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For Your Consideration (PG-13, 2006)

common sense media says

Improv master Guest takes on Tinseltown.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this "mockumentary" is aimed more at adults than kids, but teens who've enjoyed director Christopher Guest's earlier films (including Best in Show) may very well want to see it. It's satirical treatment contains references to same-sex relationships, prostitutes, ethnic jokes, and superficial people who are only thinking of themselves -- but make it seem like they're thinking of everyone else. It's all about the superficial world of Hollywood, where the bottom line is more important than people. The movie's goal is to satirize that world, but some kids may miss the subtler digs and spoofs.

Positive messages: Every superficial quirk of Hollywood is examined, from plastic surgery to air kisses to trendy wardrobes. The message (which is intended as satire): Money is more important than people.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: References to same-sex relationships, prostitutes, women in tight outfits with plenty of cleavage.
Language: "Ass," "damn," "f--k" (one time).
Consumerism: Crystal Geyser bottled water.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Some drinking and smoking.
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More on For Your Consideration

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the format of the "mockumentary." What can the filmmakers get away with saying because the movie is a spoof? Does the fact that the movie is a satire shed light on why our society places so much importance on the people in the entertainment industry and their views? Why do so many people look up to air-brushed, magazine-cover stars? Who should get the awards in our society -- someone who makes $50 million at the box office, or someone who's promoting world peace? What message does the movie send about Hollywood in the end?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Marilyn Hack (Catherine O'Hara) is an aging actress who still isn't recognized when she drives up to the studio gate. Her latest film, Home for Purim, is a low-budget indie drama. Her co-star is Victor Alan Miller (Harry Shearer), lately appearing in hot dog commercials. Director Jay Berman (Christopher GuestMichael McKean). When word gets around that Marilyn's performance might net her an Oscar, things get a little crazy. The Internet rumor mill goes wild, and Marilyn starts getting paranoid about her abilities. Agent Morley Orfkin (Eugene Levy) and publicist Corey Taft (John Michael Higgins) are downright surprised.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Guest is famous for his largely improvised mockumentaries (Waiting for Guffman, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind). And although it's done in a more-traditional narrative style than Guest's previous films, For Your Consideration carries on that tradition in both tone and personnel.

The film is a brilliant send-up of the Hollywood community and its obsession with awards. No one is spared. Cosmetic surgery addicts, navel-gazing actors, and cold-hearted studios are all brought to task in this movie. It's an insiders' look at Tinseltown that's both pathetic and funny. It's rife with bizarre characters and hilarious throw-away lines, so much so that you might need to see it twice to catch everything. If you're a fan of Guest's earlier films, this is a must-see.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Independent
Director: Christopher Guest
Cast: Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy, Fred Willard
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 86 minutes
Theatrical release: November 16, 2006
DVD release: February 20, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: sexual references and brief language.
This review was written by Jane Boursaw
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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