Tuck Everlasting (PG, 2002)

common sense media says

Lovely version of the favorite middle-school book.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie includes tense scenes, peril, and a murder. There are some mild teen romantic encounters, including a swim in underwear. The themes of the movie may be too melancholy for younger children.

Violence: Peril and violence, character killed.
Sex: Teens swim in underwear and kiss.
Language: Mild language.
Consumerism: Not applicable.

More on Tuck Everlasting

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what they would do if they had the choice presented to Winnie. They should also compare it to the book. Why make Winnie a teenager in the movie when she is only 10 in the book? How does that change the story?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In TUCK EVERLASTING, Angus Tuck (William Hurt) tells rich, overprotected Winnie Foster (Alexis Bledel) that he feels like a rock by the side of a stream, life rushing past him. She feels that way, too. Her proud and proper mother (Amy Irving) restrains all forms of independence in her daughter. When Winnie learns that her mother is planning to send her to a strict finishing school, she leaves home and runs into the untamed woods, not knowing if she's running away from something or to something. Lost, she comes upon a boy named Jesse (Jonathan Jackson), who, with help from his brother, kidnaps her and takes her to his family's hidden cabin. They treat her with an odd mixture of hospitality and intimidation, making it clear that she's not free to go. Meek Winnie can only acquiesce to the new situation. She finds herself drawn to Jesse and eventually comes to love her life with the Tucks and their sense of timelessness.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Disney has made a lovely film version of the book that's a perennial middle-school favorite. It deals thoughtfully with themes of time, identity, and humanity. In the Tuck home, there is no time. Or, rather, there's too much time, which turns out to be pretty much the same thing. As the Tucks realize how very different they are than other people, unsettling truths become clear. They present such a challenge to the most fundamental assumptions that people are either terrified or overcome with greed. So the family must do anything necessary to make sure no one knows their secret.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Jay Russell
Cast: Alexis Bledel, Jonathan Jackson, William Hurt
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: October 11, 2002
DVD release: February 25, 2003
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: peril and violence

This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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What parents & educators say

7

Most useful reviews by all members

koxford
adult
 
One of my least favorite movies.
I had to read the book twice as a changed schools after 5th grade. The book was one of the most boring things I have ever read. It just so happens that the second time I had to read it, the movie came out. Lovely. Are you guys serious about this movie having a negative message because all of the main characters are white? It took place in a small town in 1881. That isn't a message, it's a historical fact. However, I will say that the movie was INCREDIBLY boring. It focused far too much on Winnie's relationships instead of the actual theme of the story; the negative side of immortality. The movie isn't particularly inappropriate, but I wouldn't recommend it to anyone unless they are interested in comparing the book to it.

twinkletoez610
teen, 17 years old
 
Wonderful!
I absolutely love this movie! Natalie Babbit is a fantastic author, so i would definately reccomend reading the book if you haven't already. I especial liked that it was a clean family friendly film that everyone enjoyed. A simple yet touching story about a romance and a lesson about life.

booklover1
teen, 15 years old
 
so good
so

lilypadd
kid, 12 years old
 
ok
I saw it this year and it was nothing like the book! Winnie's supposedf to be 11 not 13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! any way the movie is better for 6 7 8 and 9 year olds.

zasderfght
teen, 14 years old
 
Tuck Everlasting is a tired effort that tries so hard to be a good movie
Sex/Nudity: There is some kissing between the main characters. Violence/Scariness: One of the lead characters hits a man in the back of the head with a gun (no blood or gore is shown). Profanity: Some name-calling. Nothing serious. Substance use: I can't remember. Social Behavior: Good for the most part. Overall rating: C Age recommendation: 10+

Zero65
teen, 14 years old
 
It's a decent movie that's worth a rental.
It's a nice movie, but just like all movies based on books, the book is better. But right here I have to say something about Common Sense Media's review. Just because a movie only has white actors doesn't mean it's racist. What kind of logic is that?!

avidreadingchic97
teen, 14 years old
 
perfect for any one!!!
i loved it like a lot !!!!! the movie made me cry but the book would have if we werent in class but great movie (you can watch it on you tube) great book (school library) AWESOME!!!!!!

super movie ...
teen, 15 years old
 
better than the book
this beautifully made movie was much better than the book. It always had a part that made u want to watch more... very good.

dstnlvr22
teen, 17 years old
 
The amazing movie called tuck everlasting
What is there to say it is Simply AMAZING i approve this movie is appoprite for kids 9+. This movie is my favorite movie ever.

bene45
teen, 16 years old
 
if you like sad moives this is the one
Its a vary good moive but i cry every time i watch it

DontTrustMe
kid, 12 years old
 
Great messages.

Phoeberainbow
kid, 13 years old
 
SEE THIS MOVIE!
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! My favorite movie ever! I read the book in class, then saw the movie with my friends. We were CRYING.

chaseamaya16
kid, 11 years old
 
Awesome
I think this movie is amazing! But if you have kids that are sensitive about death or violence I suggest don't let them watch. There might be 2 or more scenes with violence and one scene with a kiss. So know your children before you watch1 =)

Mr JayStay
parent of 8 year old
 
Watch Tuck Everlasting With Your Kids
Thought provoking. All the teen-age girl reviewers cried when they watched this film. Guess what? I cried too! And I'm an old dude and a "mean" Dad.

musicfan789
teen, 14 years old
 
luv it
i luv this movie!!!

hannahmommy
parent of 8 and 12 year old
 
Good lazy Sunday afternoon movie
My daughter and I watched this movie on a lazy Sunday. It was very good. The main character Winnie is a strong female who at the end carefully balances the consequences of her decisions. For those who have issues with the outcome in the Twilight series will appreciate Winnie's choices.

b-ball girl 99
kid, 13 years old
 
Great movie
This movie is AMAZING! I wouldn't miss it! Just be mature about certain scenes, but not many at all. There are also alot of differences from the book.

pinkkittyninja
kid, 13 years old
 
Boring.....
This movie was horrible!. It isn't something that you would look forward to unless you enjoyed the book. They actually managed to turn an old classicy kind of book into a Romance movie. Basically, (I'm not going to give anything away) it's everything that happened in the book except a little more modernized and more Romantic. But seriously, it's a little different kind of romantic from movies like Twilight. They think 'romantic' is a guy batting the ground with sticks and a girl twirling around in circles for a long time. And this lame romancy stuff took up a LOT of the movie. BUT on the bright side the acters and actresses did a pretty good job at acting. You could seriously believe what was happening! o.O It's a horrible movie though, if you really think about it. READ THE BOOK INSTEAD!!! X.x Well, bye and if you HAVE to watch it..... good luck. o.o rated 3 out of 10! ^.^

Squirelli
teen, 15 years old
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is 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