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Phoebe in Wonderland

(2009, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Patricia Clarkson, Felicity Huffman, Elle Fanning)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Touching, at times intense drama teaches tolerance, empathy.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Parents sometimes seem resentful of the troubles their child is causing them, though in the end they manage to help more than they hurt. In fact, they seem deeply caring about their child's condition -- just confused about what's happening and how to fix it. The kids in the play are capable of bullying and cruelty (one boy is "accused" of being gay), but they also become more cohesive in the end. A child mentions that she feels like "jumping off of a roof."
  • Violence:

    A child suffers from a disorder that has her spitting at others, hurting herself (washing her hands to the point that they're raw/bloody, etc.), and defying adults who try to help her. A couple argues over how to best help their child. Kids hit each other on the playground.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    A few instances of "s--t," "damn," "faggot," and "screw you." One use of "f--ked."
  • Consumerism:

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

    One character expresses gratitude for the painkiller Vicodin. Another smokes (briefly).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Phoebe in Wonderland

Parents need to know that although children figure prominently in this fantasy-tinged drama, it deals with themes that are too mature for tweens and younger kids. The young characters exhibit some aggressive behavior -- including spitting, shoving, and self-destructive actions -- and a child is tormented because she can't understand why she behaves the way she does. Her pain is deeply felt, which can make for difficult viewing. That said, the film has lots of heart, and teens and adults who watch may come away feeling educated and little less jaded. Expect some strong language and smoking.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the film blends real life and fantasy. Does the fantasy make the drama more or less effective? Why? How does Phoebe's imagination help her cope with her life? Do you think her parents react appropriately to what's going on? What about her teachers and classmates? What does Phoebe learn from the play, and how does it help her feel better, if at all? How well does the film address any questions about Phoebe's dilemma?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Parent Reviewer
    I rate this title off for age 7 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages

    Good for adults and teens. Not for the young...to heavy.

  2. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 14 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    This is not a kids' movie. This movie has value but it is not appropriate for young children. It is not your typical Alice story. It is the story of a little girl who turns out to have tourette's syndrome. It is not a light topic. I started to watch it with my 9-year old and 13 year old. Turned it off halfway through. At that point in the movie, the whole thing was just unsettling for the kids.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Perfect

    Great movie. Not inapropriate for small kids but they may not understnad what is going on.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 4.0

    A VERY THOUGHT INSPIRING FILM!

    I thought it was a very good movie that takes a lot of knowledge to see and understand this film. I enjoyed it! Even my nine year old daughter and her friend liked it! It is not often you see a film with all kids but the themes require adult perspective.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 4.0

    A VERY THOUGHT INSPIRING FILM!

    I thought it was a very good movie that takes a lot of knowledge to see and understand this film. I enjoyed it! Even my nine year old daughter and her friend liked it! It is not often you see a film with all kids but the themes require adult perspective.

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title iffy for age 9 and give it 4.0

    A VERY THOUGHT INSPIRING FILM!

    I thought it was a very good movie that takes a lot of knowledge to see and understand this film. I enjoyed it! Even my nine year old daughter and her friend liked it! It is not often you see a film with all kids but the themes require adult perspective.

  7. I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    Poor Phoebe!

    It's not her fault! I enjoyed this movie, but not as much as I'd hoped. This film is full of sorrow when you try to feel and understand what Phoebe is going through. My only complaint is that it could have had a tad more action, a lot of it seemed too slow.

  8. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 1.0

    the entire theater wept for Phoebe and her family

    Saw this movie last June at a Hollywood preview. It was riveting and moving--I'm so glad it is finally out. Every parent worries about their child and when something is not quite right--it is a frightening journey. I will take my 17 and 11 year old to see it.

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