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State and Main

(2000, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring William H. Macy, Julia Stiles, Sarah Jessica Parker)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 16.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Intriguing characters, good movie for older teens.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 16 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    None
  • Violence:

    Accident with injuries (offscreen), fish hook injury (on screen)
  • Sex:

    Sexual references and situations, including statutory rape
  • Language:

    Some very strong language
  • Consumerism:

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

    A lot of drinking and smoking
 

What Parents Need to Know

About State and Main

Parents need to know that one character is attracted to underage girls and has sex with a girl who, despite clear indications that she approached him, is too young to legally consent to sex. There are other sexual references, including a character who takes off all her clothes as a way to seduce another character and a discussion about whether Claire will do a nude scene, as provided in her contract. Characters drink and smoke and use strong language. Many make moral compromises that parents will want to discuss with teens who see the movie.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the characters' priorities and choices. Walt and Marty just want to make the movie, and will do anything to get it done. White is trying to keep his story's integrity (and his own). Claire takes what appears to be a moral stance, but is willing to back down for more money. Another character backs down from an apparently moral stance for money and a chance at power. White is given a choice between his honor and his career -- what helps him decide? Families might want to talk about some of the characters' names. Why is the director named "Price?" Why does the mayor have the same name (George Bailey) as the Jimmy Stewart character in "It's a Wonderful Life?" What about the names "White" and "Black?"

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