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Jack (PG-13, 1996)

common sense media says

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

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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 applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Adults drink.
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More on Jack

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

What's the story?
Born very prematurely, Jack (Robin Williams) suffers from a rare disease in which his body ages at four times the normal rate of development. At age 10, his appearance is that of a 40-year-old man. His parents keep him at home but finally agree to enroll him in school, where Jack initially is the butt of many cruel jokes. That soon changes once his peers note Jack's ability on the basketball court and his ability to purchase adult magazines. Ever the child in his light-up sneakers, Jack joins several boys in youthful antics. He also poses as a school principal to keep his best friend from getting in trouble. But the aging process soon catches up with Jack, and his parents pull him out of school out of fear for his health. A heartfelt talk with his esteemed tutor, Mr. Woodruff (Bill Cosby), convinces Jack to make the most of the time he has on this earth. The wise man deftly compares Jack to a "shooting star" -- fleeting yet beautiful in nature.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Despite the distractions of inappropriate sexual behavior and profanity, JACK is essentially a family film with a moral message. Middle-school and high-school aged children will enjoy the many humorous scenes. Adults, too, will appreciate the message that a person does not have to lose one's child-like spark just because of the irreversible aging process.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Buena Vista
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Cast: Bill Cosby, Diane Lane, Robin Williams
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 113 minutes
Theatrical release: September 12, 1996
DVD release: January 1, 2005
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: profanity and sexual situations
This review was written by Lori Silberman Brauner
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

memepop1
teen, 14 years old
12
 
i like i cry and is funny
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (4)
super movie ...
teen, 15 years old
11
 
SAD, VILONT, GROSSSS, ?*10?, nd totally LOL. Ow and there's MORE! OMG!
this movie was LOL! but the tree house farting scene i was just like "OMG! That is so gross!" And then when Jack feel down the stares screaming something hurt i was just like "?*10!" There are some parts in the movie where it gets to be a little vilont, sexy, and sad. But the ending is so HAPPY. so would give this like 5 stars. But still farting is GROSS! L8ER!
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Plague
parent
10
 
Jack
Super funny and moving at the same time. Robin WIlliams was perfect for his role and played it amazingly.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)
BestPicture1996
teen, 16 years old
11
 
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.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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ON: Content is 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
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