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The Muse

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Satire, Hollywood in-jokes won't appeal to kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Issue of husband being threatened by wife's succes
  • Violence:

    None
  • Sex:

    Mild
  • Language:

    Mild
  • Consumerism:

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

    Social drinking, references to alcoholism

What Parents Need to Know

This review of The Muse was written by Nell Minow

Parents need to know that there's some suggestion that Sarah is mentally ill, but it's intentionally left vague enough so that each viewer can decide if she's really a muse after all.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about art and about relationships. Kids may also want to look up the mythological muses and talk about the costs and benefits of being inspired.
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More on The Muse

What’s the Story?

In THE MUSE, writer/director/actor Albert Brooks portrays Steven Phillips, a Hollywood screenwriter who is let go by the studio when a young, arrogant executive tells him he has lost his "edge." On the advice of a friend, he seeks inspiration from a muse (Sharon Stone), the daughter of Zeus, who now lives in Los Angeles under the name "Sarah." Sarah does indeed work miracles for Steven, inspiring him to write a successful script. But Sarah is demanding. She insists on lavish gifts and constant attention. And she is frustrating. Steven wants her full-time dedication, but she is busy inspiring his wife to start a cookie business and Titanic writer/director James Cameron to make something other than a sequel.

Is It Any Good?

This movie's satire and Hollywood in-jokes will have little appeal to kids, but Stone's performance as the ravishing, maddening, and truly inspiring muse is wildly funny and can lead to family discussions about art and about relationships. Kids may also want to look up the mythological muses and talk about the costs and benefits of being inspired.

Movie Details

Studio: USA Films, Director: Albert Brooks
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: 8/30/1999
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for mild profanity and brief nudity

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