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The Tao of Steve

(2000, Rated R, Comedy, Starring Donal Logue, Nina Jaroslaw, John Hines)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sweet, funny romantic comedy for mature audiences.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    None
  • Violence:

    One punch
  • Sex:

    Many sexual references and situations
  • Language:

    Strong language
  • Consumerism:

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

    Character smokes pot daily, drinks and smokes a lot
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Tao of Steve

Parents need to know that this movie has drug use and a lot of drinking and smoking. Dex has an affair with a married woman, the wife of a good friend. Although the resolution of the movie has Dex becoming more mature, the movie makes immaturity (to the point of hedonism) seem very appealing. Dex cites St. Augustine's famous, "Lord make me chaste -- but not yet." Although it is clear that Dex's behavior does not make him very happy or proud of himself and it hurts the woman he seduces, teen-agers may come away with the same conclusion.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why Dex went from the brilliant and promising student his classmates remember to a philosophy that "doing stuff is overrated." Talk about his quote: "the sage, because he never does anything, never ruins anything," and ask whether that is possible. Why is it that Dex's behavior does not make him happy, and why doesn't he change? What is he afraid of? Why does he feel differently about Syd? Why does she put up with him? Is Dex right when he says that romance is our national religion?

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