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What's Cooking

(2000, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Mercedes Ruehl, Victor Rivers, Douglas Spain)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    A bit melodramatic at times, but still charming.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    A theme of the movie
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    None Child in peril

  • Sex:

    Sexual references and situations, including adultery, teen sex, and and homosexuality

  • Language:

    Some strong language

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Drinking and smoking, character gets intoxicated
 

What Parents Need to Know

About What's Cooking

Parents need to know that this movie has some strong language and sexual references and encounters, including adultery and homosexuality. Characters smoke and drink. A child is in peril, and it gets very tense. The movie also includes family confrontations that may be upsetting to some people.

Read our full review by Nell Minow

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about family communication. They should discuss why so many people felt that they could not tell the truth to their families, and how they would respond to some of the crises faced by the family members in the movie. They may also want to talk about some of their favorite Thanksgiving memories.
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