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What About Bob?

(1991, Rated PG, Comedy, Starring Richard Dreyfuss, Julie Hagerty, Bill Murray)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 11; suggested age 10.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Appealingly silly romp for kids and adults.

Themes in this movie include:   family relationships

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 10–11

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    The movie makes light of serious mental health issues and turns what's essentially stalking into situation comedy. But there are also some positive take-aways about valuing family and the importance of feeling loved and included.
  • Role models :

    The two main characters are both exaggerated types -- Bob is delusional, and Dr. Marvin is selfish and egotistical. Both of them learn a few things over the course of the movie, but overall they're not particularly sympathetic.
  • Violence:

    The main characters indulge in cartoonish, slapstick violence (lots of falls and the like).
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Several silly yet profane insults, including words like "damn," "bitch," "dick," "testicles," and "suck." Most of the language comes in scenes mocking Tourette's Syndrome.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About What About Bob?

Parents need to know that this movie contains a mild amount of profanity, much of it delivered in scenes mocking Tourette's Syndrome. The profanity is silly, with insults like "testicle head" and "barf-breathed douche mouth" predominating; nonetheless, it may be too much for some kids and parents. The movie also makes light of serious mental health issues such as paranoia and agoraphobia and features a main character who's essentially a stalker, though this is presented humorously. Some cartoonish violence occurs near the end; for instance, one character hangs explosives on another and threatens to blow him up.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about mental health concepts. Bob is presented as "crazy" but not dangerous -- how might a real person with similar emotional problems act?
  • How does the film's portrayal of a stalker deviate from the real-life danger they pose? How could Dr. Marvin have dissuaded Bob from pursuing him without resorting to violence?
  • This lighthearted movie could be a good jumping-off point for parents wishing to show how actual mental-health difficulties differ from cinematic portrayals.

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate language

    Language... again.... *sigh*

    Why do they have to add language?!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Iowa
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 3.0

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    I liked it!

    I'd say that this movie is appropriate for 10 and up. Weird situations, iffy language, and things that young kids wouldn't understand. Lots and lots and lots of slapstick, so just be aware. However, I did like the movie.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    Hilarious movie, if watched with curse-free.

    Bill Murray is probably one of the best movie comics of all time. He's great in this movie. Everyone, no matter the age group, will think that this movie is funny for some reason or another. The only drawback is the cursing contests between the main character and a boy. They pull out all the stops as far as curse words go. In their defense, there was no f-word, if that can be any sort of redemption. But other than that, it is a funny movie.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 4.0

    Not a family movie!

  6. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    One of the best movies to date!

    Funny, quriky, and fun for everyone!

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