Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Star-studded book-inspired movie is cross-generational fun.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
NICKY DEUCE is the story of Nicholas Borelli II (Noah Munck), a nerdy teen whose highly structured lifestyle is thrown into turmoil when his plans to attend summer math camp don't pan out. With his parents out of the country, Nicholas is sent to Brooklyn to stay with his long-estranged grandmother, Tutti (Rita Moreno), and uncle, Frank (Steve Schirripa). Once there, he gets caught up in his uncle's business dealings and accidentally earns a reputation as a tough guy and the new moniker "Nicky Deuce." But trying to unravel the mystery of his uncle's true intentions gets Nicky and his friends in a tight spot from which only the revelation of longstanding family secrets can rescue him.
Is It Any Good?
Schirripa steals the show in this excellent movie based on his own co-authored children's book. Tweens and adults alike will love his portrayal of the unpredictable and slightly off-kilter Uncle Frank, who proves to be just the influence Nicky needs to come out of his shell. Sopranos fan or not, seeing this recognizable cast -- James Gandolfini, Michael Imperioli, Vincent Curatola, and Tony Sirico -- in a kids movie is reason enough to watch, and you won't be disappointed by the comical spin the story puts on their tough-guy reputations.
Happily, Nicky Deuce doesn't rely just on familiar faces (including iCarly's Munck) to win over fans. Its story is a pleasant mix of comedy, drama, and feel-good messages about the joys and frustrations of family life. Nicky's new relationships with his father's side of the family prove essential in his journey toward self-awareness and encourage other family members to set aside old grievances as well. It's a good reminder that loyalty and forgiveness can always conquer the inherent imperfections of family relationships.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about stereotypes. What role do they have in comedy? Is it ever OK to use ethnic or gender stereotypes to elicit laughs? Do you think anyone would find this story's content offensive?
Would this movie be equally successful if it didn't have such a recognizable cast? Are you more inclined to watch a movie or TV show if you're familiar with the people involved in it? Why do you think The Sopranos' stars agreed to do this movie?
What is this story's attitude toward family relationships? How would you go about repairing damaged relationships? What other shows or movies more accurately reflect your experience with family members?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 2, 2013
- Cast : James Gandolfini , Noah Munck , Steve Schirripa
- Director : Jonathan A. Rosenbaum
- Studio : Marvista
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 67 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate