In & Out (PG-13, 1997)
common sense media says
Lighthearted comedy gently satirizes "coming out."
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that In & Out is a lightweight comedy that tackles the serious issue of sexual identity. After being publicly "outed," the main character spends the rest of the film struggling with his sexuality in a comical way, but it all has real consequences -- for him, his friends, and his family. Expect plenty of teasing and occasionally derogatory humor -- though it's mainly used in an ironic way to poke fun at the teaser, and the movie's overall tone is good-natured and well-balanced. Although the movie deals somewhat with issues related to sex (both same-sex and heterosexual), there's no nudity -- the topic is mostly covered in dialogue. Language includes a memorable use of "f--k," as well as terms like "homo" and "queer." The movie's "be true to yourself" theme also includes a small subplot about eating and weight.
Positive role models:
Howard spends most of the movie confused and struggling, but he considers others' feelings while working things out and never takes out his frustration on friends and family members. When others finally come around, it's mainly because of Howard's overall honesty and compassion than anything specific that he does or says. There's some stereotyping in certain scenes (such as when Howard tries to act extra "manly" or when his fiancee talks about him loving Barbra Streisand), but most of it is played for humor.
Violence:
Not much of an issue, but there's a mild brawl during a bachelor party.
Sex:
Plenty of mild, humorous sexual innuendo, if very little actual nudity or sex. As the main character wrestles with his sexuality, every other character relates to him in a sexual way. A male TV reporter kisses him passionately on the mouth; a priest recommends that he have sex with his fiancée (he tries, but it stops before it really gets started). At a bachelor party, viewers see a sex doll, and the main character asks to watch some porn. Teens have a discussion about "in holes and out holes."
Language:
One very notable use of the word "f--k," plus terms like "big homo," "queer," "Mary," and "sissy man," all used in an anti-gay context. There's also use of "testicles," "damn," "crap," "dick," "hell," "oh my God," and "goddamn."
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
The main character gets a champagne bath in the school locker room and announces that he wants to get drunk at his bachelor party (characters also smoke cigars at the party). His fiancée and the TV reporter are seen in a bar drinking heavily to drown their troubles. A character mentions "heroin" in reference to something that's addicting.
More on In & Out
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Most useful reviews by all members
9001
teen, 15 years old
teen, 15 years old
Iffy for 15-16
This movie appears to contain some very strong themes.
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mongofa
teen, 17 years old
teen, 17 years old
Light-hearted film with strong-ish themes
Very light-hearted, yet strong themes. Good role models.
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KevinKlinelover
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Light-hearted in some cases
Good role - models but some things that audiences see or hear turn out to be shocking.
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