Stranger Than Fiction (PG-13, 2006)
common sense media says
Touching dramedy is heavy; won't interest most kids.
parents & educators say
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.
Violence:
Harold experiences some real peril dodging his imminent death (heavy equipment breaks through a wall, etc.). Ana throws things around her kitchen. Some images of animal violence in nature sequences.
Sex:
Romantic tension between Harold and Ana. Harold studies her breasts. Brief nudity (a character's butt is shown).
Language:
Some name calling. "Shut up, you stupid voices!"
Consumerism:
A wristwatch figures prominently in the storyline. Also guitars.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
The novelist is a chain smoker. A psychiatrist advises Harold to use medication to quell the voices in his head.
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Most useful reviews by all members
tcbueti
educator and parent of and 10 , 12 , 14 year old
educator and parent of and 10 , 12 , 14 year old
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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fallonrmq
adult
adult
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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coolmandude
adult
adult
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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Way2Dramatic
adult
adult
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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MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
Good movie. (:
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mjoys
adult
adult
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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Hollstrsurf01
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
a good movie!
this is a really good movie because it is hilarious!!!
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animalloverkt
adult
adult
Very deep; very... not Will Ferrell.
This is not the typical Will Ferrell movie. However, it is still extremely good. There's some smoking by Emma Thompson's character to ease her nerves, as well as her constant thoughts of suicide. ***SPOILER: Emma Thompson's character changes the ending of her book to save Will Ferrell's life, showing that she has a heart.*** Will finds true love... although with premarital sex. There's mentions of breasts (staring at them, anyway), but they fall in love, so I guess it's OK. XP I thought it was a fantastic movie... not too many plot holes. Some very tender moments, as well.
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movieman4
kid, 12 years old
kid, 12 years old
Boring for most kids, but hearty.
Violence (PG-13): Thompson thinks of ways for her to kill her main charecter, most scary, including a child victim. A child falls off his bike in fronyt of a moving bus, getting saved. Crick gets hit by a bus and seems scary.
Sexual Content (PG): Sexual dialouge by Thompson, a sex scene between Gylennayl and Ferrel.
Language (PG-13): Lots of profanity, including god d--n, c--p, t--s, and one use of f--k by Professer Jules.
Spoiler Consmerism (PG): A wristwatch seen in stores saves Crick's life.
Drugs/Tobacco/Alchohol (R): Thompson's charecter is a chain smoker.
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will_turner
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
Brilliant!
this film was really heartwarming. i saw this when i was 9 and i really liked this film. great for anyone
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DMX_Hater
adult
adult
Awesome!
It was awesome! Although, the ending made me cry a little.
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Jessica Renee
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
It was awsome and kind of boring
I thought it was a good movie but there was some parts were it should have been funny. I think if there would have has Ellen DeGernrous as the narriorater it would have been funner
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bubbo
adult
adult
Incredible!
Simply amazing! The best movie of 2006 so far!
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cali7flower
teen, 16 years old
teen, 16 years old
Humor too subtle for most kids
This is a wonderful, thoughtful movie displaying an alternate side of Will Farell. He finds himself trapped as a character in a book, doing everything that the author writes him to do, her not knowing this is happening to him. He begins to hear voices narrating his simple, solitary life. He meets with a professor and has no luck. Long story short, he has to discover how to live life to the fullest. The movie was filled with complex themes and bits of humor. Most ten and eleven year olds could watch it, but the subtly of the humor might go over their heads. The end was touching and beautifully written.
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jjj@aim.com
adult
adult
I laughed
i lolve this movie. This movie is great. But they say lots of curses (S--t).
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Spielberg00
teen, 14 years old
teen, 14 years old
STRANGER THAN FICTION is truly hilarious. The best of Will Ferrell.
My rating: PG-13 for some suggestive content including a scene of rear nudity, frequent smoking, some language and violent material.
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