My Girl

Movie review by Elliot Panek, Common Sense Media
My Girl Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Coming of age tale tackles death; for older kids.

PG 1991 102 minutes
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 22 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 70 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that death is the main theme of this movie. Vada's mother died while giving birth to her (this is never depicted; only alluded to). A main character dies tragically from bee stings (again, the death is off screen). This sudden, unexpected death is bound to have an emotional impact on impressionable viewers. Divorce is mentioned, and there are a few obtuse references to sex.

Community Reviews

John F do his t r
John F do his t r Adult
September 21, 2021
age 12+

Very Sad

If you want to snot yourself, then I invite you to watch this movie. It is a very sad movie. It is labeled as a Family/Comedy/Romance movie. This is more traumatizing than Bambi. This is a good movie. If you cry while watching this, then congratulations! You have a soul! Real men cry while watching My Girl.
3 people found this helpful.
airman548
airman548 Adult
February 16, 2021
age 12+

Wholesome Movie

A few curse words, some adult kissing - nothing risque though and very tasteful. No nudity, no sex, no drugs. Good message about true friends, true family and getting in touch with your feelings and sharing them.
1 person found this helpful.
See all 22 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Darker than one might expect, MY GIRL is the story of Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky), a pre-teenage girl learning to deal with the death of her mother. Vada lives with her widower father (Dan Aykroyd), who runs a funeral parlor out of their home, and spends her days with her best friend, Thomas J (Macaulay Culkin). When her father falls for his new assistant (Jamie Lee Curtis), Vada feels betrayed. In the end, a sudden tragedy brings her closer to her new stepmother, and she begins to understand how to move on after mourning the death of a loved one.

Is It Any Good?

Death and single parenthood are never easy topics to talk about with children, and this film deals with them in a mature, responsible way. It encourages kids to talk about their feelings regarding death -- as well as the romantic lives of their parents. If kids are beginning to ask questions about these serious topics, they are old enough to watch this movie with parents.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how to cope with the death of a loved one. Is it okay for Vada's father to remarry after his first wife died? How do we know when it is time to mourn or time to move on?

Movie Details

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