Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sandler tames his jokes for family-friendly fantasy flick.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Bedtime Stories
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 57 parent reviews
Parents say the film is a mixed bag, with some enjoying its humor and whimsical story while others criticize its adult themes, suggestive content, and jokes that may not be suitable for younger viewers. While many find it entertaining and suitable for older kids, a significant number express discomfort with the sexualization and inappropriate humor present in what is marketed as a family film.
- mixed reception
- adult themes
- inappropriate humor
- suitable for older kids
- entertaining for families
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 70 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie has some funny and cute moments appropriate for family viewing, it also contains inappropriate content, including mild sexual references and crude humor that may not suit all audiences. Although some enjoy the humor and positive messages about family and perseverance, others feel the film's portrayal of relationships and characters is troubling and that it fails to resonate with older viewers due to its childish aspects.
- family friendly
- mixed reviews
- inappropriate content
- positive messages
- childish humor
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Adam Sandler plays Skeeter Bronson, a hotel handyman who agrees to babysit his newly divorced sister Wendy's (Courteney Cox) two kids -- with the help of Wendy's friend Jill (Kerri Russell) -- while she goes to an out-of-state job interview. While he's taking care of his niece and nephew, Skeeter begins a nightly tradition of telling bedtime stories the children contribute to, only to realize the next day that even outlandish aspects of the story are coming true. Seizing the opportunity, Skeeter uses the magical tales to get a shot at running the hotel his father once owned -- if he can prove himself worthier than the hotel's brown-nosing manager, Kendall (Guy Pearce).
Is It Any Good?
After a long list of crude movies that have kept Sandler secure in his reign as the king of drunken-frat boy comedies, this is his first real family film, and it's pleasant enough. (His 2002 Hanukkah comedy Eight Crazy Nights is animated, but it's not for kids.) Though not particularly original, it's sure to crack up the kiddies (what other purpose does the bug-eyed guinea pig have?). And die-hard Sandler fans will even find a few of his signature touches -- his goofy scat-talking, a beautiful blond to ogle (Teresa Palmer), a silly sidekick (a scene-stealing Russell Brand), and even a Rob Schneider cameo.
That said, as a fantasy comedy, BEDTIME STORIES falls far short of a family classic. Cute? Yes. But memorable? Not really. It's no Princess Bride. What is remarkable is that, stripped of all his graphic humor, Sandler is capable of starring in a comedy that's appropriate for even young kids. And utlimately, it's hard not to be charmed by the message that you should never stop trying to make your dreams a reality.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how this movie is different from most of Sandler's other films. He isn't known for making family-friendly films -- why do you think he decided to make this one? Is it a success without his signature crass jokes?
Families can also discuss what makes a good fairy tale. How does the film itself, along with each bedtime story, follow the storyline of a traditional fairy tale?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 25, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : April 7, 2009
- Cast : Adam Sandler , Courteney Cox , Keri Russell
- Director : Adam Shankman
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic )
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some mild rude humor and mild language.
- Last updated : December 28, 2025
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