Tools for this page
Print

Tommy Boy

(1995, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Dan Aykroyd, David Spade, Chris Farley)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

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

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Raunchy, funny, and not for younger kids.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Lacks educational value, but stresses the importance of family and honesty.
  • Violence:

    Mostly slapstick. The worst being when a man strike his friend in the face with a 2x4.
  • Sex:

    Farley is seen wearing scantily clad underwear, a suggestive masturbation scene.
  • Language:

    Very strong language and sexually explicit language.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Farley's character chuggs beer and smokes marijuana using a bong.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Tommy Boy

Parents need to know that while the younger audience will like the slapstick juvenile humor, this isn't for them. A character is shown masturbating while watching an attractive woman skinny-dip. Bo Derek emerges from a swimming pool in slow motion in a tiny bikini. Beer drinking, marijuana use, and drug paraphernalia are on display without consequences.

Read our full review by Alex Orner

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about some of the positive social messages included in the film such as loyalty to friendships and family bonds. Parents might discuss what characteristics of Chris Farley's character are considered vices and which can be commended. Parents could highlight his allegiance to both his family and friends despite the his risky lifestyle. Another topic is the role of large vs. small businesses. Much of this movie focuses on business ethics and continuously relays a positive message about standing up for "the little people."

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Tommy Boy?
  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    I laughed my head off!

    Chris Farley is a comedic genius. There was a few scenes that are innapropriate for my age, but, my dad cut that scene out. Language really isn't an issue, as common sense has portrayed it to be. Serves a good message of respect, trust, and determination.A must see for the family! (but not for younger children!) ♥

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 3.0

    funny

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Age-apropriate 3-D food adventure doesn't fully satisfy.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Book of the Week

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Million-Dollar Throw

    Another Lupica sensitive dad/son sports story.

  • Pick of the Week

    Bestselling Books

    Bestselling Books

    Popular new reads kids are buying today.

  • Download This

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Wash Your Hands" (CD single)

    "Acccchhhoooo!" A funny reminder to help kids fight the flu.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name