 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
South Park: The Passion of the Jew
- Review Date: January 25, 2006
- NR
- Genre: Comedy
- 2004
Common Sense Media says
Passion of the Christ gets skewered.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the show South Park is not intended for younger viewers. The satire involved requires some perspective on kids' parts. Despite the cartoon format and the youth of the main characters, the issues and humor in each episode are geared toward more mature audiences who won't be tempted to imitate anything they hear on the show. Characters curse frequently, although the extreme language is bleeped. Graphic insults and discussions that take place are also not appropriate for younger viewers. There is not much on-screen violence, but there are some creepy scenes where a young character spearheads an anti-Semitic agenda. The social issues, centering on ethnic intolerance and hate mongering, are also not suggested for younger viewers.
What's the story?
SOUTH PARK: THE PASSION OF THE JEW deals with the small town of South Park's reaction to Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ. On one side is Cartman, who sees the film as a call to arms to wage war against the Jews. On the other, is Kyle who embraces his Jewish faith and launches a protest against Cartman's proposed regime. Meanwhile, Stan and Kenny, unsatisfied with the film, set off to L.A. to get refunds in person from Gibson. They arrive to find Gibson a certifiable lunatic. A shocked Stan and Kenny hightail it home (with Gibson not far behind), in time to find the town split into warring factions -- one led by Cartman and his brown-shirted minions, the other, led by Kyle and his mother's seemingly on-call protest posse. Will they learn to put aside their differences, learn religious tolerance, and get their money back?
Is it any good?
The Passion of the Jew is emblematic of South Park, in that it takes current controversial issues, places them in absurd situations, still managing to skewer both sides while providing insightful commentary. In this case, it's religious zeal and political correctness that are brought into question. South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker hit the mark with Passion, taking to task the media feeding frenzy that came before, during, and after the release of Passion of the Christ. Although at times, lowbrow, Passion effectively addresses the hype surrounding this event and ones similar. It may be one of their best episodes to date -- which is saying a lot for a show that's been on for more than 10 years.
The DVD includes two bonus episodes, Christian Rock Hard and Red Hot Catholic Love that fall along similar thematic lines. Parents should know that The Passion of the Jew is not intended for young viewers. They may want to consider holding a discussion with their children to clarify issues being addressed on the show.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the show's comment on the potential influence of the media. In this case Cartman adopting an anti-Semitic attitude after viewing Passion of the Christ. Do people look to movies to help them make decisions and form opinions? Families might also want to discuss the show's attitude toward serious issues. Are the show's creators making good points or just being silly? Do the lessons of the show apply to itself?
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AGE
mature kids
funny, lol. for people with open minds, NO WAY IN H*LL FOR KIDS! mature people. it doesnt matter the age, just the children should know that they should NEVER coppy this show. anyway, Trey and Mat are only making 2 more seasons.
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AGE
South park does it again!
I hate Mel Gibson. He's a disgusting human being, so I loved South Park making fun of him! South Park is gross, but also extremely witty and hilarious! One of the best shows on TV. The positive message is-- Mel Gibson sucks.
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AGE
Fine South Park DVD, but it has sterotypes!
Hide this DVD from children younnger than 14! South Park: The Passion of the Jew, has alot of swearing and violence!
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Matt Stone |
| Cast: | Matt Stone, Mel Gibson, Trey Parker |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 66 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | January 1, 2004 |
| DVD release date: | August 31, 2004 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
| MPAA explanation: | Not Rated |
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