 | 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. |
Stranger Than Fiction
- Review Date: February 25, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Touching dramedy is heavy; won't interest most kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that some kids will want to see this movie thanks to star Will Ferrell, although they may be disappointed because it's not his usual silly comedy routine. Instead, the film explores some fairly heavy concepts about life and death. Novelist Karen Eiffel is a depressed chain-smoker, and Harold Crick (Ferrell's character) is a loner who suffers severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.
What's the story?
The overly-organized life of IRS agent Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) turns upside down when he starts hearing the mysterious voice -- which he eventually learns belongs to Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson). The chain-smoking author is having trouble finishing her latest novel, which is about a guy named Harold Crick. And she can't figure out how to kill him off. As you might imagine, Harold seeks help. A psychiatrist (Linda Hunt) thinks medication is the answer. But a literary professor (Dustin Hoffman) has other ideas. He doesn't really believe Harold, but he advises him to figure out whether he's in a comedy or a tragedy. By this point, it's looking like the latter. Providing romantic (and somewhat unfriendly) tension is bakery owner Ana Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who Harold is auditing. She hurls insults at him, and, in short, doesn't make his job any easier. Still, love blooms in odd places, and Harold finally has something to live for.
Is it any good?
STRANGER THAN FICTION is equal parts drama, comedy, and tragedy. It's a smart movie and a touching reminder that life is unpredictable and messy. But that's OK. We still need to live and not be afraid to experience new things. Some of the movie's best scenes are those of Harold branching out in the world.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the meaning of life. No, really. This movie is all about living life to the fullest and not sitting carefully on the sidelines while everyone else has all the fun. On the flip side, how can you have fun and experience new things but stay safe at the same time?
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AGE
intriguing and surprising
My husband and I stumbled on this move while channel surfing and were hooked on its neat premise--a man discovers his life has been created by an author. We thought our kids (8,10 & 12)would like it and we were right--especially our 8-year-old! He thought the idea of having your life narrated was hysterical. Since they all like to read, the idea of an author creating a person's existence, and of the character trying to control the outcome of the story, was very cool for them. The point about connecting with people and taking chances was not lost on them, but the parts that were too mature were very brief and basically went right over their heads. We are still quoting from and laughing about this movie, weeks later. A find! However, I think most kids would be most interested in this film after age 10 or 11. It's not the usual slapstick Farrell.
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AGE
I lost six brain cells watching this!
I thought it sucked! I went with my friends to see it and we all felt like leaving and goin to a different movie. It was slow and boring. I dont recomend it to anyone!
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AGE
It is Ok for kids.
There is one sex part where they show Harold and Ana making out and it cuts of when they fall aslep together (nothing explicit). There is male but and a few curse words like f--k,t--s and s--t. It is only a cople times though. Watch it with your kid. It might be a little boring for 10-12 year olds. You should rent it and watch it with your family. Hopefully your family will enjoy it. There is also a violent part where a character gets hit by a bus. A little blood is shown but it is OK breif moment.
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AGE
Entertaining-but kids may not like it
I would say this movie is okay for about 11+, but that doesn't mean that they will all like it. It's entertaing and funny, but the humor is more subtle and ironic. This is a more dramatic movie than anything Will Ferrell has done before, so don't go there expecting Zoolander. But it is entertaining, and pretty kid-appropriate.
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AGE
Very Clever, funny movie!
I loved this movie. Probably a little slow for those who are used to the constant mayhem most movies have these days but this movie has a clever plot and our favorite comic actually acts rather than being a slapstick bumbler. Genuine laughs make this a fun movie.
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AGE
a good movie!
this is a really good movie because it is hilarious!!!
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AGE
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
Good movie. (:
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| Studio: | Sony Pictures |
| Director: | Marc Forster |
| Cast: | Emma Thompson, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Will Ferrell |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 113 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 9, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | February 27, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity. |
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