 | 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. |
Heavyweights
- Review Date: June 11, 2009
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 1995
Common Sense Media says
Early Judd Apatow film makes fat camp mischievous and fun.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this comedy sends confusing signals about being overweight. It's not clear if the movie is about self-acceptance or self-loathing. There's some mild potty language and some pranks that get a little out of hand, as well.
What's the story?
On the last day of school, Gerry Gardner (Aaron Schwartz) gets some unwanted news from his parents: this summer, he's being sent off to "fat camp." Once he's there, though, he meets some great guys who are happy to be away from the rest of the cruel, skinny world, and who share Gerry's obsession with candy and junk food. Their fabulous summer is threatened when Tony Perkis (Ben Stiller) buys the camp from its beloved owners, ruling with an iron fist. Not only are the kids depressed, but the counselors are shamed into submission. Camp movies never have a sad ending, though. Guess what happens in the end?
Is it any good?
Ben Stiller's performance as a health maniac who operates the camp as a means to making a weight-loss infomercial is pretty dark. Yes it's funny when he shimmies about in his spandex shorts, doing sham tai chi, but there is something not right about his villainous camp counselor act. Is he having fun playing the role? He's not Bill Murray, that's for sure.
This said, older viewers might appreciate the satire more than younger kids. Judd Apatow is a co-writer on this film, which should ring some bells about over-the-top behavior. In all, HEAVYWEIGHTS does deliver some classic laugh-out-loud moments for the less faint of heart.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about food and its role in our lives. We need to eat to survive, right?
But what influences our decisions to eat certain foods?
Are you hungrier when you watch TV?
When does it feel good to eat? When do you not feel good about eating?
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Parent of 9, 11, and 16 year old
May 14, 2010
AGE
Welcome to Summer
One of my favorites as a kid...plan on showing it to my students as a "welcome to summer" movie.
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Adult
November 5, 2012
AGE
Great fun!!
Heavyweights is such a great little movie! First saw it when I was around 10 and loved it. I recently purchased the DVD a couple of years ago just for kicks, it brings back so many memories! The film is excellent fun for kids and even some adults will enjoy it! It will not offend anyone who is overweight. It takes off with a nice kid named Gerry when his parents sit him down after school and present him with a "fat camp" video tape where overweight boys get to spend the summer having fun at a camp and losing weight. At first he's hesitant, but later realizes how cool it really is. He meets lots of friends and things seem awesome until the new owner of the program, Tony (Ben Stiller) disciplines the boys so harshly that they end up rebelling, and having no fun! The boys must then figure out how they can get rid of Tony for good and save Camp Hope. There is some minor violence but in a humorous way, language isn't too bad (D@mn and @ss are mentioned throughout), some flirting between adults who share a sincere kiss, one brief make out session with a boy & girl at a dance. LOTS of food thrown around. The film will be sure to keep you laughing, it's energetic and upbeat! Amazing acting. Great for 9 and up!
What other families should know:
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| Topics: | friendship |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Steven Brill |
| Cast: | Aaron Schwartz, Ben Stiller, Tom McGowan |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 97 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 4, 1995 |
| DVD release date: | March 4, 2003 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | For some rude language and pranks |
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