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Parents' Guide to

Blue Like Jazz

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Coming-of-age college comedy has muddled messages.

Movie PG-13 2012 106 minutes
Blue Like Jazz Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 14+

Based on 1 parent review

age 14+

Spiritual

This movie is for those that are open in their faith and can take the openness of what they're talking about.

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

BLUE LIKE JAZZ is a coming-of-age story that lurches around in terms of character and themes, and the result is something a good deal less than it could have been. To start off, Don makes his first big decision based on an overreaction, and most of his dramatic arc springs from similar situations. Then, when he first arrives at school, he's shy and full of wonder, but within a few scenes, he has suddenly turned outgoing, bold, and daring.

Likewise, the dialogue -- adapted by director Steve Taylor, original author Donald Miller, and co-writer Ben Pearson -- seems more intent on creating nifty little quips than in capturing any kind of emotional journey or finding connections between characters. In the end, whatever kind of messages Blue Like Jazz is trying to convey about religion or spirituality are ultimately muddled.

Movie Details

  • In theaters: April 13, 2012
  • On DVD or streaming: August 7, 2012
  • Cast: Claire Holt , Marshall Allman , Tania Raymonde
  • Director: Steve Taylor
  • Inclusion Information: Female actors
  • Studio: Roadside Attractions
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Run time: 106 minutes
  • MPAA rating: PG-13
  • MPAA explanation: mature thematic material, sexuality, drug and alcohol content, and some language
  • Last updated: October 8, 2022

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