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Trading Places (R, 1983)

common sense media says

Edgy, bawdy '80s comedy not meant for kids.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film is too bawdy for children under 17 as it has explicit female nudity, coarse language, and visualizations/discussions of hard-core drugs (including PCP, cocaine, Quaaludes). Besides profanity, there are racist remarks. The mature content depicts stereotypes of social classes and different races. Avarice drives many of the characters, yet the film does a good job showing the ill effects of greed.

Positive messages: Showing no remorse for their actions, two characters drastically alter the lives of two complete strangers for their own personal amusement. Many characters are greedy and selfish and indulge in drugs and alcohol. The film also elevates prostitution as an acceptable means of earning a living.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Several scenes of topless women; one of the main characters is a prostitute.
Language: Packed with profanity.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: References and visualizations of several drugs; binge drinking.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Trading Places

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the overall message of the film: nature versus nurture. What does this film say about the role of money on social behavior? Are people who are born with money more or less likely to commit crimes? How about poor people?

What's the story?

What's the story?
TRADING PLACES tells the story of greedy, wealthy Wall Street brothers Mortimer (Don Ameche) and Randolph (Ralph Bellamy) Duke, who wager on whether environment or heredity defines a man. The pawns in their game are a smart-mouthed street hustler Billy Ray Valentine (Eddie Murphy) and an affluent investment executive Louis Winthorpe III (Dan Aykroyd). The bet entails taking Winthorpe's power and money and giving it to Billy Ray to see if whether nature or nurture will take over. When both Valentine and Winthorpe get wind of the brothers' scheme, they join forces to turn the tables on the Dukes.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Set as more of a dark comedy Trading Places insightfully raises some issues about socio-economics and class structure in America. Both Aykroyd and Murphy put on stellar performances, in addition to cameos offered by Al Franken and Jim Belushi.

Although the movie depicts many stereotypical views of money, it could offer good topics of debate for parents and kids. Adults might find the film entertaining, but it's definitely not appropriate for younger children.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: John Landis
Cast: Dan Aykroyd, Denholm Elliott, Eddie Murphy
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 116 minutes
Theatrical release: June 8, 1983
DVD release: September 24, 2002
MPAA Rating: R
This review was written by Alex Orner
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

masterchief117
kid, 12 years old
12
 
don't listen to csm or the R rating
this is a great movie but still i think the R is a bit harsh. frequent nudity often when someone is taking off their shirt. the f-word is said moderately s-word said a few times one rasist word some milder language. mild violence like pointing guns at people. a man in prision is pushed up agenst a wall some refrences to a man being cut with finger nails (thought it never happend). drug refrences are highish lots of drugs are seen on screen a man smokes a drug but is intteruped. a man has a heart attack. a good movie again i would have rated it PG-13. 12+
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campcott4
kid, 13 years old
11
 
Good movie, bad role models.
I love this movie! Funny, exhilirating, and downright exciting. But, it does have overdosing female nuditiy, drinking, drugs, and the common use of the word "n-er".
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (5) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (6)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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