The Jane Austen Book Club (PG-13, 2007)
common sense media says
Chick flick's mature themes aren't for tweens.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Austen-loving teen girls might be drawn to this movie by the promise of lots of Austen talk (not to mention the presence of Hugh Dancy). But many of the movie's themes -- infidelity, betrayal, a teen hooking up with his teacher -- are on the mature side. There's some minor language (including one use of "f--k") and social drinking, and a supporting character is a heavy marijuana user. Still, for the most part, the film is fairly heartwarming, and the discussions about the books are surprisingly robust (for a movie, anyway). There's little nudity or drinking or drug use to be concerned about.
Violence:
No violence, but some heated arguments between couples.
Sex:
Two women cavort in bed -- the camera zooms to their midriffs -- and flirt while one's in the bathtub; a teenager propositions his married teacher, whom he kisses passionately in the car; later, they make a date to meet outside a hotel, and the teacher is shown changing into sexier clothing beforehand. The women make sexual comments about the men in their lives.
Language:
Infrequent, but some moments are punctuated by strong language, including "f--king bitch."
Consumerism:
Big plug for Jane Austen's books, as well as Ursula le Guin's; some close-ups of computer and bike brands and coffee shops (Starbucks).
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Some social drinking. Prunie's mom is a heavy marijuana user who smokes in front of her daughter, who's visibly upset by the behavior.
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