Tools for this page
Print

Jack

(1996, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Diane Lane, Robin Williams, Bill Cosby)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Ten-year-old boy in 40-year-old body is a winner.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Cruel children, violent man in bar, but ultimately a positive message about treating other people with respect and living for the present.
  • Violence:

    Bar-room brawl scene.
  • Sex:

    Woman in costume sports four breasts, promiscuous mother, boys covet Penthouse magazine.
  • Language:

    "A--hole," "son of a bitch" and other profanities.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Adults drink.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Jack

Parents need to know that this movie is appropriate for adolescents and would be suitable for younger children were it not for several scenes involving nudity and profanity. The movie opens with a costume party, with bizarrely outfitted characters, including a woman appearing to sport four breasts. While it may be natural for 10-year-old boys to be interested in nude women, the film makes light of Jack's purchasing Penthouse magazine for his friends. Both kids and adults use phrases such as "Your mouth smells exactly like your butt," and "Bet you could crack walnuts on her ass, too." One of the boys' mothers, played by Fran Drescher, also comes on to men inappropriately.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the message the film attempts to deliver -- that one should make the most of the time one has on this earth and not to judge a person based on his age or initial appearance. These values can certainly serve as a springboard for a discussion about treating other people with respect and living for the present.

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Jack?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Silly movie but it moved me

    There's a strong comparison between "Jack" and "Big," "Big" certainly being the better of the two, but "Jack" pulled my heart strings. Great movie in my opinion.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    New Moon Is Rising

    New Moon Is Rising

    Fans are gearing up for the 11/20 release.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name