Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the protagonist in this British comedy is a middle-aged divorcee who's dealing with anger, sexual function (or lack thereof), and a sense of an increasing generational divide. Sexual innuendoes are common, and the noises of intercourse (moans, headboards bumping the wall rhythmically) are heard, though nothing is shown. In one scene a man and woman discuss in generic terms the various positions they'd like to try for maximum pleasure ("me on top," "you behind me," "missionary position").
Families can talk about bridging the generation gap. How do your kids relate to adults? What common interests do they share with grown-ups in their lives? Why do teens often seem unwilling to accept advice from adults? Teens can also offer their parents advice on relating to young people. What do your kids wish adults knew about communicating with them? And what effect do the media have on the generation gap -- do they make it better or worse?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
Fresh from a hostile divorce and zipping around town in a brand-new yellow Ford Mustang, Tommy Saxondale (Steve Coogan) is finding that the aches and pains of middle age aren't just limited to his joints.
Lately he's noticed a growing communication gap between him and members of the younger generation. The peppy blonde receptionist at his pest-control company teases him in a patronizing way and often talks past him like he's not even there. His long-winded philosophical reasoning also seems to fall on the deaf ears of his assistant, Raymond (Rasmus Hardiker), whose eyes usually glaze over when Tommy sets off on his slew of multiple metaphors.
At a loss to explain this disinterest in what he considers to be his fascinating life, Tommy often wonders what happened to that free-thinking music roadie he was not so long ago.
With anger-management courses not living up to their advertising and his sex life with girlfriend Magz (Ruth Jones) often needing a Viagra-induced jumpstart -- adding insult to injury, Raymond's is going strong in the spare room upstairs -- Tommy struggles to find his middle-age niche.
British sitcom SAXONDALE combines smart writing and a humorous take on the woes of getting older into a hilarious package sure to please the adult audience. Tommy's pompous self-importance and dry sarcasm are sure to keep viewers in stitches.
But parents should probably preview the show for teens because of the prevalent sexual innuendo (like when Tommy takes Viagra to put "lead in the old pencil") and multiple scenes that include intercourse-related noises (mostly groans and thumps).
Fans looking for more mid-life humor may also enjoy City Slickers and Help Me Help You.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentNo nudity or graphic images shown, but innuendoes, sex talk (regarding positions, Viagra, etc.), and flirting are constant. Noisy intercourse scenes (moans, rhythmic bumping) are heard but not seen. Some female characters dress in provocatively tight clothing. |
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ViolenceOccasional physical humor (like falling from a ladder) never results in injury. |
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LanguageCursing is limited to "hell." Some British slang. |
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Social BehaviorThe adult figure attempts to share what he thinks is his infinite wisdom with his young assistant, who finds most of it muddled at best. Body humor (flatulence, bowel movements) is common. |
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Commercialism |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoIn one pre-intercourse scene, a character is seen popping his Viagra pill. |
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