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Rushmore (R, 1998)

common sense media says

Probably of more interest to adults than to teens.

parents & educators say
See all 4 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie contains very strong language and sexual references as well as extremely reckless and destructive behavior.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Mild.
Sex: References to sex, brief nudity.
Language: Strong language including "f--k."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drug references and alcohol use.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Rushmore

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about Max and Herman's rivalry. Who do you want to win? Why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) is a 10th grader on scholarship at the tony private school Rushmore Academy. Max shows his devotion to the academy by participating in every possible extracurricular activity, but he's risking expulsion unless his grades improve. Max falls for one of the teachers, a beautiful young widow. And he connects with Blume (Bill Murray), a rich academy alumnus who is drawn to Max's passions, and even acts as a go-between for Max's absurd attempt at courtship, until he himself becomes attracted to the teacher. All three characters feel a sense of loss. Blume and the teacher seem stuck. Max, with his collision of adult and childish emotions, comes up with one hopeless scheme after another to get attention and respect, ignoring genuine opportunities for true friendship. Yet somehow, he manages to keep working toward his dreams, and even makes a few of them come true.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This story about the misery that comes from the grandiosity and humiliation during adolescence is probably of more interest to adults than to the teens who are already only too aware of those experiences.

Rushmore is not a movie in which people learn great lessons and are drawn closer together. It's a movie in which a lot of hurt people grope toward something that even they cannot quite visualize. Its appeal is in its quirky characters and in its moments of humor and perception.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Touchstone Pictures
Director: Wes Anderson
Cast: Bill Murray, Jason Schwartzman, Olivia Williams
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 93 minutes
Theatrical release: December 11, 1998
DVD release: June 29, 1999
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: strong language and sexual references
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Rainy Day
teen, 18 years old
15
 
Rushmore
"Rushmore" is a quirky, indie gem of a movie, written and directed by nice-guy director Wes Anderson. The movie centers around a nerdy high-school playwright named Max Fischer who swears, lies, and manipulates others to fulfill his various ends, but at heart he's an honest kid who's been deeply affected by his mother's death and the way the world treats him. The film has its own handmade aesthetic, treating audiences to the full dosage of Wes Anderson's trademark style. Though the movie is undoubtedly an acquired comedic taste, it has a moving undertone and plenty of inappropriate sight gags to laugh at in its scant running time. (There are numerous instances of strong language-- f-words and the like. As well, some sex acts are mentioned briefly in dialogue, though not often enough to label the picture a "sex comedy." In short, this is a coming-of-age tale that rewards audiences and stimulates discussion moments after the slow-motion credits. Go see it.
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laxmonkey
parent of 15 year old
14
 
worth the watching
love it.... wes anderson is brilliant in his construction of characters and a genius at filming a movie that makes you think
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helped me decide (9) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (8)
bubbo
adult
 
Quirky, amusing, and entertaining. An all-around good comedy! I'd say that it barely earns its R-rating, there's a couple of f-words and some sexual references, but that's it.
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (9)
NickTwo
kid, 13 years old
 
I
CS overrates Everything!!!
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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (4)

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