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The Muse (PG-13, 1999)

common sense media says

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

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: Issue of husband being threatened by wife's succes.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Mild.
Language: Mild.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Social drinking, references to alcoholism.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Muse

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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.

What's the story?

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?

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 themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: USA Films
Director: Albert Brooks
Cast: Albert Brooks, Andie MacDowell, Jeff Bridges, Sharon Stone
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: August 27, 1999
DVD release: February 15, 2000
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: brief nudity
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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About our rating system
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
Our child development rating guidelines