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Heavyweights

(1995, Rated PG, Comedy, Starring Ben Stiller, Tom McGowan, Aaron Schwartz)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 7, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 9.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Good times at "fat camp" can be confusing to younger kids.

Themes in this movie include:   peer pressure

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Confusing messages about being overweight. Some of the tactics that Tony uses are cruel, and the revenge pranks that the campers enact are pushing it. The only females in the film are love-interests or mothers.

  • Violence:

    Tony is tied up and put inside of a cage with an electric fence. A father punches him in the stomach at the end of the movie.

  • Sex:

    Teens shown making out as the opening credits roll. One of the Camp Hope boys makes out with a girl at the dance. Pat the counselor kisses the camp nurse.

  • Language:

    "Damn," "big ass," "see you in hell," "kick his ass."

  • Consumerism:

    Food, glorious food! All kinds of candies and pizzas and junk food abound. Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonald's signs are displayed.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Food is treated like a drug -- the jonesing, the stashes, the withdrawals. Adults like the cameraman and the cook smoke cigarettes.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Heavyweights

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.

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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?
Tools and tips that can help

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