, they tie it to the top of their station wagon and head home. Tucked away in the Henderson's suburban home, the Sasquatch revives and goes on a mad hunt for anything that fits his vegetarian diet. When dad George Henderson (John Lithgow) comes face-to-face with the enormous, wild creature, his instincts kick in and at first he considers shooting the Bigfoot to save his family. But Harry, as the Hendersons end up naming him, proves to be an intelligent, gentle being. And once the family comes to love him, they realize they must save him from those who would do him harm.
Is it any good?
A comedy at heart, HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS offers some touching scenes and powerful messages in between rollicking action scenes, slapstick gags, and sharp one-liners. Harry bonds with each member of the Henderson family -- especially precocious (and occasionally foul-mouthed) 8-year-old Ernie (Joshua Rudroy) -- and the Hendersons unite in their mission to save their newfound friend.
Most of the action is cartoonish, but there is definitely some suspense when the hunters go after Harry. And for those against hunting, the story loses some of its enjoyment. Otherwise, this movie is pure family comedy wrapped up in a wild adventure story.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the legend of Bigfoot, and the variations of Bigfoot from around the world. Do you think it's possible that such a remarkable creature could remain undiscovered? If Do you think what the Hendersons experienced could really happen?
undisputable proof of Bigfoot's existence was finally uncovered, what are some of the things we might learn?
Some of the characters schemed to make money by capturing and
exhibiting Harry the Bigfoot. How do you feel about that, and how does
it compare to zoos? The circus?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Foul language out weighs viewing for younger children
The foul language seem superfluous and added nothing but distraction to our kids. I'm surprised the movie did not have a PG-13 rating.
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Kid, 11 years old
August 8, 2009
AGE
hmm
good movie.
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AGE
Pretty Good Movie
I liked this movie. My sister and dad like it a lot, too. We have watched it about 5 times, and I think I will watch it again.
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AGE
amusing but bad language
i thought this movie was funny but there is cussing all thru this movie and i think no one under 10 should watch it
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AGE
A cute story - marred by a number of curse words I was unhappy to have my children ages 7 and 10, introduced to including b***ard, hell, sh*t , a**hole, dam it. THese words did not just appear once, but repeatedly - not sure why they needed this
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AGE
Very funny. My kids enjoyed it but the language is unnecessary. This movie was made before PG-13 and just because the language it would have fallen into that category.
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AGE
Bad language not for kids under 10.
bad Language is one of the things I try to avoid having my boys exposed to. My boys are 9, 8, & 5
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April 20, 2009
AGE
BAD language - overhwhelms a funny/.lovely story
A story with a nice message - but the language was appalling and totally unnecessary - my 7 and 10 year olds had not heard all those words before - it was very uncomfortable -wish I had checked here first before putting it on at home
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| Topics: | monsters, ghosts, and vampires |
| Studio: | Universal Studios Home Entertainment |
| Director: | William Dear |
| Cast: | John Lithgow, Joshua Rudroy, Melinda Dillon |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 110 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 26, 1987 |
| DVD release date: | April 24, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
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