 | 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. |
Spanglish
- Review Date: December 6, 2006
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2004
Common Sense Media says
Mixed messages wrapped in stale stereotypes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie contains a mess of mixed messages all neatly wrapped in stereotypes. There is an unfeeling scene of simulated sex, adultery, cruel mother/daughter behavior, drinking, drinking, drinking, and lots of salty language and gestures.
What's the story?
SPANGLISH centers on Flor (Paz Vega), a single immigrant mother from Mexico who is trying to raise her beautiful daughter, Cristina (Shelbie Bruce). Flor goes to work as a maid for wealthy but kind chef John (Adam Sandler), and his mean-spirited wife Deborah (Tea Leoni). Deborah's daughter Bernice (Sarah Steele) isn't good enough for her perfectionist mother, who takes over the care and grooming of Cristina while the kind Flor nurses the emotional bruises of the constantly criticized Bernice. Also living at the home is Deborah's alcoholic mother (Cloris Leachman), who frequently points out her daughter's faults. Deborah and John's marriage is in trouble, and John finds himself falling for Flor, who is struggling to learn English and trying to keep her daughter grounded and on track as Deborah continues to spoil the girl.
Is it any good?
Oh boy. Where to begin? The witchy wife? The drunken mother-in-law? The now stale portrayal of the hapless Adam Sandler as the sweet husband who's at the mercy of all the fates around him? This movie preys on every known stereotype in its reach for laughter. And leaves everyone looking pretty bad.
Tea Leoni portrays uptight Deborah with brutal coldness, which overshadows any supposed comic relief comes from Cloris Leachman's character, who is supposed to stand as some sort of moral arbiter.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about classism and sexism. They might ask their kids what the filmmakers were trying to say about marriage, mother/daughter relationships, and cultural identity.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Spanglish: Why stale Mr. Sandler is not stale anymore.
If you like Spanish, English, and somewhat offensive stereotypes, or one of them, this movie is for you! The story is confusing, which is the only problem. Watch it!
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
I enjoyed this movie as a young adult...but not great for young kids.
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Parent of 9, 12, and 15 year old
July 27, 2010
AGE
Great Spanish/English Movie with Strong Moral Message
*Spoilers*
I love the way that this movie mixes Spanish and English and how Flor struggles to learn English once it becomes necessary to know the language in order to protect her daughter. In addition, I just love the scenes where Flor uses a mail-order language program to learn English. It is especially hilarious when all the English-speaking family members are sitting with Flor and they are all repeating the English vocabulary words with her. If you have ever tried to master a foreign language, this movie is a must-see. Flor is also a very engaging character, and it is admirable the way that she always puts her daughter first in her life and choices. I also love the ending, where Flor decides that although she loves Adam Sandler's character, she isn't going to come between him and his wife. The ending is NOT your typical romantic comedy happy ending, and I appreciate that. It's a great lesson that Flor puts her daughter first and doesn't just decide to run away with Sandler. This is a great moral message and counter to almost every movie put out by Hollywood.
Yes, the movie is confusing and hard to follow at points. Yes, the sex scene between Sandler and his wife is not really appropriate for children and quite odd to boot. But, that part totally went over the head of the younger child that I watched this with.
Well worth watching, but not a perfect movie.
What other families should know:
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
A satisfying drama
Again I was impressed by this movie. Adam Sandler is not his usually gross self but does excellent in playing a serious role. The message of this movie made you think about stereotyping and class distinction and family members roles. I thought it was really good!
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Is it REALLY PG-13?
Explicit sexual situations and conversations, which were WAY too much for me. Language was also an issue. Why is the f word needed again?
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Teen, 15 years old
March 12, 2011
AGE
sad
this movie is so sad
What other families should know:
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Teen, 16 years old
June 20, 2012
AGE
Talky, bland offering from Brooks
Believe it or not I had to watch this film in Spanish class. I know! I'd never think I'd see an Adam Sandler movie in Spanish, but there you go. While I do like Tea Leoni, she's so unlikable in this film, and so whiny near the end. Skip this film (unless you're in Spanish class) and go see Sandler in a great dramatic role: "Reign Over Me."
What other families should know:
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| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | James L. Brooks |
| Cast: | Adam Sandler, Paz Vega, Tea Leoni |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 130 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 17, 2004 |
| DVD release date: | April 5, 2005 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some sexual content and brief language |
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