Tools for this page
Print

Relative Chaos

(Rated TV-14, Comedy, Starring Fiona Reid, Christopher Gorham, Terry Bradshaw, Where to watch: ABC Family)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Sibling rivalries resurface at family reunion.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Although the parents' intentions were good, it's clear that their three kids suffered from the focus on competition during childhood. The siblings' relationships revolve around degrading put-downs and a constant desire to one-up each other. When it comes down to it, however, the family members love and back each other. One prominent character is Asian.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A lone scene with a gun ends in the accidental shooting of a foot, which remains bandaged for the rest of the movie. The only other lasting injury results from a lawn dart impaling a foot. Other physical exchanges include hitting, slapping, and choke holds in childlike sibling rivalry among adults.
  • Sex:

    Mild kissing scenes, sexual innuendos, and teasing about lovemaking are common among adults. (For example, a dad needles his son about overhearing him "begging for a session" with his wife.) One breathless post-sex scene of a couple under the covers; in another scene, a man accidentally joins his kids' nanny in the shower and steals a few peeks. One unmarried couple is shown sleeping in the same bed, and the subject of an illegitimate child is brought up.
  • Language:

    Relatively mild: "hell," "pissed," "son of a bitch," "ass," "damn," etc.
  • Consumerism:

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

    Two drinking scenes featuring adult characters (one in a bar and one at home). One character gets drunk (the effects are gone by the next day).
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Relative Chaos

Parents need to know that adults indulge in a lot of juvenile behavior -- including name-calling, pranks, and constant bickering -- throughout this movie. But teen viewers who can put it into context will enjoy the comedy that results. Although all of the sexual content is implied rather than shown (there's no nudity below the shoulders), its prevalence will probably rule this one out for the tween crowd. The movie offers a glimpse at the link between a person's childhood and personality traits like low self-esteem and persistent overachieving.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about competition. What do people learn from engaging in competition? How can losing affect us? How does an opponent's poor sportsmanship hurt our own self-confidence? How should winners react to a victory? Families can also discuss sibling relations. Why is it sometimes difficult to get along with brothers and sisters? What can parents do to help their kids relate better?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about Relative Chaos?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Issue Spotlight

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Rules of the Road for Texting

    Set limits long before they get behind the wheel.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Issue Spotlight

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    The 10 Most Violent Video Games (And 10 Alternatives)

    Our video game experts weigh in.

  • Game of the Week

    LEGO Rock Band

    LEGO Rock Band

    Simplified, no-fail Rock Band with a whimsical story.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name