Tumbleweeds (PG-13, 1999)
common sense media says
Touching look at tough mom-daughter relationship.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although the mother portrayed in this movie can be irresponsible, viewers never doubt that she loves her daughter and wants her to be happy. Still, because of her poor decisions and erratic lifestyle, Mary Jo does cause instability and emotional trauma in her daughter's life. There also are some scenes with mild violence and sexuality, such as when a couple has a heated, potentially physical argument and when a preteen girl comes home from school to find her mother making out with a strange man. Some strong language, including "f--k" and "goddamn."
Violence:
The movie opens with a violent argument between a husband and wife. They yell, curse, and throw dishes at each other. The woman challenges the man to punch her; he threatens her with his fist, but hits the refrigerator instead. While having dinner at a restaurant, a man gets angry at his girlfriend's daughter, threatening to hit her with a book.
Sex:
A man and woman meet at a bar and then wake up together the next morning in a motel; it's understood that they have had sex. Later, they are shown kissing passionately on the bed when the woman's daughter comes home early from school. A preteen boy and girl are shown kissing. In another scene, the girl begins menstruating; she and her mother talk about visits from her "Aunt Rosie" and goof around with sanitary napkins. Two women make gestures similar to a man masturbating and describe their boss "choking his chicken." A woman is shown in her bra. A woman teaches her preteen daughter how to kiss by practicing on an apple; she asks her daughter if she is French-kissing yet. The scene is played for laughs and illustrates a lighthearted moment between the two.
Language:
Characters, including a preteen girl, use profanity such as "goddamn," "bulls--t," "asshole," "f--king," and "tits." A character shoots "the finger" at someone.
Consumerism:
Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Characters are shown drinking alcohol. Two women drink shots at a bar. A guilt-ridden man explains that his wife died in a car accident; he was the driver, and he had drunk too much alcohol at a party. A young girl uses an inhaler for her asthma; her friend tries out the inhaler on one occasion.
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Most useful reviews by all members
FosterFan
educator and parent
educator and parent
You really can't miss this one!
Janet McTeer & Kimberly J. Brown are wonderful as Mary Jo and her daughter Ava. Yes, there's kissing, snogging, bras & even a little swearing. But all of that comes off as nothing when both of them are together.
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